(eerie instrumental music)
(film projector rattling)
(marching music)
I used to have the whole world to myself...
Children everywhere talked about me...
But now, I have... Competition!
Children are talking about someone new... A woman! An old woman...
She wait until Little Christmas, 12 days after my big day...
(bright orchestral music)
They say she wears a black cape, and her shoes are all tattered and torn...
Like me, she comes at night, but she has no reindeer
- ...no sleigh. - Come on buddy boy. (dog barking)
- Hurry it's late get in bed. - Instead, she glides through the air
On a broomstick!
Actually, between you and me...
She seems a bit, scary!
- Get yourself in bed, I will not say it again.
- [Kids] Okay.
- You too, Buddy Boy let's go.
Come, get to bed.
But what can I do? (Laughs), I have to admit
She brings gifts and good cheer
to boys and girls all over the world.
So I guess she is here to stay.
Oh, I almost forgot...
They call her... The Christmas Witch!
(tense orchestral music)
Here it is.
(light orchestral music)
(humming)
(dog growling)
No.
(dog barking)
No, no no no no no.
Stay.
Stay there.
(dog growling)
(dog barking)
No no no no no.
Stay, no.
Down, down.
(dramatic orchestral music)
(yawning)
(wind blowing)
Oh no, I forgot a little boy.
No!
Who's it for, who's it for?
Who's it for?
Rovasio, Giovanni.
Giovanni Rovasio.
(eerie orchestral music)
- Christmas Day!
- Go, go, go!
(dramatic orchestral music)
(grunting)
No no no no no.
Don't, keep going.
Keep going!
(dramatic orchestral music)
No, no, no.
Now's not the time to fool around.
I need you to work for me now.
(screaming)
(grunting)
10 minutes.
Couldn't you have waited just 10 more minutes, you fool.
- Yay.
- You're so close to getting fired.
(child yelling)
- [Woman] So did you stuff his stocking?
That was your one job.
- What stocking?
I work hard all day,
what are you talking about?
(mother muffled) last night.
- I can't think about the presents, too.
- Shame on you.
(muffled)
Get out.
Giovanni.
Come to Mommy,
don't pay attention to our fighting.
Did you look in your stocking?
(dark orchestral music)
- What's that?
You lousy, stupid Christmas Witch!
Forget it, you should have come when you're supposed to.
I hope you never come back again.
Never again!
25 YEARS LATER
- [Witch] Well, for centuries now,
I've been living undercover.
And believe me, it hasn't been easy.
Every single night,
between midnight and eight o'clock in the morning,
I turn into the Christmas Witch.
I don't mean I turn into some ugly old hag,
I mean the actual Christmas Witch.
I fly on my broomstick every January 6th,
to fill children's stockings with presents,
sweets if they've been good,
and coal if they've been a pain in the--
Well, if they've been naughty.
Looks like fun.
Well, maybe in fairy tales perhaps,
but in reality it's a nightmare.
First of all, being old stinks.
Aches and pains, stiff joints, backache,
you name it, Gina.
Second of all,
sorting all the presents is a massive burden.
There is choosing the ribbons,
wrapping, making the bows,
and reading millions of letters.
I have to organize every little detail
for the special night.
I also must keep myself fit,
otherwise I won't be able to carry all the presents,
and of course, dieting.
Or I won't fit down the chimneys,
and my poor broomstick won't get off the ground.
Then, there's putting up with him.
Why is it we've been doing the same job for centuries,
and yet for some strange reason,
he gets to travel on a big comfy sled,
pulled by fancy reindeers,
while I'm on an old broomstick?
He has a fabulous outfit, while I'm just in rags.
He endorses the world's most famous soft drink,
whereas I don't even get offered ads for laxatives.
I'll tell you why.
Chauvinism.
Did I mention having to decipher the letters
from children with the sloppiest handwriting?
- [Kid] Last year I asked you for a Playstation,
but you brought me a train station.
- [Witch] Chicken scratch handwriting.
- [Girl] Dear Christmas Witch,
last year you brought me some coal,
but I promise--
- [Child] Would you be so kind
as to bring me a little brother?
- [Witch Voiceover] But despite everything,
these kids and their letters
are the most precious thing I have,
and making them happy at least one day a year
gives my life its purpose.
If you think my nights are the worst of it,
that's because you can't imagine what my days are like.
For centuries, I've been teaching the same lessons
to the same bored faces.
Ever since school was invented,
I've been there.
It's frustrating to say the least.
And though the years go by and by,
nothing's really changed.
I try, I try.
But someone always has something better to do.
Arezzo.
Volterra.
Perugia...
The World Cup.
During the 1982 quarterfinals Paolo Rossi
scored three goals to win the game,
beating Brazil by the score, three to two.
- Didn't Rossi retire?
- Yeah.
- But he was still playing (muffled).
- Silly, silly, silly,
silly, silly, silly.
(class bell ringing) (belching)
Sophia.
- What's that thing?
- Get off.
It's none of your business.
- Who gave you this piece of junk?
- I don't know, there's no name on it.
- Only a turd-face would do that.
And when I catch him.
- Stop it, we're not boyfriend and girlfriend anymore.
- You and me will always be together.
- Why don't you leave her alone.
It's over, didn't you hear her.
- Yeah, rock, paper, scissors,
and shoot.
- Guys, do you want to all chip in
so we can buy our teacher a present this year?
- How much are we talking here?
- Just 10 dollars each.
- Why don't you go back where you came from?
- The joke's on you Ivan, I was born in this country.
- So, you chippin' in or not?
- Okay, but I need to ask my parents.
- Ignore him Amelia, let's go.
- Wait a sec.
We need to talk.
- Yeah, rock, paper, scissors, and shoot.
- Ivan, are you gonna let me go or not?
- Come on, give me a kiss.
- Ivan, I don't like you anymore, you get me?
- Hey guys, we're each chippin' in.
- Screw off turd-face.
- It's only 10 dollars.
- Didn't you hear me?
Get lost.
Look at this.
A pocketknife.
What's this for?
Cutting daisies?
- Give it back.
- Oh yeah,
- Give it back, Ivan.
- Shut up fatso.
- It was his father's.
- Exactly, his father's dead.
He doesn't need this anymore.
Do you agree with me?
Little turd-face.
- Stop it Ivan.
- You should butt out.
This is just between men.
- You think you're a man?
You look like a child to me.
- Finder's keepers, losers turd-face.
- [Ivan] What did I do?
- Give it to me.
- Hitting kids is a crime, you know.
- Quiet, or you'll get another one.
What have I been teaching you all year long?
- About the World Cup?
- No.
That I can't stand bullies.
I told you, you guys need to stick together.
Don't you get it?
The world can be a scary place.
You must understand.
Only by working together
is it possible for you to survive.
And that is a big maybe.
Here, next time I expect you to leave it at home.
I don't want to see weapons in the school.
Are we clear then?
- Thank you Miss Paola.
(moped running)
- What was that all about?
- Well Ivan was being a bully, like he always is.
- Oh yeah, Ivan.
We're on for tonight?
This time no excuses, I'm cooking.
- Well that's one good reason to turn down your invitation.
- Oh yeah?
Nice, eight o'clock, my place.
- All right then.
- That's done now.
Lighter's here.
Don't need this.
Almost ready.
(gasping)
What's wrong?
- Nothing.
- I'll be right back.
- You really made turkey with walnuts?
- That's right, I did.
How great!
I told you, it was a special evening, huh?
In fact, while we're on the subject,
I think it's just about time.
Trust me, you haven't seen the biggest surprise yet.
- No?
- No.
You have to be a little patient.
(bottle popping)
This is for you, my love.
- Thank you, honey.
- And this one's for me.
Cheers.
- Cheers.
- Paola, I want you to ma--
- Oh, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
- It's all right. - I really didn't
mean to do that.
- Really, it's fine. - I'm sorry.
- It's okay. - It was an accident,
I promise. - Look at me.
Will you marry me?
(dramatic orchestral music)
- Do you smell something.
- I know, I'm sorry, I'm just so nervous.
I've never--
- No no no, no, the turkey.
Joseph, the turkey's burning!
- No no, not the turkey.
Ah.
It's ruined.
- [Paola Voiceover] I know what you're thinking.
Joseph's handsome, smart, caring.
Why is she hesitating?
- Maybe if I'm lucky it's only the top bit.
- [Paola Voiceover] The truth is,
sure, there are many positives to staying young forever,
but also many negatives,
love, being the biggest one.
(dramatic orchestral music)
- Well, I'm sorry darling.
Let's order a pizza, or some Chinese,
what do you say? - It's fine, really.
It must have been the oven,
because that has never happened to me before.
- Joseph, it's okay, don't worry.
- Okay.
So tell me now,
what's your answer?
- Chinese food sounds great.
- No, I mean about a marriage.
- Joseph, listen,
the thing is, I don't think that.
- Okay, just think about it.
Stay here tonight, just for once.
Spend the night with me.
- No.
- Is it because I burnt the turkey?
I really want you to stay.
We've been dating a long time.
- No, we've already discussed this once.
- It's really cozy upstairs.
- Stop it, please.
Trust me, it's best we don't.
- I can't help it Paola.
You're so beautiful.
(mischievous orchestral music)
- Oh boy, here we go.
Hey, where did she go?
What happened?
My dear Sophia,
you may be pretty,
but your mom is super-hot.
The guys won't believe that I'm about to send them.
(whistling)
(clock chiming)
What a bummer.
Like daughter, like mother.
What the?
What was that?
Whoa, it's a witch.
(eerie electronic music)
(phone notification)
- [Man] The witches are coming,
the end of the world is near.
- [Man] I also saw her bypass,
then she disappeared into the night.
- [Woman] I saw her too, and then she vanished.
- This old woman with her worn out shoes and shawl,
will undo 30 years of progress,
for the women's rights movement.
- It's impossible.
- I believe her broom uses chemicals to fly,
and it's hurting our environment.
- [Woman] An online video has gone viral
after getting millions of views.
In this video, it seems that in a small village
there has been a witch spotted flying through the night.
- That witch got caught,
I knew she wasn't competent.
- Where are you?
Where are you?
In.
Zoom in.
(laughing)
Bingo!
(dog barking)
- Hey turd-face,
don't you know it's rude to hit on another man's girl?
- Especially if you're outnumbered,
I'd run if I were you.
- Let's get him.
- Yeah, let's get him.
- Get him.
- [Kid] Oh my gosh, you're get us speeding.
Don't run away turd-face.
- [Kid] We're gonna catch you anyway.
- [Kid] Bye, turd-face.
- [Kid] You can't get away turd-face.
- Almost got him.
- He comes for us.
- [Kid] Come on, get that little turd-face.
- We're gonna get you, turd-face.
What are you all looking at?
- Miss Paola.
- [Paola] Let me go!
- Easy.
- [Paola] Let me go.
(Paola screaming)
Stop!
Let me go!
- Don't forget the brooms.
- One, and two.
Start the car.
(engine running)
- Guys, you're not gonna believe it,
but I was outside our teacher's house,
and then two men came after her.
- [Kid] Are you joking?
- [Bullied Kid] You gotta get here right away.
(doorbell ringing)
- No one's here.
- He said she was kidnapped.
Weren't you listening?
- Guys, look at this.
It's her bag.
All of our homework's in it.
- Maybe we should just go inside and look for clues.
- Let's go in through that window.
- Maybe they went in the window to get inside.
- You fall from that height,
you'll break both your legs for sure.
- So what?
- Jessie, calm down, things don't always go wrong.
Maybe in there we'll find a ladder.
(bird cawing)
(tense orchestral music)
(bird cawing)
(door creaking)
- Here it is.
- You sure this is a good idea?
Aren't we trespassing?
- Help me, come on.
- Does anybody else smell that?
- [Kid] Smell what?
- Smells like.
- Like poop.
- Exactly.
- Hey, turd-face.
I've got you now.
- [Kid] Leave him alone.
- Holy cannoli.
(laughing)
♪ There's a child crying, do you know why ♪
♪ The Christmas Witch does not exist ♪
♪ Mister Johnny brings you happiness ♪
♪ He'll soon arrive to spread his joy ♪
(swanky instrumental music)
(laughing)
- [Man] One two three four.
♪ Mister Johnny sings that you get by ♪
♪ The Christmas Witch does not exist ♪
- Very nice song.
Now, who are you again?
- You don't recognize me?
- No.
- You ruined my life,
but you don't know who I am?
- No.
Were you a student of mine?
- If you had just done your job,
the way you were supposed to,
my childhood would have been different,
my entire life would have been much better,
even my parents would have stayed together.
- Please, just tell me who you are.
- I'm the child
who asked you for a Connex roller coaster set.
- No.
Let it go.
(dark orchestral music)
Giovanni Rovasio.
- Now I'm known as Mister Johnny.
- Johnny the toymaker?
- The one who'll take the Christmas Witch's place,
and bring happiness to all the children
across the world.
- Well, not with your sons I hope.
(growling)
- She rolls herself too far, bring her back.
(dramatic instrumental music)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
- Look over there, it's (muffled).
- It's a froggy party.
A T-Rex!
- [Kid] And there's chocolate coins here too.
- [Kid] My stomach is growling just looking at all of this.
- [Kid] It looks like some kind of shop.
(dramatic orchestral music)
- It's actually the headquarters of the Christmas Witch.
Come take a look.
- Oh my gosh. - This is incredible.
- Now way, that's Miss Paola.
- Our dear Miss Paola is the Christmas Witch?
(kids talking over each other)
- The Christmas Witch has been kidnapped.
- Are sure that was our teacher?
- They're the same person, moron.
- There's only one logical option,
we've gotta go and rescue our teacher.
That's right, we rescue our teacher,
but we cannot say a word to anyone.
If our teacher is the Christmas Witch,
we have to protect her identity.
If the whole world finds out who she really is,
it'll be the end of her,
and of course, she'd have to quit as our teacher.
- If our teacher's been kidnapped,
that means we'll get no homework.
The Christmas Witch doesn't exist, it's a hoax.
- No negativity if you please.
We'll all meet later today at my house.
We'll all leave from there on our bikes.
Bring plenty of food and water, we may be out all night.
I mean, hopefully not much longer.
- You said, all night?
But what am I supposed to say to my mom?
- We'll say we're having
a big pajama party at Amelia's house,
and Amelia you say you're staying at my--
- I'm sorry Sophia,
but I just can't lie to my dad like that.
- Neither can I.
Plus, it's Thursday.
My mom makes her famous pasta tonight.
- And there's a big game.
- Sophia, we'll risk our lives out there.
Haven't you ever heard of hypothermia?
- No.
But I know what a bunch of cowards look like.
It's fine, good for you.
I'll just go by myself.
Now I know to never rely on any of you.
(soft instrumental music)
(dramatic orchestral music)
- You should be ashamed.
Forgetting a child the way you did.
As if it wasn't important.
- You don't understand, but of course you wouldn't.
It wasn't my fault.
A dog chewed it up.
Pulled the spinning Rolodex right out of my hands.
- I'll bet if one of your little students
gave you that old excuse,
why he hadn't did his homework,
you wouldn't believe him.
- It's the truth.
Anyway, you meant done.
If a student of your hadn't done his homework.
- Okay fine,
but will you believe him? - You need to get your
tenses right, it's the truth.
- Would you believe him?
- No.
- No, exactly, no.
Tell me,
where do you keep all the letters
that the children have sent you
throughout the years.
- The letters, why?
- I want to know what they ask for, and where they live.
- No, no no no.
- Because when there are,
I'll be the one granting their wishes.
It won't be you.
You don't deserve any more love.
- No, no.
Listen, you giant peanut.
You can do whatever you want with me,
but I will never tell you where the letters are.
Never.
- We'll see about that, won't we?
- No, let me go.
- Hold still.
- That hurt.
What was that?
- Pentothal,
or most commonly known as, truth serum.
- You better listen to me good.
You may think you're very clever,
but you have no idea what I--
- Goodnight, Miss Christmas Witch.
(laughing)
Smilzo!
- Sophia, do you have your piano sheet music?
- Right here, mom.
- Please don't dilly dally and be late for your lesson.
- I won't mom.
- Bye.
- We couldn't let you go all alone.
- And I just couldn't leave you with these losers.
- Jessie was able to enlarge the photo I took on my phone,
so we could read the license plate.
We know who the owner of the truck is.
- That's really great, who is it?
- Mister Johnny.
- The toy maker?
- Mm-hmm, but why would he kidnap our teacher?
- That's what we all want to find out together.
- Come on, let's do this.
- Everyone ready?
Our journey starts now.
Operation Save the Christmas Witch.
- One two three, let's go!
(kids all talking at once)
- The last one there gives me some of their snacks.
(upbeat electronic music)
- Wait guys, slow down.
Can we rest for a bit, I need a break.
- But Leo, we just left.
- But I'm hungry.
- Just keep pedaling.
Guys, our first stop,
is the ghost town.
From there, we'll head to the mansion of Mister Johnny.
- A small snack, do you want some?
- No thanks.
- I don't have any cooties.
- It's not that, I got my own.
But thanks.
- Suit yourself.
- [Sophia] Chris, can I ask you something?
- Sure, what's up?
- Do you leave a sweet little paper heart
on my bike every day?
- Me?
No no, I swear.
Are you joking?
- Interesting, that's a shame.
(tense orchestral music)
(singing in foreign language)
(dramatic orchestral music)
- We can't go this way, the road's too slick.
Someone'll get hurt for sure.
- What do you mean?
- Turd-face is right, it's impossible.
- We have to go back two miles and take the other road,
around that mountain.
- It'll take too long, it'll get dark soon.
- Right, come on.
It's time to go home.
Besides, there's a game on.
- If you're too scared, you're free to go home.
- I could ride down this hill
with my eyes closed, no problem.
And with no hands.
- Let's see what you got then.
- What the heck are you staring at?
Why don't you do it?
- [Chris] Who me?
- Yeah, I'm talking to you, turd-face.
What's the matter, you deaf?
Go on, ride down that giant hill.
Do it for your dad.
Oh, I forgot, your dad's gone.
- [Kid] Ignore him, he's just a gasbag.
- Why do you always stick up for him?
Another thing, what kind of word is 'imbecile'?
Why don't you say, jackass?
Oh, your mommy wouldn't approve of it.
- I don't care, I'll say it.
You're an imbecile, and a jackass.
- Amelia.
- What'll it be, turd-face?
Will you do it, are you too chicken?
I knew it, he's pooping his pants.
Come on, let's go around the long way.
- What's he doing?
- Chris, don't do it.
You'll break your neck before you reach the bottom.
- Chris if you do it, I'm gonna do it too.
- Don't do it, Chris.
(rock music)
- No!
- Oh my gosh.
- He made it.
- Yeah.
- Move that annoying broomstick, will ya?
Hello?
Did I give her too much?
Come on, wake up.
She's opening her eyes.
Hi.
Open your eyes.
There she is, hi.
What is your name?
- I feel weird.
- That's totally normal.
- Okay, now I feel funny.
- Okay now that's not normal.
- Very funny.
Super funny.
- No, no no no no no no no no no.
Tell me your real birth name.
- Oh my real name.
Paola Sosteni.
- Fantastic.
- Paola Sosteni.
- This is great, it's working.
More, quick, ask a question.
- Where were you born?
- In a small country village in Italy in the year 1481.
- And when did you become the Christmas Witch?
- 500 years ago.
As a little girl, one day I was lost in the woods,
and almost gave up.
And from out of nowhere, a spirit appeared.
The spirit promised to save my life and get me home,
but only if I agreed to become
the Christmas Witch, then and there.
- And this spirit, what did you tell him?
- Her.
- Don't correct me, answer the question.
- Her, it was a woman.
- Okay okay, but what exactly did you say to her then?
- The only thing I could think of.
♪ Deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪
- Tell me where you keep the letters from the children.
♪ Fa la la la la ♪
Sing along with me.
- Stop.
You best stop playing these games.
- I'm just waiting for the clock to strike midnight.
That's when I'll turn into the witch and make my escape,
but only after I beat you with my broomstick.
Mm-hmm.
- I'm going to be honest with you.
You are in a hopeless situation.
I'll destroy you, whether you give me those letters or not.
- I'm so sorry to disappoint you,
but I'm 537 years old.
I can't die,
unless.
- Unless what?
- Unless you set me on--
- Yes, unless we set what?
Unless we set you on,
fire?
Unless I set you on fire.
Of course, thank goodness for that truth serum,
such a brilliant toy.
Come on, get up.
Go prepare a great big bonfire a mile high.
This will be spectacular.
And now Mister Johnny will be
the greatest toy seller in the whole world.
- Amazon.
- Amazon, right.
- Amazon sells the most toys in the whole world.
You're not thinking straight.
- That is not true.
- It doesn't mean you aren't smart.
- Better stop that now.
- You can't just throw away your full potential.
Ahh, the batteries ran out!
My goodness.
- [Ivan] I knew this wasn't a good idea.
We broke two bikes.
And there's no service out here.
- Hey, want some?
- No, no thanks.
- Listen you guys, let's go home.
- Finally got a smart idea.
- Hey guys,
hey guys!
I designed a vehicle that could get us across the snow.
I just need a few things from the woods
that could hold our bikes together.
I know we can do this.
Come on, let's go.
(muffled)
(dramatic orchestral music)
(singing in foreign language)
(suspenseful orchestral music)
- [Kid] Guys, I think something's following us.
- Was something out there?
- Probably just a squirrel.
- No, it was something else.
- I think my stomach is growling.
- Maybe it was just a little fox.
- I can tell you, it definitely wasn't a fox.
- [Kid] No, it wasn't me.
- [Kid] Let's just keep going guys.
- [Kid] Look you guys, look there.
I can't believe it!
- [Kid] Holy cannoli.
- [Kid] I'm stopping to have some water.
Me too.
- [Kid] I need to find a place to sit.
- This place is kinda creepy.
- You're such a little chicken.
There's nothing to be afraid of.
It's just an abandoned town.
(scurrying animal)
(yelling)
- What happened?
- [Kid] Help me!
- It's somebody's grave.
- [Kid] There's loads of graves, it's a cemetery.
- [Kid] Guys!
- [Kid] What is it?
- I don't know about you, but I'm getting out of here.
(kids crosstalk)
This way guys.
(wolves growling)
(yelling)
- [Kid] Stand still and be calm.
(wolves barking and growling)
- Oh no, not me.
- I think they want your food Leo.
- But my mom made this.
It's my favorite cheese.
(wolf barking)
- Throw it Leo, throw it.
Throw it to him.
- It's my favorite cheddar.
- Throw it.
(gun firing)
- Leo, you almost got us all eaten.
- [Kid] Eaten by wild wolves.
- [Kid] Oh boy, that was close.
- Thank you mister!
- What in the world are you kids
doing out here in the woods?
- We're looking for the Christmas.
- The Christmas one.
We're looking for the Christmas owl.
- There have been reportings of the owl in the area.
- You won't find any rare birds in these parts,
only wolves, fox,
and a lot of graves.
- [Kid] Yeah, we've noticed.
- There's a big storm coming.
I've got a fire going,
and some hot dogs cooking back at my place.
You can follow me.
- Did he say, hot dogs?
- Come on.
Don't forget your custom transportation.
What do you call those things again?
- [Kids] Bike ship.
- [Man] Whatever.
Bike ship.
(dark orchestral music)
A Christmas owl huh?
You guys must be some kind of bird lovers,
to want to come back into these woods.
- It's for school.
- Hey, I've got service again.
- Where are you from?
- Novena.
- The Christmas Witch lives there.
- We know her.
- No one believes in the Christmas Witch,
she doesn't even really exist.
- That's exactly what I've been saying all day.
- Oh she does exist.
I have to go to the stables.
My horse is expecting a foal.
Since the storm is coming soon,
and those wolves are hungry,
you all can stay in here if you want.
But you'll have to be out of here by morning.
Thank you so much!
- Remember this rule, keep the door locked at all times.
- Yes sir. - Yes sir.
- And do not open it.
(crosstalk)
- [Kid] Let's eat.
- Let me get this.
(ominous orchestral music)
- After you forgot about my present,
my mama became very sick, and passed away.
I had no family left,
and had to move to a small village
into a home with no money, and no toys,
but now, I own that whole village.
- What do you want from me?
Why don't you go bother someone else, like Santa Claus?
- I don't care about that weird and chubby old man.
- You're the one to talk about chubby.
- I just want those letters.
Just give me the letters.
- I don't care what you want.
You'll never get them.
- Listen to me.
Listen to me, very carefully, you old lady.
Take a good long look at what I am about to show you.
Do you see this lovely doll?
- Beautiful.
Looks just like me.
(laughing)
- At first glance it looks like a normal doll, right?
Except, it has a little secret.
- What's that, another song?
- Mm-mm, you see this?
All of my new toys are filled
with a special chemical that will make every child
fall in love with Mister Johnny's toys.
They will only want Mister Johnny toys for Christmas.
Only mine, no more Santa,
and definitely no more of you, Christmas Witch.
- So how does it work?
- Ah, great question, teacher.
And here's the kicker.
Inside these special dolls,
every Christmas Witch,
I have placed a special amount of the powder,
special enough to destroy Christmas forever,
if you don't give me the letters,
Now, if you give me the letters I want, nothing will happen.
But if you refuse me,
on the morning of January 6th,
every child in this village
will get a very special Christmas Witch doll,
and bye bye.
And guess who they will blame?
They're gonna blame the only person possible,
the Christmas Witch.
They'll blame you.
♪ Mister Johnny is the best ♪
(soft music)
- Amelia,
here you can lay down.
- What about you?
- I'll be fine.
- You're sure you won't be cold?
- No, I'm okay.
- Thanks, Ivan.
- Let me ask you something,
do you think if we save the Christmas Witch,
she would give us any presents we would want?
- But Chris, that's not why we're doing this.
- Yeah, but the thing is,
our bikes got wrecked,
maybe she could help.
- Would you really ask her for a bike?
- No.
What about you?
- No.
I already have what I want.
- Hold on, sorry but I need to ask Jessie something.
I'll be right back.
Jessie, Jessie.
- Check it out Chris, I got a plan for.
- Jessie listen, I'm in big trouble.
- Okay, what's the problem?
- Listen, tell me,
have you ever kissed anyone?
- You mean on the cheek?
- No.
On the mouth, like a French kiss.
- That's gross.
- Why is that?
- The human mouth is full of germs.
- Who cares about dumb old germs?
I'm about to kiss Sophia.
- Why are you telling me?
- I need you to teach me.
- By kissing you?
- No no.
I just don't know how to do it.
So, my question is, how do I move my tongue?
This way?
Or that way, or maybe like this.
Or wiggle it like a worm?
I just don't know, I've never done it.
- Me neither.
- But you're a walking encyclopedia.
You gotta know something.
- Okay, hold on.
- What are you doing?
- French kisses.
Okay, watch this.
First you put your arm around her waste,
then you kiss her on the neck,
and then.
- Oh, sorry.
I didn't see anything at all.
- Thanks, I really appreciate it.
- No problem at all.
- Thanks.
(engine running)
- Guys, wake up.
We need to get out of here.
Come on, wake up.
- Let us sleep.
- Leo!
- What's going on?
- Wake up Leo, come on, wake up.
We gotta go.
We gotta go now.
He works for Mister Johnny.
Come on, hurry.
Come on then hurry, come on Leo,
come on let's go.
- Just where to you think you're going, huh?
(howling)
(screaming)
(crosstalk)
(kids yelling)
(howling)
(laughing)
- Look, if you want to kill me, that's fine.
Go ahead, I've been alive for over 500 years.
Don't you care about the children?
- You needn't worry my dear.
Mister Johnny will ensure all the children
will smile and be happy again, right on time.
Every year on January 6th,
Mister Johnny, he will then arrive.
Let's get this show on the road.
(phone ringing)
- Igor, what is it now?
- The cat has caught six little mice.
(kids yelling)
- Come again?
- We had visitors.
A bunch of little kids,
who were trying to rescue the Christmas Witch.
- Can you repeat that please?
I didn't quite hear you.
- [Igor] Six brats, her students.
They're trying to save her.
But don't worry, Mister Johnny,
I'll be sure and take good care of them.
- [Johnny] What have you done with them, Igor?
- I put them in the garbage-pressing machine.
- Oh no.
- Oh no no no, don't do that, please don't do that.
- Just listen to them now.
(kids yelling)
- Don't do it.
- That all depends on you.
Tell me where all your precious letters are.
- Stop it, stop it now you fat blob.
- Tell me where the letters are.
- Stop him now or else.
- No.
- I'll tell you if you make it stop.
- That's more like it.
Igor, stop the press.
- Can you hear me, Johnny?
- You idiot, stop him.
- Igor, I told you, stop the press.
(kids yelling)
- Bad service, he'll call back.
- Sorry, the call's off.
- You can't let them die.
Please, don't let them suffer.
- This is all because of you.
It's all your fault.
- Call him back now.
Call him back now.
You are evil incarnate.
- Don't say that!
- Look what you've done, you're a fiend.
- That's not true.
- You killed them.
- That's enough.
Quiet!
- [Paola] You murdered them.
- Quiet.
Burn the witch right now.
- No.
- I said burn the witch.
- No.
- You are all useless, I have to do everything.
Where is it?
(tense orchestral music)
(laughing)
- [Kid] Good job, Chris.
(fire burning)
(laughing)
(eerie orchestral music)
(clock chiming)
- Boo!
(dramatic orchestral music)
(whistling)
- Where is it?
Where did it go, where did it go?
(muffled yelling)
- Make it stop.
(whistling)
- No no no no no no no.
Stop her, she's getting away.
Bring me to Johnny boy.
(yelling)
Oh no, come back.
(crying)
(dramatic orchestral music)
(wind blowing)
Ha!
(fast-paced instrumental music)
- I'm gonna get you, Witch.
Almost got you, Witch.
(grunting)
- Go go.
- [Johnny] Come here.
- Damn it, come on.
Come on.
- No, I can't see.
(fast-paced instrumental music)
(yelling)
- Bad broom.
- Hurry, come on.
- We gotta hurry.
- [Sophia] We gotta find her, let's go.
(snoring)
- Wow, that was a close call, I thought it was over for us.
(crosstalk)
- I hate playing the piano.
I want to ride horses,
that's my real passion. - I can't even
think about food.
- Well I'm starving.
- I'm sorry about your dad's pocket knife.
That was so brave of you, he'd be very proud.
- Thanks.
- So, what do we do now?
- Follow me, if my calculations are correct,
we continue along this path north.
I believe it should take us
straight to Mister Johnny's toy factory.
Okay?
Come on, let's go.
(fast-paced orchestral music)
- Paola?
Where could she be?
- [Paola] Thank you for calling.
Leave a message after the beep.
(beeping)
- Paola, this is Joseph, where are you?
I've been trying to reach you for days now with no luck.
Perhaps I moved too fast with the whole proposal,
but please don't disappear like this.
I love you.
Please call me.
(bird cawing)
(dog barking)
(knocking)
Paola?
(ominous orchestral music)
Paola?
What is this place?
No way.
That must be why she never wanted
to spend the night with me.
(owl screeching)
(motorcycle running)
- Let me out of this bubble.
- Are we all here?
- I'll go tell the boss, you keep an eye on 'em.
- Shh shh.
- Boss?
- What do you want now?
- I've got bad news.
Not only are the kids alive,
but they're on the factory grounds!
- Bad news?
That's absolutely fantastic news.
- Is it?
- Release the dragonflies.
- How many?
- All of them?
- Mm-hmm.
- All of them, go!
(dragonflies buzzing)
(ominous orchestral music)
- Let's go.
Now.
(buzzing)
- Anyone else hear that noise?
- What noise?
- [Jessie] Oh no, what are those things?
(buzzing)
- They look like giant dragonflies.
- Look, they're flying right at us, they're drones.
(firing)
- Ivan!
Ivan?
Ivan are you okay?
We have to go, let's move it.
- [Kid] Come on, we've gotta get out of here.
(firing)
(tense orchestral music)
(firing)
- That way.
Okay, look out.
- Come on, let's get him.
Is he dead? - Is he still alive?
- He's gotta be, he's gotta be.
- Come on.
- No, it's just a sedative.
- Don't worry.
- Guys!
I think I found a door.
- Give us a hand.
- Okay.
- My kids!
- [All] Miss Paola!
(crosstalk)
- [Kid] This is crazy.
- Over there, the opening's here.
- Hey, it opens here.
- Over here.
- [Paola] Good job, okay.
Well done.
- [Kid] Come on, we've almost got her.
- [Kid] Hello Miss Paola!
- Now say cheese.
- Huh?
- Got it.
(laughing)
What a tragedy.
- No.
- Go on then, make the children comfortable.
- No no no no.
No no no no.
- Oh ya ya ya yes.
Oh ya ya ya ya.
(chuckling)
- We're sorry we let you down, Miss Paola.
- You don't have to apologize,
I'm the one who let you guys down.
I'll never forgive myself.
But what matters now is that you're alive.
- Yes, but not for much longer.
I'm going to laser beam all of you, one at a time.
- No.
- Then all you have to do is tell me immediately
where you've hidden those letters.
- Evil fiend.
- [Kid] What letters?
- What letters?
The ones with the children's wishes.
- But why?
- Why, I'm Mister Johnny, of course.
What Mister Johnny wants, mister.
Don't you know my famous Johnny song?
- [All] No.
- What did you teach them all day long?
- [Kid] We won't tell you anything.
- Ho ho ho, the situation is not quite that simple,
you scitty little candy cane.
(gun firing)
So, which one of you wants to go first, you?
- No. - Or is it the candy cane?
Should we crack the candy cane?
- No, the marshmallow.
What do you prefer?
Shall I use the green laser?
Or perhaps I should use the super slicer?
- You can bring presents
to all of the children in the whole world,
but they'll never love you.
- Just tell me where you've hidden those letters.
- Please.
- Tell me now!
- Don't tell him anything at all.
Miss Paola, and all my dear friends,
make sure you tell my mom how much I love her,
how much I loved her famous cheese sandwiches.
And to you, Miss Paola,
or rather Miss Christmas Witch,
don't tell this bully here anything,
because nobody should ever give in to bullies.
We must look out for one another, and spread love.
Remember that you taught us that?
- You taught them that.
Don't you remember? - No, don't do it.
I'll tell you everything.
Just stop.
- I'm all ears, go on.
- They're in the mountains.
At the Witch's Throne, I hide them there every year.
- Very well.
- Untie her.
- Now let them go.
- Don't you worry, when I have those letters in my hand,
I give you my word, I'll free them all.
- Sadly, your word counts for absolutely nothing.
- You're the one who breaks promises around here, not me.
Come on, let's go.
- [Paola] Don't worry kids, I'll come back for you.
- [Johnny] Yeah yeah yeah, just go.
- [Paola] Let go of me.
(tense orchestral music)
- Hey Chris?
Help me.
- Try getting closer.
Come on, you're almost there.
- [Kid] Come on, let's go, come on.
- Hey kids.
(yelling)
Don't scream.
You don't recognize me.
Who are you?
You know who I am.
Give me a second.
- [All] Mister Joseph!
- Oh, he came to the rescue.
- You okay?
Is anyone hurt?
- We're fine, but we have to get out of here, right now.
- Where is Miss Paola?
(all talking at once)
Hey hey hey hey, one at a time.
Sophia?
- Miss Paola promised to give Mister Johnny
her valuable letters in order to save us.
They're on their way to the Witch's Throne right now.
- Wait, what letters?
- We're not supposed to say.
- Oh, the Christmas Witch's letters.
- Mister Johnny wants to take over and destroy her job.
- There are toy bikes outside.
Take them, and ride like the wind.
I'll divert the dragonfly drones.
- [Kid] These bikes are ridiculous.
- [Kid] I can barely ride this.
- We have to follow the road here.
- Enough guys.
It'll be faster on foot.
(tense orchestral music)
- [Johnny] So where is it?
- Further ahead.
Where?
(ominous orchestral music)
- [Paola] There they are.
- Where?
- You have to climb down 20 feet.
The letters are in a hollow part of the tree,
locked inside a chest.
- And the key?
- The key's here.
- Come on come on, give it to me.
- [Paola] Gently.
- Quiet.
(laughing)
So, no delays, go down.
- From here?
- That's right.
Go down and get the chest.
- How do you expect me to do that?
- The same way you put it there in the first place.
- That took place at night,
and I had the benefit of my broomstick.
Now, it'll be impossible.
- Gino, Smilzo.
- Okay. - Okay.
- Here we are.
- Go down.
- What do you mean?
- I mean, lower yourselves down,
and bring me back that chest.
(laughing)
- Good joke, boss.
- That's a real funny one, boss.
- You, go.
- You first.
- No no, you first.
No no, he meant you.
- You are a pair of--
- [Kids] Miss Paola!
- [Kid] We'll save you, Miss Paola.
- [Kid] We're gonna save you.
- [Kid] Don't give him the letters.
- What are they doing here?
How did they escape from the factory?
- Let her go.
- Don't you know you're out-manned?
Out here you'll get slapped around.
- By who, you mean you?
- Yes, by me.
- One two three, let's go!
- [Johnny] No no no no no no!
(kids yelling)
- Let go of my beautiful beard.
(dramatic orchestral music)
(yelling)
That's attached to my face.
(laughing)
- Sophia, are you okay?
- I'm okay.
I'm fine.
- Pull from the other side.
- No, what are you doing?
- Nasty witch.
You try nothing witch, come here.
I want that key.
- It's mine.
- Give me that key.
Give me that key.
You'd better give me that key.
- No.
- Miss Paola!
- [Kid] Where is she?
(kids yelling)
- We're gonna save you, Miss Paola.
I know, we're gonna need a rope, come on you guys.
- Hold on tight, Miss Paola!
- [Kid] We need a rope, we need a rope.
- [Kid] We're coming, Miss Paola, we're saving you.
Hang on Miss Paola!
- [Kid] Jessie, think of something.
- I don't know what to do.
- Paola!
We need a rope guys.
Paola!
- Who is in the dino thing?
- Honey, it's me.
- Darling.
- We'll save you.
Let's use this, here, grab ahold and lower.
(kids yelling)
- [Kid] Grab this.
(yelling over each other)
- [Kid] We'll pull you up.
- Come on Paola, Paola, grab on.
- I can't reach it.
(yelling)
- Like this, that's it, you're almost there.
Keep trying.
Let her go.
(yelling)
- No!
(wind blowing)
(mournful orchestral music)
(soft music)
- Leo, how about a slice of triple chocolate cake?
- No thanks, I don't want any.
- Do we have any fruit salad I can have?
(knocking on window)
- Ivan?
- I wanted to give this back to you.
- Christopher honey,
I brought you your stockings for the Christmas Witch.
Which one do you like?
Make sure you hang one up,
or she won't bring you anything.
- No, I don't think the Christmas Witch
will be coming tonight.
- Goodnight my darling.
- Goodnight mom.
(wind blowing)
(knocking on window)
(fast-paced instrumental music)
- Hey turd-face.
- Guys, good to see you.
- [Ivan] Let's have a snowball fight.
- Yeah, totally!
Everyone's for themselves.
(romantic orchestral music)
(bird cawing)
- [Johnny] I'll get you, you witch!
(singing in foreign language)