Ornament Review: Fozzie Bear - 2012 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Great representation in looks and sound

Cons: Will only appeal to fans of Fozzie and his really bad jokes

The Bottom Line: 

Wonka, wonka laugh

And some really bad groaners

Enjoy at Christmas

Did You Hear the One About the Bear Who Tried to be a Stand-Up Comedian?

There were many repeated segments on the old Muppet Show, and one of those involved Fozzie Bear and his bad jokes.  I’m not talking about groaners but jokes that were truly bad.  Hallmark has captured him in the middle of an act for 2012’s Muppet ornament.

It looks pretty much like what you’d expect, really.  We’ve got the orange Fozzie standing in front of a microphone.  He’s resting on one leg and has the other tipped back slightly, but really, it’s pretty ordinary.

Not that it looks bad.  The sculpt is great with many good details.  I think die hard fans of the Muppets would be hard pressed to find anything that doesn’t look good about it.  He’s even dressed up for the occasion with a red and white polka dotted bowtie.  And he has a hat on the top of his head.

Fozzie is standing on a large circle that represents the stage, but it serves another purpose.  See, this is one of Hallmark’s magic ornaments, meaning it includes sound.  When you put the three button batteries in (and your first set is included for you) and press the button on the front of the ornament, a spotlight hits Fozzie as you hear him say a line from an episode of the show.  There are a total of six different things the ornament says, and it rotates through them.  You get Fozzie starting his act, wondering why no one is laughing, and a few of his really bad jokes that he can’t get through without cracking up.

And it’s the magic aspect that will make Muppet fans fall in love with this ornament.  Yes, it is cool to have Fozzie captured performing his bad act, but getting those six clips makes it that much more fun.

Of course, the large base also means you can enjoy this ornament year round by displaying it on any flat surface.

But if you chose to hang it on your Christmas tree, you’ll find the loop on the top of Fozzie’s hat.  He hangs straight, so the balance is just fine.

For fans of the Muppets, Hallmark’s recent unofficial Magic series is an absolute treat.  They’ll be thrilled to add Fozzie Bear to their collection.  I know I was.

Original Price: $19.95