That’s not to say that there hasn’t been any more recent Christmas movies that have been good, but for all the Christmas movies that get made every year, few are any good. I think Elf, starring Will Ferrell is the last really good Christmas movie that’s been released, and that was back in 2003.
Well deck the halls and jingle my bells the wait is finally over as someone has actually done another great Christmas movie. That movie is Arthur Christmas.
It’s possibly not too surprising that it’s a great movie, largely due to the fact it’s made by Aardman of Wallace and Gromit fame. However this movie moves away from the loveable plasticine sculptures and instead opts for a more CGI approach.
Does it make a difference? Well, yes, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Though the method has changed the Aardman charm is still inherently there in its style and humour.
That’s the one thing you notice about the movie: it’s actually funny; something that films in general fail to manage let alone Christmas films. I may be biased but as far as humour goes, nobody does it better than the British. (Yes, there is a U in humour)
The story itself focusses on the Santa industry, if you can call it that. It depicts Santa as a company that over the years has evolved and developed new shiny technology to deliver all the presents to all the boys and girls every year. As time goes by the company loses its sense of what Christmas is all about and manages to leave one little girl out on the big night.
Cue Arthur, the clumsy, clutsy son of the current Santa, who still holds Christmas in the right way, unlike everyone else in the grotto. He demands they go back to give the girl her present but his brother (who does all the work) and Santa (who just goes along for the ride) say they can’t because it’s not cost effective and all that gubbins.
But this doesn’t stop the determined Arthur who, along with the former Santa and an over-zealous wrapping elf, gets out the old sleigh and heads off to Devon to deliver the girl’s bicycle! Of course the journey isn’t all that simple, it’d be a bit boring if it were; plenty of comical shenanigans go down as the team try desperately to get to the girl before dawn.
Even if you’re a bit of a humbug this movie is worth watching simply for its joyous humour and slick animation. It’s got something for the kids to get into as well as having elements for the adults to get behind too. You can’t really go wrong with Aardman. Thinking about it now, a Christmas movie fits perfectly with them, I’m surprised it took them so long to do it.
So if you’re looking for a good Christmas movie that isn’t as old as you are, I say look no further than this little gem. It’s funny, well-animated, with great voice actors and it leaves even the most miserable of misers with a grin on their chin. What more could you ask for at Christmas?
Final Verdict: 4 Stars. A feel-good Christmas movie with plenty of laughs.
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