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Claus Encounters

What if Santa weren't just one person, but a title passed down from generation to generation, father to son? That simple premise provides the basis for "Arthur Christmas," the latest film from Aardman Animation ("Flushed Away," "Chicken Run"). The current reigning Santa (Jim Broadbent) is getting a bit long in the tooth as his oldest son Steve (Hugh Laurie), an efficiency expert with a flair for high tech solutions, prepares to takes the reigns. Meanwhile Steve's younger brother Arthur, a klutz with a big heart, works tirelessly in the letters department replying to the endless letters to Santa from children all over the world.

Upon completion of his 70th Christmas, the current Santa decides not to step down after all, leading to much consternation from his loyal number one son. And when gift-wrapping elf Bryony (Ashley Jensen) learns that a child has been missed - a toy has gone undelivered! - Santa and Steve write it off as an unavoidable error, impossible to correct, but ultimately unimportant. And this is where Arthur comes in.

Having personally responded to the missed child's letter, Arthur feels that it is essential to make good on the promise to deliver the child's gift. Eccentric (OK, slightly crazed) grandfather (Bill Nighy), aka "Grand Santa" is only too willing to help in Arthur's quest, if only to remind the new generation that the old ways worked just fine. Instead of commandeering the magnificent, massive high tech S3000 space ship used to deliver toys currently, Grand Santa breaks out his trusty old wooden sleigh, some past-their-prime reindeer and some magic dust. With the help of Bryony, the trio set out in a valiant attempt to make things right.

They have many misadventures on the way, getting lost and getting spotted - and even shot at - by the military (disguising the sleigh as both a train and later a flying saucer as cover), but it's the journey that makes the tale interesting. Along the way, each of the Santas -- Grand Santa, Santa, Steve and even young Arthur all come to realize what really matters -- the happiness of a child and the sanctity of that child's faith and belief in Santa. It's a film about using your gifts and talents responsibly and following your heart, no matter how scary or dangerous a path it may lead you down

I honestly wasn't expecting much from the film. I had thought it might be one of those movies where all the good parts were crammed into the trailer. But I was pleasantly surprised at just how entertaining it was. It is a bit schmaltzy and tugs on the heartstrings a little obviously at times, but the outstanding voice talent, clever dialogue and top-notch animation combined to make this a supremely enjoyable film (and it didn't hurt that my 6-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son enjoyed it immensely as well).  While the storyline is easily followed by smaller viewers, adults will get a chuckle out of the tale and the dialogue as well, particularly the one-liners delivered by Mr. Nighy's Grand Santa.

I attended a screening of the film in 3D, and had previously seen a 20-minute preview of the film in 2D at Sony Pictures' screening room in New York City.  The 3D version is definitely superior.  Aardman and director Sarah Smith use the 3D effect cleverly, but judiciously to impart a sense of depth and immediacy to the image, without being too gimmicky or "in your face."

All in all, it's an excellent kickoff to the Christmas season and one that is sure to entertain viewers, both young and old.