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A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Carrie R. Wheadon

Trapped by a bear in his cabin, Stephen Colbert has no way to get to the filming of his Christmas special. Luckily, many musical guests stop by to keep him company: Toby Keith as a hunter, John Legend as a forest ranger, Willie Nelson as the fourth wise man in the nativity scene, Feist as an angel on top of the Christmas tree, and Jon Stewart and Elvis Costello as themselves. DVD extras include a yule log with burning books, a video advent calendar, a bonus song sung by Colbert, and some alternate endings.

Is It Any Good?

4

Combining an eclectic mix of musicians singing some truly catchy comic tunes with the hokey vibe of classic TV Christmas specials, this is sure to be a hit with the "Colbert Nation" fanbase and beyond. The best song in the mix comes from Feist, whose angelic voice fits the part. Stewart struggles vocally with his Hanukkah song, but his comic timing makes up for it. Legend could use some acting lessons, but his song about nutmeg expertly combines the bawdy and ridiculous.

Sometimes the religious satire comes close to going over the line -- and it will be way over the line for some -- but with Colbert in character as an ultra-conservative narcisist, it'd be hard to know whom to blame for any offense he may have caused.

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