Bob the Builder's first full-length adventure, A Christmas to Remember, is a festive extravaganza boasting an all-star cast, including Elton John and Noddy Holder. Bob's twin brother Tom, a zoologist, (voiced by Stephen Tompkinson) is coming home from the Artic for the festivities and Bob's planning the perfect Christmas. But there are so many things to do first and Bob will have to work his little yellow hardhat off if he's to get everything done in time: there's the tree to fetch, the lights to put up in the town square, not to mention the stage to build for Lennie and the Lazers' free concert on Christmas Eve. Fortunately, Bob has all his usual friends to help as well as an extra pair of hands in the form of the loveable Banger (Noddy Holder), roadie to the band--unfortunately, he also has Spud--but when news comes that Tom has been unavoidably delayed, it begins to look as though Bob won't be having a perfect Christmas after all... Meanwhile all is not well within the band: Lennie (Chris Evans) is losing his voice and John (Elton John) is having trouble finishing his new song. Luckily, Roley is on hand to help the creative process along and even suggests a jazzier stage name when it seems that John will have to sing in Lennie's place at the gig. A Christmas to Remember is priceless festive entertainment for adults and children alike: Noddy Holder, whose stage characteristics are perfectly transferred to his diminutive screen persona, complete with Doc Martens and a stovepipe hat, puts in a bravura performance as Banger--while Elton John underplays beautifully right up to, but certainly not including, the rousing grand finale. With this successful transfer to feature length adventures, it seems that no job's too big for this particular builder. --Helen Baker Running time: 63 minutes approximately.
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