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.