Arthur Christmas Reviews

There are moments of charm and it is a sweet story which kids might find entertaining enough, but chances are they will become just as restless as my crowd as the film stretches on.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4

Arthur Christmas strains so much to be a postmodern Yuletide yarn that it forsakes the much-needed sprinkle of Christmas spirit and concedes too much of the Santa myth in the process.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5

The movie's idea that Santa and his elves have turned the distribution of presents every Dec. 24 into a major military operation makes me more than a tad uneasy.

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An animated kiddie comedy that delivers all the wonder you'd expect in a movie about a guy delivering one package.

Full Review | Original Score: 0.5/4

...a disappointing Christmas movie that never quite comes together. There just isn't enough Christmas cheer.

Full Review | Original Score: C-

Good for a smile and a headache.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4

Another family holiday flick that disappoints rather than delights.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5

An absolutely disastrous piece of work...

Full Review | Original Score: 1/4

So thoroughly lacking the distinctive charm, wit and heart of Aardman's best work that it could have been made by anyone.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5

Watching Arthur Christmas is like doing your holiday shopping on Dec. 23: fun and frantic, exciting and maddening. You come away feeling warm-hearted and exhausted, wondering if more forethought might have led to a smoother, more satisfying experience.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4

The movie fails utterly at coming up with a story that merits all the eye candy.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4

There's some great stuff here... What's missing is the delightful Britishness of Nick Park's films.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5

A new Christmas classic.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

Arthur Christmas is a smart, funny, heartwarming story that will have you smile from ear-to-ear for the film's duration.

Full Review | Original Score: 9/10

The surprise gift of the season: a sharp, savvy holiday comedy that doesn't get its laughs at the expense of those who start to glow in the early days of December. It's a most entertaining package indeed.

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Crafted with authentic joy, performed by lively actors and subtly imbued with jokes for all ages, those who catch Arthur Christmas may find themselves returning every season.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

The animation itself is beautiful and delightfully detailed, and the 3D is of the rare breed that makes the supposed "gimmick" look to have real value, the bow on top of the already lovely present that is Arthur Christmas.

Full Review | Original Score: A-

A charming and inventive exploration of the mysterious workings of Santa, his sons and his elves. This animated tale is sure to be popular for Christmases to come.

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It's just plain charming. And between you and me, I got misty at the end too.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

In a season unexpectedly full of quality family films, Arthur Christmas may have to fight for the attention it deserves, but if there was ever an example of a film that's a crowd-pleaser without talking down to its audience, this is it.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4