Cast
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Danny DeVito
as Cab Driver / Narrator (voice)
Lucy Liu
as Leo's Mother (voice)
Freddy Rodríguez
as Leo's Father (voice)
Brenda Song
as Big Sister (voice)
Fred Newman
as Little Spirit / Ramona / Squirrel / Pigeon (voice)
Rachel Schier
as Dylan (voice)
Brian Williams
as Rock Granite (voice)
Michael Hall D'Addario
as Leo (voice)
Sally Winters
as Girls' Mom / Knitting Lady (voice)
Todd Cummings
as Narrator - Dead Fish (voice)
Danny Tamberelli
as Snowball Fight Kid / Older Brother / Policeman (voice)
Veronica Taylor
as Younger Brother / Girl on Santa's Lap (voice)
Ramsey Faragallah
as Hot Dog Vendor (voice)
Les Mau
as Chinese Man (voice)
Sharon Wilkins
as African American Mom / African American Girl (voice)
Crew
Director
- Susan Holden
- Leopoldo Gout
Writer
- Andy Rheingold
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Little Spirit: Christmas in New York represents a fascinating example of Family/Animation/Fantasy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Susan Holden brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2008, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Little Spirit: Christmas in New York took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 45 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 88 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 415 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Little Spirit: Christmas in New York shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Porch Pirates, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Little Spirit: Christmas in New York offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Have I Got a Christmas for You and The Wizard's Christmas explore similar territory, Little Spirit: Christmas in New York stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 10, 2008
- Runtime: 45m
Where to Watch
