Movie Review: Arthur Christmas

A few weeks ago I blogged about in our house, and how I'm dreading the eventual 'talk.'  It's inevitable really -- kids are far more logical and analytical than they have ever been.  And it's not hard for them to ponder the implausibility of how some pudgy old dude has been squeezing himself into chimneys, delivering toys to who knows how many kids worldwide in just one night for the last few centuries.

Over the weekend I took the boys to see Arthur Christmas -- the latest holiday-themed movie -- and found myself pleasantly surprised by the simple, kid-friendly, down-to-earth answer they provided.  I'll wager a number of parents might have walked out of the theatre wondering, "why didn't I think of that."

'Arthur Christmas' is the story of Arthur, the good-natured but goofy younger son of Santa Claus.  Santa himself is not the original: That role has been passed down throughout the years, starting with the original St. Nicholas.  After a couple of decades of delivering toys, "Santa" retires and hands the mantle off to the next in line.

As the tale begins, the current Santa is finishing up his 70th sleigh ride.  His eldest son Steve, ready to assume the role, has been taking the 'family business' into the 21st century with an enormous futuristic sleigh and an army of nina-like elves to deliver the gifts with un-Christmasy efficiency.  Meanwhile, clumsy, Christmas-loving Arthur takes great pride in his own job: responding to every single letter Santa receives by hand.

Problems arise when it's discovered that a child's present was missed.  After blaming one another for the gaffe, Steve and Daddy Claus decide -- given the sheer volume of all the presents delivered -- a little slip like this is acceptable.  Horrified by his father and brother's decision, Arthur takes it upon himself to deliver the present before the sun rises on Christmas morning.  Joining him on the quest are his 136 year-old "Grand-Santa" (who yanks the original sleigh out of dry-dock) and a manic, eyebrow-pierced mohawked elf from the gift wrapping department.

Herein is my only real concern with the movie.  Arthur is your typical anti-hero: A  lovable goofball, afraid of everything from the reindeer to heights (so the sleigh ride at first is a bit daunting), but determined to make sure that this little child's wish comes true -- because she believes in Santa and the magic of Christmas.  And while this makes him absolutely endearing, the behavior of Steve and Santa regarding the forgotten gift makes has them come off, well, pretty much like callous jerks. 

Yes, it's not hard to surmise the outcome of the story: anyone that thinks Arthur isn't going to succeed in his mission, or fail to make his family see the error in their ways, or perhaps even end up with a very important job by the end of the movie, really doesn't get the formula of kids' films.  Still, something just didn't sit right about Santa's lack of concern over a forgotten child.  At one point I wondered if the idea bothered my boys at all, but the seemed unaffected and were far more interested in Arthur's near mishaps, the panic-stricken elves and mischievous old Grand-Santa.
 
Ultimately the movie is more about family dynamics among the different generations -- something that we can all relate to, particularly during the holiday season.  It's also serves up a nice reminder that in this fast-paced, number-crunching world quality should always trump over quantity.

There's a bevy of voice talent in this film, which comes by way of Aardman Animations, the U.K.- based studio responsible for "Wallace and Gromit," "Chicken Run" and "Flushed Away."  To that end, most of the talent comes from 'across the pond,' which I believe adds to the charm (and thank you to distributor Columbia Pictures for not doing something moronic like re-dubbing).

James McAvoy, Professor X in "X-Men: First Class," portrays Arthur Claus with such genuine affection, you can't help but get a little choked up towards the obvious end.  His gift-wrapping elf ally is voiced by actress Ashley Jensen (best known here in the States for her time on "Ugly Betty")

The incomparable Hugh Laurie ("House") gets to use his natural accent as Arthur's cappuccino-swilling, business-minded brother Steve.  Brit icons Jim Broadbent and Bill Nighy are Santa and Grand-Santa respectively.  Imelda Staunton, the evil Dolores Umbridge from the "Harry Potter" Films, gets onto the side of good as the loving and devoted Mrs. Claus.  You may miss Joan Cusack, Robbie Coltraine, Michael Palin and Andy Serkis -- but they're in there.

Arthur Claus puts a clever spin on the Santa myth and delivers a decent amount of laughs.  It's got an absolutely predictable ending (as most kids' films do), and I'm still not completely thrilled with the way Santa is initially portrayed, but overall it's a fun family film worth your time.  Of course, like most of these movies, if you can, save yourself the extra cash and see it in 2D.

If the kids let you of course.


And now here's my boys' review of the film (Some Spoilers -- be warned):

Me: What did you guys think of Arthur Christmas?

Matty: It was the next best Christmas story ever next to Rudolph.

Aidan: It was better than Puss in Boots.

Me: What was your favorite part of the movie?

Matty: My first favorite part was when all of the elves jumped down out of the super sleigh and then at the end when Arthur became Santa.

Aidan: My favorite part was when Arthur went to the wrong country and house.

Me: If you got the chance to be Santa for one Christmas, what would you do differently?

Aidan: I would use super spy reindeer for the super sled.

Matty: I would make some naughty kids help give out presents and then give them a present for trying to be good.