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'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' Is Coming Under Fire for Its 'Disturbing' Themes

NewsPublished Dec 8, 2022
By CafeMom Contributor
Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerCBS

By now, there's likely a good chance you've started seeing holiday classic specials in your television lineup — including the beloved Christmas movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which has been airing on the small screen for years. Unfortunately, it seems to be making some waves of late — and not for the best reasons.

Apparently, the movie has some characters and scenes deemed "disturbing" by critics watching the 1964 classic in 2022. And it's safe to say it's sparking a debate.

For those not hip to this animated classic, 'Rudolph' is a TV special that follows one of Santa's reindeer, who's an outcast, but who saves the day.

There's also an Abominable Snow Monster, the Island of Misfit Toys, Hermey (an elf with dreams of being a dentist), and some other memorable characters.

And there's now questions about the childhood favorite as people are pointing out "disturbing" themes throughout the 30-minute special.-placeholder
And there's now questions about the childhood favorite as people are pointing out "disturbing" themes throughout the 30-minute special.
CBS Entertainment

And there are now questions about the childhood favorite as people are pointing out 'disturbing' themes throughout the 30-minute special.

For starters, there are questions about Hermey the elf being a 'sadistic psychopath.'

Cinemablend argues that Hermey has some of the traits of a psychopath because he has a "creepy obsession" with dentistry that raises questions about where he got the teeth he used for his dolls.

And Rudolph and Clarice, his gal pal and crush, having an 'incredibly shallow relationship.'

Cinemablend also contends that Rudolph "needs to slow his roll" in many ways as rescuing someone you haven't seen in a long time doesn't warrant affection on their end.

The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer criticism didn't stop there as viewers couldn't help but sound off.-placeholder
The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer criticism didn't stop there as viewers couldn't help but sound off.
acejordan23/Twitter

The 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' criticism didn't stop there.

Viewers couldn't help but sound off about the film. It's safe to say peeps have a bit of an issue with his holiday movie.

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Questergirl/Twitter

But not everyone is outraged and have no problem telling those who are to calm down.

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If you can't tell by these comments, people aren't having it.

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Yeah ... we're not going to touch this one.-placeholder
Yeah ... we're not going to touch this one.
CBS Entertainent

Yeah … we're not going to touch this one.

Although one can certainly argue a good portion of the criticism is likely meant to be funny, it does seem as if some people are bothered by elements of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer — and at the end of the day, they have to live in their truth.

Bottom line: Parents will need to decide if the themes in this Christmas special are or are not suitable for their kids.

christmasmoviestvRudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerChristmas moviesholiday moviescontroversy
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