Personally I'm not a huge Sony Pictures Animation fan. Most of the time, they just made terrible movies, like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, the Smurfs, Hotel Transylvania, the Emoji Movie, the Star, and the upcoming Peter Rabbit film. BUT not all Sony Animation films suck. This is why we even had good films, like Surf's Up, the Pirates! Band of Misfits, and Goosebumps.And then, we have Arthur Christmas. It may not be the only Sony film associated with Aardman Animations, BUT it's certainly my favorite. I love the Pirates! too, but this movie is why Christmas is one of my favorite holidays in history.It has a very engaging story, witty humor, drama that makes sense, wonderful characters, and beautiful animation. The only flaw I have with the animation if the face designs: the big noses and small eyes. It works on Santa and Grand-Santa, but NOT the rest, ESPECIALLY the elves, who rip-off Prep and Landing.As much as I really love this film, the only flaw I have with this in general is that god awful song by Justin Bieber. I HATE Justin Bieber. His songs are some of THE worst that I have ever listened to. I don't know why they used Justin Bieber's version of Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.Other than that, I really love this movie. One of the best animated films I have ever seen. Hands down!! If you love Christmas, I bet you'll love this film.

Arthur Christmas (2011): Dir: Sarah Smith / Voices: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Ashley Jensen: This holiday gem addresses the idea of Santa as oppose to what we view as a figure. Arthur is Santa's son who answers every letter. His older brother Steve has advanced the North Pole past sleighs and reindeer to a massive ship that he can communicate with from the North Pole. He hopes to be the next Santa since his father has just completed his 70th year on the mission. Central plot regards a gift that was accidentally not delivered. Arthur is frantic and sees every child as valuable. Steve however, sees this as petty and that mistakes sometimes occur. Arthur sets out with his grandfather who still conceals the old sleigh and reindeer, and they set off to deliver that one gift before sunrise. Director Sarah Smith is backed with an interesting concept but the structure is just one mistake after another although the landing is Africa is hilarious. The ending is to no surprise, and the whole issue of Santa's legacy goes against traditional narratives but the digital world presented is sparkling and a sight to behold. James McAvoy voices the resourceful Arthur whose Christmas spirit flourishes without restrain. Hugh Laurie voices Steve whose frustration leads to compromise until he faces facts. Jim Broadbent voices Santa who may need to hand down his duties. Bill Nighy voices grand-Santa who believes in tradition. Finally there is Ashley Jensen who plays a high spirited elf. Exciting holiday animation about our image of Santa verses his spirit of giving. Score: 7 / 10

Searching round on Netflix UK,I decided to take a look at their "Festive Features" section and I spotted a Christmas movie from Aardman Animation,which led to me getting ready to meet Arthur.The plot:Working in the letters department, Arthur Claus looks up in awe at his dad Malcolm,who is the latest member of the family to take the role of Santa.Needing to give every child a present,Santa and his other son Steve design space ships which allow them to travel the world in record time.Relying on machines to keep track of the presents being dropped off,the Christmas's and their elves do not notice that they have forgotten to deliver one present.Expecting to be given the job of new Santa,Steve is disappointed to find out that Malcolm plans to continue being Santa for years to come.Cleaning up the place,an elf discovers the undelivered present. Worried about how upset the child will be,Arthur decides that they must get the present to the child right away,but soon discovers that the rest of the family lack his Christmas Spirit.View on the film:Changing their animation method from clay stop-motion to CGI,co- writer/(along with Peter Baynham) director Sarah Smith and fellow director Barry Cook keep Aardman's distinctive features intact,as speedy whip-pans catch every wide-tooth grin and extra large eyes,whilst the Claus workshop gets filled with Aardman's trademark background gags which make repeat viewings of their works a Christmas cracker worth pulling. Following the Claus's (and the elves) on their deliveries,the directors make each location wonderfully distinctive,as the sleight goes from the dizzying lights of Toronto to the scorching hot jungles of Africa.Opening with a gallery featuring the history of Santa's,the writers deliciously keep the warm Christmas message intact,but hilariously show Santa trying to modernise his operations,that lead to all of the Claus's having to dust off their old ways,as they each struggle to get the hang of the Santa Sat-Nav.Walking round in a X-Mas jumper, James McAvoy gives a great performance as Arthur,thanks to McAvoy making sure to keep Arthur's passion for Christmas sincere rather than twee.Joining McAvoy in his X-Mas jumper, Hugh Laurie gives a very funny huff & puff performance as Steve,whilst Jim Broadbent is the perfect fit for the voice of the Aardman Santa.

Arthur Christmas takes a familiar, clichéd Christmas story and makes it its own by adding a futuristic, high-tech element. Times have moved on from the Reindeer and Sleigh routine and how now been replaced & upgraded with technology. The Sleigh has been replaced by a spaceship/air craft & Santa has the help of 1000's of Elves, with tablets & GPS devices when delivering presents. Christmas is now a military operation!Santa arrives back at the North pole after delivering all the presents and the celebrations are cut short as it comes to light that they have missed a child! There is one Child in Cornwall, England who is going to wake up Christmas morning, without a present from Santa. Arthur (Santa's youngest son) takes it upon himself to deliver this present the old fashioned way, with a Sleigh and Reindeer! Off he sets with his grandfather & a Scottish Elf from Packing named Bryony. This is where the movie really begins! The movie is fast paced and straight from the first scene is sucks you in and keeps your attention throughout.This movie received some criticism for its different approach but I honestly don't understand why. Yes it has a modern day twist but the message is always there from the start, no matter how many gadgets & technology is used, the old fashioned way will never let you down!Arthur Christmas offers great festive fun with some good laughs and a great British cast. I make sure I watch it every Christmas & I'm sure it will be remembered for many years to come.8/10