- Film Review
- Reviewed By Karen Krizanovich
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3 out of 5
This seasonal animated offering from Aardman has all the hallmarks of being a perennial festive favourite. James McAvoy voices gangly young Arthur, who is overcome by enthusiasm for the gift-giving season, as his father, the current Santa (Jim Broadbent), slowly creeps towards retirement. But the hi-tech operation to deliver billions of presents in one night comes unstuck when it's discovered that one little girl hasn't received anything, which prompts Arthur and the irascible Grandsanta (Bill Nighy) to leap into action and do things the old-fashioned way. Terrific characters and a wonderful mash-up of old and new holiday traditions give this family feast a real sense of occasion, while the animation is inspired and breathtakingly inventive. Sadly, the script by Peter Baynham does tend to meander in the middle, and this is likely to make younger viewers rather restless. However, our titular hero, with his wonderful holiday jumper, makes a big impression in his colourful film debut.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Arthur
- James McAvoy
- Steve
- Hugh Laurie
- Santa
- Jim Broadbent
- Grandsanta
- Bill Nighy
- Mrs Santa
- Imelda Staunton
- Bryony
- Ashley Jensen
- Santa elf 1
- Matt Lucas
- Santa elf 2
- Johnny Brennan
- American James
- Will Sasso
- Gwen
- Ramona Marquez
Crew
- Director
- Sarah Smith (2)
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