‘Arthur Christmas’

Christmas movies usually are the bane of many movie goers pocketbook, so much promise, yet so little in return. Luckily, the folks who brought us Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run and Flushed Away have inserted delightful blast of fresh air to the conventional Christmas genre with Arthur Christmas.

James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie and Bill Nighy lead the voice cast of the animated feature film, the age-old question: “How can Santa deliver all the presents in just one night?” Turns out Santa has very little to do with it, having eplaced said sleigh with a giant spaceship (think a big, red Imperial Star Destroyer) and employing thousands of elves to complete the one night mission. Yet, an undelivered gift is found.

Arthur, determined that no child be left behind, goes on a rogue mission to personally deliver the present with the help of his not-quite-with-it Grandsanta and his old-school sleigh.

Visually, Arthur Christmas is state-of-the-art and vividly appointed right down to the tiniest detail, and subtly uses 3D to enhance the film (I know, I was honestly shocked).

I truly recommend seeing Arthur Christmas in theaters, and even in 3D.

Erik

Arthur Christmas, produced by Aardman Animations and Sony Pictures Animations, opens in theaters Wednesday, November 23rd, in the US.