Arthur Christmas

Bright, witty, and delightfully off-kilter, this animated holiday film reflects the unique spirit of Britain's Aardman Animations, home of Wallace and Gromit. The clever script is inspired by questions that any intelligent child might ask about Santa Claus: namely, how can Santa's career have stretched over so many centuries, and how can the old gent possibly visit every house in a single night? The answers are that Santa (voiced by Jim Broadbent) is but the latest in a long family line of jolly red-suited gift-givers, and he's become a mere figurehead to a mechanized delivery operation directed with military precision by his eldest son and heir-apparent, Steve (Hugh Laurie). Via a huge red spaceship, the presents are placed beneath the proper trees by well-trained elves who rappel down to the ground on long lines like commandos. Unfortunately, one gift fails to be delivered, and Arthur (James McAvoy)—Santa's gangly, good-natured younger son—is determined to rectify the omission, setting off with his sassy grandpa (Bill Nighy) in the old reindeer-powered sleigh. Many misadventures occur along the way in this action-filled, heartwarming Christmas winner. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)