Klaus

A beauty. What a lovely, charming and clever film. <em>'Klaus'</em> took my interest and then some, I was locked in from the start. It's terrific, with some excellent hand-drawn animation. The cast, led by Jason Schwartzman, do very good jobs, also. I loved seeing it connect all the dots of Santa, Christmas et al. If you think about it, it's actually rather simple but it's done in a smart and pleasant way. The ending is particularly sweet. Away from the heart, it also has humour and the pacing is absolutely spot on. Schwartzman is entertaining as Jesper, with J. K. Simmons doing a very solid job as Klaus. I also enjoyed Joan Cusack as Tammy. The cast are probably down the pecking order of this film's pluses, but that's only due to its other, more noticeable positives. Always pleasing to see a great animated film away from Disney, if only to create important competition for the latter.

"Jesper" is a sort of "Verruca Salt" type of character. He's spoilt and lazy and lives the life of Riley because his father indulges him. Finally, though, his Postmaster General dad decides it's time for his son to stand on his own to feet. Well more likely skis, as he's dispatched to a remote island well above the Arctic Circle - think Svalbard but without the polar bears - and told that he has one year to deal with 6,000 letters or he is done. No more living the high life. Upon arrival in this community that makes the "OK Corral" look like the "Waltons", he is soon embroiled in some local conflict and swiftly realises that nobody here cares less about the postal service. Curiously enough, amidst all this lawlessness, there is a teacher called "Alva" who sort of takes pity on him and stops him freezing to death, and then there is the enigmatic woodcutter "Klaus" who lives in the forest amidst a collection of his own hand-made toys. Now at this point, you can guess pretty much where we are heading but I didn't think that predictability really mattered. This is more of a characterful story that combines some quite innovative explanations for some of the more fantastical Christmas fairy tales with a tale of human inter-reliance; ancient grudges that have long since become pointlessly (and perilously) self-perpetuating and there is also plenty to giggle at as the snow gets into just about everywhere - as does "Jesper". Intentionally or not, this entertainingly animated adventure also reminded me of the days when we actually wrote letters, bought a stamp and then posted them. I'm not sure I've bought a stamp in a decade, much less written a letter by hand. It's that quaintness that worked here for me; a nostalgia for things past but also for things that could still be reclaimed if only we'd stop for a while and take stock. I was a little disappointed with the conclusion, but I did enjoy the journey of self-realisation on display here that left me with that mulled wine feeling - and boy must he have had enough splinters to bring a tear to the eye.

**Klaus reinvents the classics of Christmas with charm and creativity. It belongs on your holiday tradition list.** Klaus is a surprisingly sweet and heartwarming animated Christmas story that reimagines Santa's origins. The story is unique and creative, standing out from many other Santa Christmas cartoons. The animation style creates the feel of a living storybook, and the voice actors delightfully march the lighthearted tone of the crazy little town of Smeerensburg. Klaus leaves its audience feeling cozy, nostalgic, and content. This will be on the yearly Christmas holiday watchlist in my home.