It had everything you want a movie to have. There were messages of morality – of brotherly love; pride in and respect for your parents; commitment to getting a job done; appreciation for the elderly. There was humor – that kids could get and parents would enjoy. And there were elves. Thousands of them. What’s not to love?
The premise of the movie is Santa – who has an heir and a spare. Steve, the heir, is a techno-savvy sophisticate, with a Santa suit from Armani waiting for the day that his father passes the Santa mantle to him. The spare is Arthur, a bumbling but lovable son, dedicated not only to Santa, but to the IDEA of Santa. We all know that Santa can get to every child in one night, and this movie shows you what happens when one child is missed.
The movie is a reminder of what Christmas is all about – the spirit of giving, the kindness of heart, and the love of family – even if the family is a wee bit dysfunctional. And it’s darn funny in doing it.
I know it’s after Christmas, but this is just the time to be reminded of your holiday spirit. The gifts are nothing but piles of empty boxes, scattered toys, and unopened socks. You’re down to the Christmas cookies no one likes and the ham bone that you promise you’ll make bean soup with. Tomorrow.
Go see Arthur Christmas. I rank it right up there with Elf as one of my must see Christmas movies from this point forward.