Now, being big fans of a certain Grinch that stole Christmas, we`re not going to judge this movie based on its jaded premise. To be fair, Arthur Christmas is an extravaganza of 3D visual effects, a well-packaged simulacra of Christmas cheer. In fact, its premise seems to be built around the sole purpose of showcasing these very effects, rather than evoking the sense of nostalgia often associated with the season. After all, when a movie has a plot that revolves around the notion that Santa Claus isn`t a person rather than a capitalist family enterprise, run like a paramilitary organisation (complete with Die-Hard spoofing elves), its creators are probably not too concerned about maintaining the traditional festive spirit.
The only shreds of Christmas cheer apparent in the movie are draped around the digital shoulders of its gangly protagonist, the younger son of Santa, Arthur Christmas (voiced by James Mcavoy) who, sadly, comes across as a bit too incompetent to be any good at evoking anything other than mild irritation. Arthur Christmas` Mission Impossible for the film is to deliver a Christmas present to a child who has been overlooked by his overachieving big brother Steve (Hugh Laurie), an event that`s apparently as disastrous for the PR of Santa Incorporated as harpooning dolphins is for the Japanese.
While the film creators do make some attempt at injecting notions of family values into the movie, the film relies on its frenetic pace and stellar animation sequences to maintain the viewers` emotional interest. The film`s deranged humour is snigger-worthy, but occasionally feels about as mean-spirited as lacing Santa`s ginger snaps with arsenic.
Too juvenile for the jaded, and a tad too cynical for the kids at heart, Arthur Christmas is like a holographic Christmas tree: an interesting simulation that`s almost like the real thing… as long as you squint and don`t get too close.
SUMMARY: An interesting, albeit cynical take on Christmas.
RATING: 3 out of 5 stars
Raphael Lim