Review of Arthur Christmas (2011) by Michael M — 10 Jan 2013

It's a shame this didn't get much attention, because it really has the potential to be a Christmas classic. I wasn't crazy about the art style, (a sort of Norman Rockwell filtered through a computer look) but that's more a matter of personal taste, and everything else about it is just absolutely perfect.

The way they manage to explain the Santa mythology in a logical and almost scientifically plausible manner is quite brilliant, and one of the more unique and enjoyable plays on the mythos that I've seen in a Santa-based film. The story that lies behind this new mythology is also wonderful. They manage to create a conflict without ever having a bad guy, and that's pretty damn impressive. There are no evil characters in this movie, just flawed ones, and you understand their flaws, and you like them nonetheless. The titular Artrhur plays a role that could have ended up as an obnoxious Jar Jar type creation, but somehow manages to be an absolute delight, one of the most likeable characters I've seen in any film.

There's a lot of inventive and fun action sequences, particularly in showing how they deliver all those presents in one night, and the voice cast is excellent all around. There weren't a lot of laughs, but when they came they were big. Even without a lot of comedic moments, the film holds a nice kindhearted tone. It's a movie that just leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside. I loved it.