Klaus Movie Review
A simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg’s new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.
Why did I watch this movie again?
Okay, so it’s a movie on Netflix, not in the theater. So sue me. I actually watched it because a couple of friends recommended it. I was expecting a cute holiday movie. Which is what I got. Mostly.
4 of 5
Characters
This might be the weak point in the film. While both Jesper and Klaus had character arcs, they were all but hidden away behind the beautiful animation and the clever inclusion of the origins of so many of our modern Santa Claus traditions.
Each of their arcs were by the numbers, but almost painfully so. I would have loved a little more here.
4 of 5
Did I care what happened?
Once I figured out this was more like The Nightmare Before Christmas rather than The Santa Clause, then I couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen.
4 of 5
Plot Holes
There were a few, but since it’s a kids movie, and they don’t generally care about ticky-tacky things, I didn’t bother to remember any specifically.
4 of 5
How many times did I yawn?
Not once.
5 of 5
Cool Factor
Old school, hand animation is kind of dying off, but this film brought it back in all its beauty! The main traits of each character were exaggerated through the animation, which was awesome. The style was mesmerizing. I had to pull a blanket on while watching it, because the town was so cold.
Also, the writers obviously had a great time tying in the origins of a bunch of our Santa Claus mythos. I laughed out loud when Jasper, on the fly, told the kids that they had to be nice in order to get presents. It was hilarious.
The humor was great too. Maybe a little dark for younger or more sensitive kids, but if they can handle The Nightmare Before Christmas, then they’ll be fine with this.
5 of 5
The End
Well, I cried, so there’s that.
The twist during the last sequence seemed obvious to me, and I was disappointed that Jesper didn’t catch on. This is where I thought they failed with the character arc. Let the guy get a little smarter as well as compassionate.
Overall it worked, and the kids will love it, but I thought it was a bit see-through.
4 of 5
Overall Enjoyment
The second it finished I wanted to start it again. I’m trying to figure out how to get the hubby to watch it with me, because I think he’ll actually like it. So I guess you could say I enjoyed it. Then again, I’m a sucker for animation. Toss in humor and some clever writing, and I’m gone.
5 of 5
35
That’s a Brown Belt!
