Arthur Christmas [3D] (2011)
Brief review: Forget about the traditional Santa Claus and the old-fashioned way he delivers Christmas gifts to a billion kids all over the world in one night, because Sarah Smith's "Arthur Christmas" has a really cool and inventive contemporary spin to it, and will blow you away with its creativity, clever wittiness and fantastic CGI visuals. The script is original, funny, well-written and filled with smart jokes and tons of hilarious situations, but most importantly it has a heart, and that what makes the movie as touching as it's enjoyable. Smith successfully involves high-tech stuff such as computers, smart phones and other sort of cool gadgets used by Santa and his little helpers, but she also has respect for the traditional, throwing in the well-known vintage sledge and adorable deers, in order to honor the spirit of Christmas. The animation is crisp and clean, with vivid colors and some truly beautiful sequences, and the fantastic 3D effects give tremendous depth and detail at times. Each end every one of the characters is wonderfully-designed and full of life, and Santa's gloriously modern workshop, in particular, will leave you in awe. Sadly, I can't comment on the voice performances from the stellar cast involved, because I saw a dubbed version of the movie.
Overall summary: Witty, amusing, and splendidly-animated, "Arthur Christmas" is a modern take on Santa Claus and Christmas, that not only fascinates with its rich 3D visuals and colorful characters, but also delivers an emotional story and a powerful message for kids.
Overall summary: Witty, amusing, and splendidly-animated, "Arthur Christmas" is a modern take on Santa Claus and Christmas, that not only fascinates with its rich 3D visuals and colorful characters, but also delivers an emotional story and a powerful message for kids.
14 comments:
My short review for this goes up Monday. I really enjoyed it! Aardman Animations has never failed to deliver a charmer. Favorite character was Bill Nighy's Grandpa Santa.
Alex, Grandpa Santa was great, but my favorite character was the she-elf Bryony. She was hilarious!
I enjoyed this movie a lot, it was the perfect holiday entertainment for both kids and adults.
Terrific review! I won't pay to see this as I have Sherlock Holmes and MI Ghost Protocol to see, but I'll watch it sometime in July when I want winter in the worst way. ;)
Thanks, Mel.
Ah, you're missing a lot... Arthur Christmas is so much fun. You're not a big fan of animated flicks, are you? :)
I don't mind animated films, I just don't want to pay to see them as they have no f/x that I deem must see on big screen worthy. To me animation looks the exact same on the big screen as it does on a thirteen inch TV screen. And I cannot stand motion capture performances. I wish they would just stop. Especially when they do it just so a short round woman can look like she's 5'7 and thin. Hey wait, maybe I should rethink that opinion. LOL ;)
Well, I could not disagree more with you on that. Watching an animated movie at home and on the big screen is a completely different experience, especially when it's in 3D. The 3D effects in an animated feature always work better than in any other live-action film. Nowadays, animations are way more entertaining and fun to watch the most comedies, fantasy flicks and other type of cinematic nonsenses. LOL.
See the 3D is what I literally can't watch. It nauseates me and leaves me with a headache. My eyes and brain can't handle the f/x. I used to enjoy animated films more, but not so much anymore. Now it has to be a really incredible story for me to consider watching it even at home. I saw Kung Fu Panda 2 and liked it and I'll watch Brave when it comes out, but in good ol' 2D. It's awesome that you enjoy these films so much and I love reading your reviews because you have such a charming enthusiasm that excites people into seeing them. I will watch Arthur, I promise, but at home on my own TV and without the f/x. :)
Mel, I figured that out myself. I've never read an animated movie review by you, and I doubt I ever will.
The 3D effects in animated films are way more suitable than in live action films, that's why they don't give you a headache. But hey, since you can't handle the F/X and the 3D, just wait for the DVDs. :)
Aww, this sounds like a charming film! I like that you mention that even with the "high-tech stuff" they still stick with tradition in other areas. I think that is really important at least for me. I'm still like a little kid when I watch films at this caliber, haha, so maintaining the santa most of us know is very important.
Exciting review! My eyes will definitely feast Arthur Christmas in the immediate future.
Nicole, director Sarah Smith never dares to insult to traditional Santa gift delivery, she just modernizes it, if that makes any sense. :)
It's absolutely adorable, and also very touching animated feature. The visuals are fantastic as well. Go see it. :)
Matty, thanks. The experience watching Arthur Christmas is just as exciting. :)
Enjoyed this probably as much as you did. Really made it feel so much more like Christmas after walking out of it.
J-Son, exactly. Its holiday spirit injected a huge dose of marry mood into my heart. :) I loved it!
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