Softwing
Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??
Kamila Bell
This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.
Karlee
The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.
Prismark10
Aardman Animations Arthur Christmas is a charming animated film that children will enjoy but I found it underwhelming with some one note characterisation and uneven plot which is a touch overlong.Set on on the night before Christmas a crack operation is involved to help Santa Clause deliver all the presents to the children of the world. Santa is part of a dynasty and the present one has been going for 71 years and rather past his best, with his oldest son Steve hoping to take over as the new Santa soon.Arthur Claus the well meaning but rather clumsy youngest son discovers that the Santa's high tech slight -craft failed to deliver one girl's present. Arthur helped by his elderly grandfather goes on a mission to deliver the present in time but end up getting lost first.There are some clever things here such as how the elves deliver presents with military precision but it is not as charming as the other Aardman films and also it is too male centric.
Python Hyena
Arthur Christmas (2011): Dir: Sarah Smith / Voices: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Ashley Jensen: This holiday gem addresses the idea of Santa as oppose to what we view as a figure. Arthur is Santa's son who answers every letter. His older brother Steve has advanced the North Pole past sleighs and reindeer to a massive ship that he can communicate with from the North Pole. He hopes to be the next Santa since his father has just completed his 70th year on the mission. Central plot regards a gift that was accidentally not delivered. Arthur is frantic and sees every child as valuable. Steve however, sees this as petty and that mistakes sometimes occur. Arthur sets out with his grandfather who still conceals the old sleigh and reindeer, and they set off to deliver that one gift before sunrise. Director Sarah Smith is backed with an interesting concept but the structure is just one mistake after another although the landing is Africa is hilarious. The ending is to no surprise, and the whole issue of Santa's legacy goes against traditional narratives but the digital world presented is sparkling and a sight to behold. James McAvoy voices the resourceful Arthur whose Christmas spirit flourishes without restrain. Hugh Laurie voices Steve whose frustration leads to compromise until he faces facts. Jim Broadbent voices Santa who may need to hand down his duties. Bill Nighy voices grand-Santa who believes in tradition. Finally there is Ashley Jensen who plays a high spirited elf. Exciting holiday animation about our image of Santa verses his spirit of giving. Score: 7 / 10
morrison-dylan-fan
Searching round on Netflix UK,I decided to take a look at their "Festive Features" section and I spotted a Christmas movie from Aardman Animation,which led to me getting ready to meet Arthur.The plot:Working in the letters department, Arthur Claus looks up in awe at his dad Malcolm,who is the latest member of the family to take the role of Santa.Needing to give every child a present,Santa and his other son Steve design space ships which allow them to travel the world in record time.Relying on machines to keep track of the presents being dropped off,the Christmas's and their elves do not notice that they have forgotten to deliver one present.Expecting to be given the job of new Santa,Steve is disappointed to find out that Malcolm plans to continue being Santa for years to come.Cleaning up the place,an elf discovers the undelivered present. Worried about how upset the child will be,Arthur decides that they must get the present to the child right away,but soon discovers that the rest of the family lack his Christmas Spirit.View on the film:Changing their animation method from clay stop-motion to CGI,co- writer/(along with Peter Baynham) director Sarah Smith and fellow director Barry Cook keep Aardman's distinctive features intact,as speedy whip-pans catch every wide-tooth grin and extra large eyes,whilst the Claus workshop gets filled with Aardman's trademark background gags which make repeat viewings of their works a Christmas cracker worth pulling. Following the Claus's (and the elves) on their deliveries,the directors make each location wonderfully distinctive,as the sleight goes from the dizzying lights of Toronto to the scorching hot jungles of Africa.Opening with a gallery featuring the history of Santa's,the writers deliciously keep the warm Christmas message intact,but hilariously show Santa trying to modernise his operations,that lead to all of the Claus's having to dust off their old ways,as they each struggle to get the hang of the Santa Sat-Nav.Walking round in a X-Mas jumper, James McAvoy gives a great performance as Arthur,thanks to McAvoy making sure to keep Arthur's passion for Christmas sincere rather than twee.Joining McAvoy in his X-Mas jumper, Hugh Laurie gives a very funny huff & puff performance as Steve,whilst Jim Broadbent is the perfect fit for the voice of the Aardman Santa.
rbn_lrk-1
It's not Arthur from the 2011 remake.Not either Arthur from TV.This is the story of Arthur the son Santa Clause.In this version Santa Clause and his friends are living on a spaceship.The minions are using the latest technology, as they are traveling out to deliver presents.But, a child is missing as Arthur and his friends travels around the globe to find Trelew.That ranks from being stranded in Africa, and Trelew in Mexico too.The characters are fun and lively, and there are also a lot of emotion.In the animation category it's top notch.From the various gizmo's, and to the spaceship.This was worth the Golden Globe nomination.10/10
