On its release back in 2011, Arthur Christmas was lauded mostly by critics, but it sadly under-performed in the box office, thanks to heavy competition. Yet, throughout the years, it received traction on home release and was lauded as an underrated (and must-see) Christmas classic.
Its timeless Christmas message, eye-popping animation, and inventive sequences elevated it above other Christmas movies. Even with its flaws, it cannot be denied that this piece of animation from British stop-motion experts Aardman and Sony Pictures is a cult holiday classic in the making. Here are the five reasons why Arthur Christmas is a supreme holiday classic and five why it definitely isn’t.
Reasons It Isn’t: Character Designs
Arthur Christmas is Aardman’s second venture to animation. Their CGI effort, Flushed Away, incorporated Aardman’s signature plasticine designs and animated movements that adds charm to the movie. Arthur Christmas similarly placed their signature style to the movie. However, the end design varied this time.
The facial outlook, with the small eyes and the oddly shaped heads, may look obviously cartoony, disproportioned and distracting in every level. This is obvious on the elves and even Arthur.
Reasons It Is: Crisp Animation
But regardless of the odd character designs, the overall animation is top-notch. Colorful and creative, the other designs are sights to see. From the technologically advanced North Pole to the global locations that Arthur, Grandsanta and Bryony went, the settings had their distinctive takes to it.
However, the moment when the animation is put to full advantage is the opening Christmas Eve delivery sequence, which needs a longer discussion of how incredibly unique it is.
Reasons It Isn’t: Box-Office Performance
This movie was released on an extremely busy weekend when The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 was the reigning champion in the box office. It did not help when it was released on the same weekend as the equally great The Muppets and Hugo. It also faced fierce competition with another animated family film in Happy Feet Two.
In the end, it was placed #4 on the 4-day Thanksgiving weekend with $13.9 million. That’s almost as cold as the Christmas weather.
Reasons It Is: Vocal Performances
Arthur Christmas boasted an all-star voice cast. Per usual for the Bristol-based animation studio, it gathered talented heavyweights from the heartland. These included Hugh Laurie as Arthur’s competitive brother Steve, Imelda Staunton as the caring Mrs. Claus, Ashley Jensen as the skillful elf stowaway Bryony and Jim Broadbent as the gregarious current Santa Claus.
But the best of the cast are James McAvoy as the titular Arthur and Bill Nighy as the cranky 136-year-old Grandsanta. Those are two extremely talented actors who lend their best to every performance they approach.
Reasons It Isn’t: Grandsanta’s Character
Speaking of, the character of the 136-year-old is a rather sour one. He is first seen lounging on a recliner, watching his son perform his duties and complaining about the modernization of the operation.
If that were not dispiriting enough, his motives behind helping Arthur deliver the missed present came off as mean-spirited, since it is to prove that his old-fashioned ways are effective and to leverage his ego. In the end, he is forgiven.
Reasons It Is: The Entire Gift Delivery Sequence
To show the delivery process’ modernization, the operation would obviously involve a technically advanced sleigh (or aircraft). Cue Mission: Impossible-inspired operation with neat equipment and stealthy elves. While Santa Claus gave out the signals, it was Steve who spearheaded the elves’ movements and the oversight of their command center.
The end result is a cleverly choreographed standout sequence, filled with ingenious gags. The heist-like sequence of depowering a toy is also a highly tensed scene.
Reasons It Isn’t: Plot Hole About Santa’s Delivery
While the Santa delivery portion is one of the best elements of the movie, it also leaves an afterthought as to how come the Santa and the elves are left undetected by the public or any public authority (other than NORAD).
There was public coverage of the traces that Arthur and company left on the way to Gwen’s house. But it left a crucial aspect to consider in Christmas: not everyone is asleep after midnight.
Reasons It Is: Arthur’s Character
The character of Arthur is one of the most sympathetic characters to emulate, even beyond Christmas season. While he is clumsy, he is compassionate, enthusiastic, good-intentioned, and kind.
For starters, he is assigned to the mailroom to answer every letter sent by the children of the world. Thus, he understands children the most. This summed up to his noble intentions to deliver the missed present: to fulfill a child’s hope and spread true Christmas spirit.
Reasons It Isn’t: Justin Bieber’s Rendition Of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”
While the bad reasons are excusable that it does not detract from the movie’s overall experience, the blatant addition of Justin Bieber’s rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” to the movie’s credits is inexcusable.
In what should be a timeless classic, the movie sure did incorporate a version of a Christmas song from a pop star, who was an unstoppable presence at that time. His rendition meanwhile is a generic kidz-bop commercially-viable product.
Reasons It Is: The Message
The true reason why Arthur Christmas is designated as an underrated classic is its message. The conflict underneath is a competition of which Santa Claus is worthy of holding the title, with Steve for his innovation, Malcolm for his self-worth, and Grandsanta for his conventions.
Yet, Arthur never sought glory or title, only a good heart to help spread joy to every child in the world. And regardless of the Santa Claus mantle, he would do everything to help children, especially to one child who might not see her gift. That selfless heart made Arthur a compelling Christmas character and for the movie to contain an encouraging message this season.
