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Klaus - Certifiable Christmas Classic
lt's that time of the year again. Our screens, both big and small, are inundated with mediocre Christmas movies.
On the big screen, the erstwhile mother of dragons brings us Last Christmas.
Disney + has Noelle, led by the dynamic (and insanely likeable) duo of Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader. Netflix, as per norm, has flung everything but the kitchen sink into its Christmastime programming - Holiday in The Wild, Let it Snow, The Knight Before Christmas - you name it, they've got it.
Here's the thing, though; over the years, we've been badgered with an endless procession of aggressively pedestrian Christmas movies, and this year's stock doesn't appear to be any different; there is no diamond in the rough.
Or so l thought.
Enter Klaus.
Before I go any further, I'll say this - Klaus is the best Christmas movie you'll see this year. Of that, I have no doubt. This is a certifiable future classic.
Don't watch the trailer. Don't read up on the movie. And that's not because this Santa Claus origin story has Shyamalan level twists, but because the novelty of a story like this is in enjoying the little moments of clarity - viewing with a satisfied smile as pieces of the Santa puzzle come together. The trailer spoils a lot of those little beats. Here’s a brief logline to get you up to speed:
"When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.”
You know how this goes. Klaus isn't trying to reinvent the wheel, and unpredictability isn't one of its virtues, but it is confident in the story it wants to tell and does so in a delightfully heartwarming manner.
So watch Klaus.
Watch it for the resplendent yet simple 2D animation style that harkens back to animated classics of yesteryear such as Atlantis and Treasure Planet.
Watch it for the dollops of tenderness. This is an endearing movie immaculately engineered to tug at your heartstrings. Klaus will make you feel like you're basking underneath the soothing light of a warm sun.
Watch it for the wonderful vocal performances of Jason Schwartzman, (J)ust(K)eep Simmons, Rashida Jones, Joan Cusack and the inimitable Norm McDonald.
Watch it for the heart-swelling rendition of Zara Larsson's 'Invisible'
Like all great Christmas movies (Yes, even Die Hard), Klaus is a story that celebrates the virtues of friendship, family and kindness (Okay, maybe not Die Hard). lt's an earnest tale and one that is easy to fall in love with.
I certainly did. I hope you do too.
C.C D Telegram - @FellowshipoftheScreen