Whether you consider it a blessing or a curse, we humans are obsessed with rational explanations. All children eventually wonder how Santa Claus delivers presents all over the world in one night, and because of this, there has been no shortage of family films and TV specials explaining how it’s done. Arthur Christmas is the latest of these, and while few of its explanatory ideas are new, it makes up for it with a story full of action, humour and heart.
First off, the job of “Santa” has been handed down through generations of the Claus family, which is rather dysfunctional (as many families are around the holidays). The current Santa (Jim Broadbent), completing his 70th Christmas Eve, is just a figurehead, delivering the occasional present while a literal army of elves takes care of the rest. The operation is really overseen by his son Steve (Hugh Laurie), who has traded in the old sleigh and reindeer for a cloaked spaceship that makes the USS Enterprise look like a GT Snow Racer. Steve is waiting impatiently for dad to retire so he can inherit the title, which doesn’t sit well with old Grandsanta (Bill Nighy), who disdains all the technology, and is happy to remind everyone how he used to do it all himself. Meanwhile, Mrs. Santa (Imelda Staunton) is content to float above it all with implacable calm.
And then there’s Arthur (James McAvoy), who is guileless, awkward and phobic, but also the one with the most Christmas spirit. Too clumsy for any other duties, he works in the Letters division, writing replies to children and telling them that Santa is the greatest man in the world. But then an accident results in one child’s gift being overlooked, and when Santa and Steve determine that nothing can be done until after Christmas, Arthur decides to deliver the gift himself before Christmas morning.
All of the elements here are familiar, but the presentation makes them seem fresh. Director and co-writer Sarah Smith keeps the story moving, putting believable obstacles in Arthur and Grandsanta’s way even as she plays fast and loose with the countdown to sunrise. And while the movie has plenty of action for the kids, the quintessentially British humour will entertain the older crowd. It’s particularly funny how quickly the elves melt down when confronted with the idea that Christmas is shutting down.
The voice talent is first-rate, including Ashley Jensen as Bryony, a plucky gift-wrapping elf helping Arthur. But it’s Nighy who steals the show with a deeply layered performance as Grandsanta. This is a film with many themes and moods, and he matches all of them.
Arthur Christmas won’t answer all your questions about Santa, and it probably won’t settle anyone’s concerns about the commercialism of Christmas, but it’s a delightful film that will put the whole family in a holiday mood.
Tags: movie review
About the author: David Raitt
David Raitt is a writer and lover of pop culture. He lives in Oakville. He has also worked as an actor for The Second City, and has written, produced and performed his own sketch comedy, including the Canadian Comedy Award-nominated ALL THE RAGE. Semi-retired from performing, he still teaches improv and communications skills to students and corporate groups through his association with The Second City. Check out Dave's website at http://davidraitt.com
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