148 reviews
Not only for Christmas
It's funny that some of the Oscar nominated movies were not as good as this. The animated movie section could have done with a movie like this. It has more than a little heart and it is a really good movie. I liked the 3-D too, but it's not really important. Because the movie works with it and without it.
When the movie started (I knew the general idea through the trailer), I did wonder how'd they make a feature length movie out of it. I wouldn't say I was afraid, they'd just fill the running time with smaller benign things, but I didn't really believe in it. I was so wrong. The movie always has something up its sleeve and it works perfectly. Great characters, great comedy and a heart that is so sweet it might be made out of sugar!
When the movie started (I knew the general idea through the trailer), I did wonder how'd they make a feature length movie out of it. I wouldn't say I was afraid, they'd just fill the running time with smaller benign things, but I didn't really believe in it. I was so wrong. The movie always has something up its sleeve and it works perfectly. Great characters, great comedy and a heart that is so sweet it might be made out of sugar!
Fantastic Christmas film. In fact, fantastic film. Full Stop
Arthur Christmas is one of those rare computer generated films which is lucky enough to have things in common with such greats as Toy Story and Shrek, i.e. it can be watched on many levels and therefore enjoyed by both adults and children.
It tells the (very British) story of Father Christmas' operation and how he, and his family, plus an army of highly-trained elves, delivers presents to all the boys and girls on one night. However, his family-run business hits a rocky patch when one little girl is accidentally missed out, threatening to ruin Father Christmas' good name in the process. Step up Arthur (youngest son of Father) Christmas, who with the help of an elf with an obsession of wrapping things in pretty paper and bows, plus his aging (and slightly senile) Grandfather (aka 'Grand Santa') set about making the one last drop on Christmas Eve in which to get the present to the girl before she wakes up and thinks Father Christmas has forgotten about her.
It's not a particularly complicated story and, on hearing about it, I first wondered how much mileage could be made out of it. The trailer looks impressive, but sometimes they squeeze all the best gags into the ninety second trailer and there's nothing left for the film itself. Luckily, this is not the case. The story is truly charming. It highlights the best of British (vocal) acting talent and weaves it into a heartfelt story about family at Christmas with jokes that will make children chuckle, while others will go straight over their heads for 'parents only' to enjoy.
I'm no fan of Christmas. I think it's over-hyped, expensive and too commercial. Many a Christmas ever I've locked out the three well-meaning ghosts, but Arthur Christmas even managed to make me feel almost festive - an emotion that Dudley Moore couldn't even manage in his Father Christmas movie. That's how good Arthur Christmas really is (unless I'm experiencing a mid life crisis a few years early).
It tells the (very British) story of Father Christmas' operation and how he, and his family, plus an army of highly-trained elves, delivers presents to all the boys and girls on one night. However, his family-run business hits a rocky patch when one little girl is accidentally missed out, threatening to ruin Father Christmas' good name in the process. Step up Arthur (youngest son of Father) Christmas, who with the help of an elf with an obsession of wrapping things in pretty paper and bows, plus his aging (and slightly senile) Grandfather (aka 'Grand Santa') set about making the one last drop on Christmas Eve in which to get the present to the girl before she wakes up and thinks Father Christmas has forgotten about her.
It's not a particularly complicated story and, on hearing about it, I first wondered how much mileage could be made out of it. The trailer looks impressive, but sometimes they squeeze all the best gags into the ninety second trailer and there's nothing left for the film itself. Luckily, this is not the case. The story is truly charming. It highlights the best of British (vocal) acting talent and weaves it into a heartfelt story about family at Christmas with jokes that will make children chuckle, while others will go straight over their heads for 'parents only' to enjoy.
I'm no fan of Christmas. I think it's over-hyped, expensive and too commercial. Many a Christmas ever I've locked out the three well-meaning ghosts, but Arthur Christmas even managed to make me feel almost festive - an emotion that Dudley Moore couldn't even manage in his Father Christmas movie. That's how good Arthur Christmas really is (unless I'm experiencing a mid life crisis a few years early).
- bowmanblue
- Dec 27, 2014
- Permalink
A real gem
This film should be a certain addition to any classic christmas film collection. As always, Ardman took their time on this animated picture and it cannot be faulted. The fantastic cast of experienced British actors really help make the comedy and light-heartedness of the film which is dotted with jokes to make adults laugh too. The story is very straightforward but the way it gets from start to end includes enough unexpecetd turns to keep a watcher engaded. Ends in a greatly happy note.
Was fun, enjoyable and just at the right level.
Okay for me, it was simple but perfection! Simple storyline, great animation, great characters! This movie is what Children Animation should be like! The movie was not bad and it also had a nice theme to it. The bad guys weren't to violent or vicious like other children animation. But if you think about it there were not really any bad guys at all. There were only a few violent moments (explosion of 'Eve') and I thought at one moment the older brother was going to do something bad but it kept to the innocence. Great movie for young kids and older viewers looking for a calm, fun night to enjoy! Great work to everyone who were involved.
- akatsunara
- Dec 10, 2011
- Permalink
Sweet and lovable
Solid family fare
Took this one in at the 2nd run theatre this afternoon with my 5 year old son and 3 year old daughter.
I think that for the most part, they enjoyed it though I think the humour and writing may have actually fit for a bit older crowd.
To be honest my wife and i were both surprised how entertaining WE found the film. The prattling one-liners from Grandsanta were hilarious!
And the whole high-tech concept applied to Santa does probably the best job yet at coming across with a conceivable plan for how Santa pulls it all off in one night.
I think in a couple of years my kids may appreciate it even more, as they get old enough to understand some of the more sophisticated humour.
At any rate, a surprisingly cute Christmas flick.
I think that for the most part, they enjoyed it though I think the humour and writing may have actually fit for a bit older crowd.
To be honest my wife and i were both surprised how entertaining WE found the film. The prattling one-liners from Grandsanta were hilarious!
And the whole high-tech concept applied to Santa does probably the best job yet at coming across with a conceivable plan for how Santa pulls it all off in one night.
I think in a couple of years my kids may appreciate it even more, as they get old enough to understand some of the more sophisticated humour.
At any rate, a surprisingly cute Christmas flick.
- drew_atreides
- Feb 19, 2012
- Permalink
Move over Rankin Bass, Aardman is the new Christmas king
- GoodfellaSeinfeld
- Dec 15, 2012
- Permalink
not just for kids.. and not just for Xmas
- A_Different_Drummer
- Nov 28, 2013
- Permalink
Gets the whole family into the Christmas Spirit.
The festive season kicks off with a bang thanks to Aardman Studios' (famous for Wallace and Gromit) second noteworthy foray into computer animation (the ho-hum Flushed Away being their debut). Only the most stone-hearted Grinch won't be moved by Arthur's jolly ol' premise that not even one child should go without experiencing the joys of Santa Claus visiting on Christmas night. The moral message may be gooier than the centre of a toasted marshmallow, but the gag rate is high, the animation is perfect and the voice cast of James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Hugh Laurie and Imelda Staunton are splendid. Mix in a plethora of hidden jokes for the adults and you couldn't ask for a nicer movie to get the whole family into the Christmas spirit.
- Troy_Campbell
- Nov 30, 2011
- Permalink
Delightfully charming
Arthur Claus (James McAvoy) is the bumbling son of the reigning Santa, Malcolm Claus (Jim Broadbent). Arthur is relegated to the Letter Department where he can presumably do no damage. Arthur's brother Steve (Hugh Laurie) is the heir apparent to the title of Santa. Steve is handsome, confident, and in charge of the North Pole command center that monitors Santa's gift-giving flight around the world. The film opens with a bravura set piece showing how Santa is able to stop in millions of homes in one night. Hint: he has the help of thousands of elves.
When Arthur discovers that one gift was accidentally undelivered, he becomes determined to get it to the unfortunate girl before Christmas sunrise. Even with the help of his retired grandsanta (Bill Nighy) and a perky elf (Ashley Jensen) from the Wrapping Department, can Arthur travel around the world in time?
There have been many movies over the years where Christmas must be saved from disaster, but Arthur Christmas has a very creative take on it. From the opening scene where it's established that Santa is really a dynasty through the centuries, a title handed down from father to son, to the paramilitary operation to get millions of presents delivered in one night, to the misadventures of Arthur and his grandsanta as they try to make sure one little girl is not disappointed, Arthur Christmas is fun, creative, and original. Produced by Aardman Animations in association with Sony Pictures Animation, this CGI animated film delivers Aardman's distinct brand of quirky humor and style.
The art direction maintains the slightly skewed look of an Aardman claymation film. The character designs are asymmetric and the surface textures are realistic yet bold. The North Pole command center and Santa's high-tech sleigh are clean and modern.
Sometimes celebrity voice talent backfires, but here it works beautifully, the English accents lending a sense of gravity that heightens the silliness. Bill Nighy is particularly good, conveying wisdom that is tinged with resentment of the modern gift-delivery methods his son and grandson use.
Arthur Christmas is a funny, heartwarming, and poignant look at the Santa Claus mythos, adding a family dynamic that will resonate with children and adults. I expect Arthur Christmas will become a joyful holiday favorite for years to come.
When Arthur discovers that one gift was accidentally undelivered, he becomes determined to get it to the unfortunate girl before Christmas sunrise. Even with the help of his retired grandsanta (Bill Nighy) and a perky elf (Ashley Jensen) from the Wrapping Department, can Arthur travel around the world in time?
There have been many movies over the years where Christmas must be saved from disaster, but Arthur Christmas has a very creative take on it. From the opening scene where it's established that Santa is really a dynasty through the centuries, a title handed down from father to son, to the paramilitary operation to get millions of presents delivered in one night, to the misadventures of Arthur and his grandsanta as they try to make sure one little girl is not disappointed, Arthur Christmas is fun, creative, and original. Produced by Aardman Animations in association with Sony Pictures Animation, this CGI animated film delivers Aardman's distinct brand of quirky humor and style.
The art direction maintains the slightly skewed look of an Aardman claymation film. The character designs are asymmetric and the surface textures are realistic yet bold. The North Pole command center and Santa's high-tech sleigh are clean and modern.
Sometimes celebrity voice talent backfires, but here it works beautifully, the English accents lending a sense of gravity that heightens the silliness. Bill Nighy is particularly good, conveying wisdom that is tinged with resentment of the modern gift-delivery methods his son and grandson use.
Arthur Christmas is a funny, heartwarming, and poignant look at the Santa Claus mythos, adding a family dynamic that will resonate with children and adults. I expect Arthur Christmas will become a joyful holiday favorite for years to come.
Great graphics, but too long
Really great graphics and general idea of story line is fine. Just too much random silliness along the way.... but that may be appreciated by young children. Would have enjoyed more if it were a one hour TV Christmas special : P
A different kind of Christmas...
I want to give this a 7, but its originality boosts it to an 8.
The story is predictable, but fun, but the tri-planar nature (Father-Father-Son) of the piece with off shoots of wife, mother, brother and friend, mean this is truly a film about a family Christmas.
Nothing unexpected happens, but I found myself laughing and egging Arthur on all the way! A film that succeeds in entertaining children and, in making the older viewers feel the onset of rosy and sometimes, emotional family nostalgia.
A more original plot may have blunted the message, but would also have engaged my brain.
Regardless, well done! A good Christmas film to add to the ranks.
The story is predictable, but fun, but the tri-planar nature (Father-Father-Son) of the piece with off shoots of wife, mother, brother and friend, mean this is truly a film about a family Christmas.
Nothing unexpected happens, but I found myself laughing and egging Arthur on all the way! A film that succeeds in entertaining children and, in making the older viewers feel the onset of rosy and sometimes, emotional family nostalgia.
A more original plot may have blunted the message, but would also have engaged my brain.
Regardless, well done! A good Christmas film to add to the ranks.
Charming Christmas Film
Arthur Christmas is delightful, cute and charming along with a solid comedy.
Thin plot dragged out too long
- WatchedAllMovies
- Nov 28, 2012
- Permalink
A new take on an old Santa story
"A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together." Garrison Keillor
Where I live, too many Christmas Carol adaptations take the place of imaginative theater productions that could celebrate the holidays without the requisite Scrooge redemption. Arthur Christmas is a refreshing new take on the countless Santa stories, notwithstanding my favorite: Bad Santa, which satisfies my need for the new and irreverent.
Arthur (James McAvoy) is one of Santa's two sons, a bungler with a big heart. He takes it on his own to bring a present to the one girl in all the land whose present was not delivered. His technocrat brother, Steve (Hugh Laurie), has been responsible for the mis-delivery, although his array of laptops for elves and computerized delivery system is impressive. The head versus the heart forms the central conflict, providing laughs and groans but never in a mean way as in Bad Santa.
Aardman CG works its animation magic to create big-nosed, elongated-faced characters like GrandSanta (Bill Nighy), Santa (Jim Broadbent), and Mrs. Santa (Imelda Staunton), all of whom are fleshed out as loving characters with quirks just right for their roles.
In regard to developing character, Aardman goes nose to nose with Pixar. The use of 3-D is unobtrusive as it is in Martin Scorsese's Hugo with the process useful to give flights of the sleighs a grand feel, swooping in and out of perspective. Yet, in the end, regardless of the jazzy visuals, it's a lovely and exciting story for the holidays. As soon as the younger audience adjusts to the Brit accents, and that doesn't take long, they will enjoy the high spirits, good will, dry humor, and imagination they deserve and should expect from the masters of unique animation.
It's wonderful filmmaking that touches the heart with affectionate Brit humor.
Where I live, too many Christmas Carol adaptations take the place of imaginative theater productions that could celebrate the holidays without the requisite Scrooge redemption. Arthur Christmas is a refreshing new take on the countless Santa stories, notwithstanding my favorite: Bad Santa, which satisfies my need for the new and irreverent.
Arthur (James McAvoy) is one of Santa's two sons, a bungler with a big heart. He takes it on his own to bring a present to the one girl in all the land whose present was not delivered. His technocrat brother, Steve (Hugh Laurie), has been responsible for the mis-delivery, although his array of laptops for elves and computerized delivery system is impressive. The head versus the heart forms the central conflict, providing laughs and groans but never in a mean way as in Bad Santa.
Aardman CG works its animation magic to create big-nosed, elongated-faced characters like GrandSanta (Bill Nighy), Santa (Jim Broadbent), and Mrs. Santa (Imelda Staunton), all of whom are fleshed out as loving characters with quirks just right for their roles.
In regard to developing character, Aardman goes nose to nose with Pixar. The use of 3-D is unobtrusive as it is in Martin Scorsese's Hugo with the process useful to give flights of the sleighs a grand feel, swooping in and out of perspective. Yet, in the end, regardless of the jazzy visuals, it's a lovely and exciting story for the holidays. As soon as the younger audience adjusts to the Brit accents, and that doesn't take long, they will enjoy the high spirits, good will, dry humor, and imagination they deserve and should expect from the masters of unique animation.
It's wonderful filmmaking that touches the heart with affectionate Brit humor.
- JohnDeSando
- Nov 29, 2011
- Permalink
Santa and his attack Elves
It's a surprisingly fun, beautiful and cheerful Christmas movie. It has a very unique take on Santa that increases the Christmas spirit. Santa and Ninja Elves was not something I was expecting, but it was actually really cool. I was also surprised at how well a lot of the shots are angled, it really adds to the character of the film, being its own unique aspect.
Arthur Christmas is a great animated film, definitely in my top 10 Christmas films.
Arthur Christmas is a great animated film, definitely in my top 10 Christmas films.
- rwncopeland
- Dec 20, 2020
- Permalink
No Present Left Behind!
- Chris_Pandolfi
- Nov 23, 2011
- Permalink
A Sweet Cozy Christmas Film - What More Do You Want?
Pros:
1. The animation is brilliant for the most part, particularly the vivid facial expressions of the human characters.
2. James McAvoy (Arthur), Hugh Laurie (Steve), Bill Nighy (Grandsanta), and Jim Broadbent (Santa) give fantastic voice-acting performances.
3. The costume and set design is great, especially the costumes that personify the characters, and the set design of the Eve and Christmas spaceship.
4. The score is never overbearing and helps to solidify the intended downcast and magical moments.
5. The film delivers an original take on the mythos of Santa Claus by treating it as a family business that runs, and has set objectives, like any other business.
6. The comedy never misses a beat as well as adding to the feel-good Christmas feel.
Cons: 1. The animated lions look outright awful and are therefore too distracting. 2. For some strange reason, the elves are multi-racial, even though the myth of Santa Claus and his elves belongs to European folklore. 3. There are occasions in the movie where Arthur, Grandsanta, and Bryony (Ashley Jensen) fall from miraculous heights, and yet somehow walk away unscathed.
Cons: 1. The animated lions look outright awful and are therefore too distracting. 2. For some strange reason, the elves are multi-racial, even though the myth of Santa Claus and his elves belongs to European folklore. 3. There are occasions in the movie where Arthur, Grandsanta, and Bryony (Ashley Jensen) fall from miraculous heights, and yet somehow walk away unscathed.
- dommercaldi
- Dec 17, 2020
- Permalink
Colourful Christmas fare
As a fan of Aardman ever since Wallace and Gromit, I was interested from the get go into seeing Arthur Christmas. Apart from it dragging slightly in the middle, Arthur Christmas was a wonderful film. The animation is absolutely breathtaking, it is all very colourful and beautifully modelled, and the soundtrack is so rousing it makes you want to get out your favourite Christmas Carols/Songs CD and sing along afterwards. The script is mostly witty, if more amusing than laugh-out-loud funny, and the story has a lot of charm and heart to it. The three best assets were the terrific characters, Arthur in particular, makes such a big impression with his likability and his wonderful jumper and I hope to see more of him in the future, the voice cast with a spirited James McAvoy, a jovial Jim Broadbent and a truly inspired Bill Nighy and the real sense of occasion, watching this movie you actually feel that it's Christmas. All in all, colourful and entertaining, I thoroughly enjoyed it. 9/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Mar 8, 2012
- Permalink
A pleasant festive animated film
A good watch.
I had a fine time watching 'Arthur Christmas'. The plot is a little light, with a fairly simple event taking a relative while to resolve itself, but it's still a pleasant festive animated film - with neat animation.
There are a number of familiar names on the voice cast, too many to name in actual fact. My personal standout is Hugh Laurie as Steven, though James McAvoy, Bill Nighy and Jim Broadbent are all enjoyable too.
I had a fine time watching 'Arthur Christmas'. The plot is a little light, with a fairly simple event taking a relative while to resolve itself, but it's still a pleasant festive animated film - with neat animation.
There are a number of familiar names on the voice cast, too many to name in actual fact. My personal standout is Hugh Laurie as Steven, though James McAvoy, Bill Nighy and Jim Broadbent are all enjoyable too.
One of the most underrated Christmas films ever
It may not have particularly groundbreaking animation, or be as famous as such other Christmas classics, but Arthur Christmas is by far the most meaningful and creative holiday film in years- and is easily one of my favorite films to watch every year during the holiday season. From the time I was a little kid and saw this in theaters, this film has never failed to let me down. It's an incredibly well written tale, charming, and humorous, with a fantastic cast- including legends like James McAvoy, Bill Nighy, Hugh Laurie, and Jim Broadbent. Its perhaps one of the sweetest animated films i've seen in recent memory. It has its predictable moments for sure, and its animation isn't anything special- but its setting, characters, and story are executed in a way that most animated films never have the chance to in this sequel filled world and i'm just so proud and happy a film like this exists for children of all ages to enjoy. In the end, Arthur Christmas may not be as popular as The Polar Express or 2009's A Christmas Carol, but it's easily the best animated Christmas film in recent memory and I hope more people will be able to enjoy its heartfelt message and sense of wonder.
My Rating: 9.6/10.
My Rating: 9.6/10.
- aidanratesmovies
- Dec 5, 2021
- Permalink
Arthur Christmas
A wonderful animation oozing with Christmas spirit. Arthur Christmas tackles change and the true meaning of the holiday. Where it really shines is in its creativity. And while the story and its themes can feel a little overdone, the final product is filled with holiday spirit and a good message.
What stood out to me the most was the way that the mystery of Santa was handled. Every movie that deals with this type of story has its own way of solving the mystery of how Santa can deliver all of the millions, if not billions, of toys. The way that Arthur Christmas tackles it is great. It's modern, it's fresh, and it suited the overall story extremely well. It's also very entertaining. The film starts with a bang, as we are immediately thrown into the mission that is Christmas eve. It's a tremendously entertaining sequence, and I found myself smiling the whole time.
Getting into the story, we find ourselves in the midst of change. Old traditions and ways being replaced by technology and modern solutions. A story that is starting to feel a little old at this point. I do recognise that this particular film is already nine years old, and perhaps this theme wasn't as overly used then. However, watching it now with all the other Christmas movies with the same idea is starting to feel a little tiresome. But, giving credit where credit is due, I think that Arthur Christmas makes it a little less tedious than some of the newer films. Furthermore, I also think that this film reaches a better conclusion. Both sides of this battle, the new and the old, seem to realize that perhaps the best solution ends up being one that learns from both sides. And, while that is one of the biggest takeaways from the story, the biggest comes in the form of a heartwarming reminder of what Christmas is really about. Making others happy.
As great as this film is, it could've been better. It is quite heavy-handed with pushing its message, and at times, it felt a little overdone. These movies should learn to rely more on just the fact that they are Christmas movies. That's what most people are looking for. Sure, it's good to have a good message, especially since it's aimed at kids. But to make it more enjoyable for the whole family, it wouldn't hurt to tone it down just a little.
The final result ends up being a very heartwarming, funny and pleasant holiday film for the whole family. Kids will, without a doubt, love the way the elves are presented, and I think that adults will be quite pleased with the nice message and references that kids probably won't get. Such as a Versace Santa costume. As far as Christmas animations go, this is one the best ones I have seen. The Christmas songs and the countless references to Christmas traditions will put anyone right in the holiday mood, and left feeling happy.
What stood out to me the most was the way that the mystery of Santa was handled. Every movie that deals with this type of story has its own way of solving the mystery of how Santa can deliver all of the millions, if not billions, of toys. The way that Arthur Christmas tackles it is great. It's modern, it's fresh, and it suited the overall story extremely well. It's also very entertaining. The film starts with a bang, as we are immediately thrown into the mission that is Christmas eve. It's a tremendously entertaining sequence, and I found myself smiling the whole time.
Getting into the story, we find ourselves in the midst of change. Old traditions and ways being replaced by technology and modern solutions. A story that is starting to feel a little old at this point. I do recognise that this particular film is already nine years old, and perhaps this theme wasn't as overly used then. However, watching it now with all the other Christmas movies with the same idea is starting to feel a little tiresome. But, giving credit where credit is due, I think that Arthur Christmas makes it a little less tedious than some of the newer films. Furthermore, I also think that this film reaches a better conclusion. Both sides of this battle, the new and the old, seem to realize that perhaps the best solution ends up being one that learns from both sides. And, while that is one of the biggest takeaways from the story, the biggest comes in the form of a heartwarming reminder of what Christmas is really about. Making others happy.
As great as this film is, it could've been better. It is quite heavy-handed with pushing its message, and at times, it felt a little overdone. These movies should learn to rely more on just the fact that they are Christmas movies. That's what most people are looking for. Sure, it's good to have a good message, especially since it's aimed at kids. But to make it more enjoyable for the whole family, it wouldn't hurt to tone it down just a little.
The final result ends up being a very heartwarming, funny and pleasant holiday film for the whole family. Kids will, without a doubt, love the way the elves are presented, and I think that adults will be quite pleased with the nice message and references that kids probably won't get. Such as a Versace Santa costume. As far as Christmas animations go, this is one the best ones I have seen. The Christmas songs and the countless references to Christmas traditions will put anyone right in the holiday mood, and left feeling happy.
IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS
Any Christmas themed film with a tongue in cheek opening scene that resembles the SyFy classic, Independence Day (1996), gets an automatic 9 stars from me, and not just because ID is one of my favorite contemporary alien invasion films. I give Arthur Christmas an extra high rating because it's also a perfectly stunning movie.
Arthur Christmas is a mountainous collaboration of immense talent and unlimited funds, and as such, the perfect amalgamation helps to create one of the best feature animation films outside the seemingly indestructible, impenetrable Disney universe.
Aardman Animations, Ltd., is not a newcomer. The British animation studio based in Bristol, England, is best known for its retro stop-motion, clay animation techniques featuring weird and oblique characters like Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. The money that funded Arthur Christmas came from the coffers of Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. It is one of the largest American studios for motion pictures and television. How large, you ask? Their revenues in 2020 were a mere $7.16 billion.
Mountains of cash and unbridled talent can sometimes take a nose dive. But not this time. Arthur Christmas runs full out on all cylinders, and is so continuously amusing and entertaining you'll wonder where the time went when the deservedly lengthy end credits begin to roll across the screen.
This is a movie with a colossal heart, enormous scope, and endless imagination. To say it's a film about how Santa Claus operates would be like trying to explain the Universe to a rock. It's impossible. It's loaded with pop culture references, and voiced by some very clever actors like Hugh Laurie, James McAvoy and Bill Nighy.
Stream, rent or buy the DVD. You'll want to watch it with your kids every Christmas. And when the children inevitably grow up and move away, open that great bottle of cold Pino Grigio you've been saving for that special occasion and watch it yourself. It's simply an amazing experience, and one to be savored.
No spoilers here as usual, but I will reveal the filmmakers were originally going to have a mean and nasty elf named "General Antlers," whose ambition was to turn the reindeer into hamburgers!
Arthur Christmas is a mountainous collaboration of immense talent and unlimited funds, and as such, the perfect amalgamation helps to create one of the best feature animation films outside the seemingly indestructible, impenetrable Disney universe.
Aardman Animations, Ltd., is not a newcomer. The British animation studio based in Bristol, England, is best known for its retro stop-motion, clay animation techniques featuring weird and oblique characters like Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. The money that funded Arthur Christmas came from the coffers of Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California. It is one of the largest American studios for motion pictures and television. How large, you ask? Their revenues in 2020 were a mere $7.16 billion.
Mountains of cash and unbridled talent can sometimes take a nose dive. But not this time. Arthur Christmas runs full out on all cylinders, and is so continuously amusing and entertaining you'll wonder where the time went when the deservedly lengthy end credits begin to roll across the screen.
This is a movie with a colossal heart, enormous scope, and endless imagination. To say it's a film about how Santa Claus operates would be like trying to explain the Universe to a rock. It's impossible. It's loaded with pop culture references, and voiced by some very clever actors like Hugh Laurie, James McAvoy and Bill Nighy.
Stream, rent or buy the DVD. You'll want to watch it with your kids every Christmas. And when the children inevitably grow up and move away, open that great bottle of cold Pino Grigio you've been saving for that special occasion and watch it yourself. It's simply an amazing experience, and one to be savored.
No spoilers here as usual, but I will reveal the filmmakers were originally going to have a mean and nasty elf named "General Antlers," whose ambition was to turn the reindeer into hamburgers!
- Sunsphxsuns
- Nov 26, 2021
- Permalink
Arthur's Christmas.
- morrison-dylan-fan
- Dec 27, 2015
- Permalink
Could have been entertaining
This film had the potential of being entertaining despite the done to death storyline, but fails because of tedious and agonizing length. The characters get on your nerves after a while and nothing much happens as everybody seems to beat about the bush blabbering endlessly. Though it starts off quite well and has some nice moments, by the time you're halfway through the film, the magic is really lost.
I am quite certain that any kid in his right mind would not sit through this. And adults would be forced to cussing and tearing their hair, as the film rolls on and on, utterly lost in a maze of totally unnecessary subplots. If you're planning to entertain your family for Christmas, I'd recommend something else.
Quite disappointed.
I am quite certain that any kid in his right mind would not sit through this. And adults would be forced to cussing and tearing their hair, as the film rolls on and on, utterly lost in a maze of totally unnecessary subplots. If you're planning to entertain your family for Christmas, I'd recommend something else.
Quite disappointed.