Fresh and Exciting

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

'Arthur Christmas (2011)' is a surprisingly charming, wholesomely entertaining and sparsely funnily family film that spreads 'Christmas cheer' without forcing it down your throat, projecting its keen underdog themes with a visual flair and familial splendour. The voice-cast is splendid, too, breathing life into the imaginatively re-imagined classic 'Christmas' characters, and it's really these believably home-spun players that tie the affair together to make it the relatively heart-warming and enjoyable experience it actually is. 7/10

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.

Personally I'm not a huge Sony Pictures Animation fan. Most of the time, they just made terrible movies, like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, the Smurfs, Hotel Transylvania, the Emoji Movie, the Star, and the upcoming Peter Rabbit film. BUT not all Sony Animation films suck. This is why we even had good films, like Surf's Up, the Pirates! Band of Misfits, and Goosebumps.And then, we have Arthur Christmas. It may not be the only Sony film associated with Aardman Animations, BUT it's certainly my favorite. I love the Pirates! too, but this movie is why Christmas is one of my favorite holidays in history.It has a very engaging story, witty humor, drama that makes sense, wonderful characters, and beautiful animation. The only flaw I have with the animation if the face designs: the big noses and small eyes. It works on Santa and Grand-Santa, but NOT the rest, ESPECIALLY the elves, who rip-off Prep and Landing.As much as I really love this film, the only flaw I have with this in general is that god awful song by Justin Bieber. I HATE Justin Bieber. His songs are some of THE worst that I have ever listened to. I don't know why they used Justin Bieber's version of Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.Other than that, I really love this movie. One of the best animated films I have ever seen. Hands down!! If you love Christmas, I bet you'll love this film.

The role of Santa has been passed down from father to son since the first Saint Nick. North Pole is a highly organized high-tech gift-delivery home base for Santa under the snow. After 70 years, his type-A son Steve expects him to retire but he doesn't. His other son is the bumbling Arthur Christmas. There is one missed delivery and Steve claims it's impossible to deliver it with the limited time remaining. Santa agrees but Arthur is unwilling to let it go. With the help of Grandpa and the older sleigh, he intends to complete the mission.I love the dysfunctional Santa family. It's a fun take. It's also clever and fresh. The highly inappropriate old fashion Grandpa Santa is hilarious. Arthur is likable. There isn't really an evil villain. This is just a bickering family that ultimately loves each other. It's a lot of fun, joy, happiness, heart and family.