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Coming to Blu-ray and DVD-The Impossible
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MAKING FILM SCHOLARSHIP FUN
Now on DVD/Blu-ray—This Is 40
Playing Nationwide: On the Road
Celeste and Jesse Forever on DVD and Blu ...
Photographic Memory—Now on DVD and Blu-R ...
HOORAY FOR 1933—EIGHTY YEARS LATERArthur Christmas—movie review
I also admire the fact that the film retains a distinctly British personality, and the kind of odd, eccentric character design we’ve come to expect from Aardman. There is nothing remotely conventional about the look of these figures, including Santa Claus, which reminds us that we’re watching a cartoon—not a replica of real life. (Credit goes, at least in part, to Peter De Seve, the gifted artist and illustrator who has done design work for Blue Sky and Pixar as well.)
The voice cast (which also includes Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Claus and Ashley Jensen as a determined elf named Bryony) is so exceptional that simply listening to' Arthur Christmas' is a treat. If there were an award for best animated voice ensemble they would win in an instant.
The opening sequence, establishing the methodology of Santa and his army of elves, is a bit frantic, especially in 3-D, but once the story-proper begins the staging and timing are right on the money. If I had my druthers I’d prefer seeing all Aardman films populated with clay figures like Wallace and Gromit, but I can’t complain when this movie makes such engaging use of CGI.
It doesn’t seem possible after such an unexceptional year that we could get three wonderful family films (this 'Hugo', and 'The Muppets') in the same week, but I am not inclined to look this gift horse in the mouth. Let’s just say that our holiday presents have arrived early.
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7 Comments
bob | January 5, 2012 6:32 AM
i love this its cool !!
grace | January 5, 2012 6:27 AM
this is a great movie !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Norm | December 27, 2011 1:34 PM
Not encumbered by political correctness has its advantages. I suppose that the creators of Wallace & Gromit ,whom I personally admire are frought with creative and interesting ideas. The Tale of the Wererabbit is one of my favorites, mostly for its ingenuity and heartfelt storyline.
Arthur Christmas gets high ratings, but does life have to be complete with a toy...I wonder...
sierra | December 17, 2011 9:02 PM
I wish I can see you moive and I am 10 years old and I wand a puppy for christmas
Christine | November 29, 2011 12:16 AM
I chuckled out loud numerous times during the movie. It's a delight--one of my favorite movies of the year.
mike schlesinger | November 23, 2011 3:42 PM
I'll go further than that. I think it's the best animated Christmas movie EVER. And Bryony is my new hero. All together now: "There's always time for a bow!"