Get Santa

Christopher Smith, the British writer/director behind horror films Creep and Severance, has created a Christmas tale that has a slightly rougher edge than usual, yet still brims with good will to all men - even hardened criminals. Rafe Spall gives a touching, dry-witted portrayal of an ex-con who's keen to spend time with his nine-year-old son (the sprightly Kit Connor) after years behind bars. But after Santa crashes his sleigh and ends up in the boy's garden shed, Spall's plans for a nice day out turn into a screwball search for some missing reindeer. Jim Broadbent is hilarious as the bearded one, who ends up in the clink and then tries to pass himself off as tough guy "Mad Jimmy Claws". Inevitably, though, he draws out the softer side of the other inmates, including Stephen Graham and Warwick Davis (who doesn't appreciate being called an elf). Smith uses light and shade to great effect, and counters the testosterone with a magical detour to Lapland and a night-time sleigh ride over London, making this a delightful new spin on an old festive formula.