Is this Christmas on Netflix the Love Actually of animation? (critical)
Richard Curtis co-signed the screenplay for this ensemble film made for the end-of-year holidays.
Screenwriter – and sometimes director – of the best romantic comedies of the last thirty years (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually, Love at First Sight in Notting Hill…), Richard Curtis launches into animation and co-signs the script of That Christmasadapted from his trilogy of children’s books, That Christmas and Other Stories. A pure seasonal tale which plays with the imagery of the end of year celebrations (garlands, gifts, etc.) and takes place in a charming little English town, cut off from the world by a snowstorm. Perfect pretext for Curtis to tackle a choral story as he likes, where we meet kids left to their own devices on Christmas Eve, parents stuck in a van, a very lonely schoolteacher and the Santa Claus (voiced by Brian Cox) who makes a mistake when delivering the presents…
Cute but a little lazy concept from the English studio Locksmith, to whom we already owe Ron Unblockssublime yet with a touch as familiar as it is unique, both realistic (the settings full of details) and cartoonish (the very Pixar faces). The touches of humor are well measured, and the author’s ability to sketch out his characters in a few lines chases away boredom and excess marshmallow. As long as you tolerate the magical resolutions of somewhat heavy themes, such as mourning or loneliness, thanks to the spirit of Christmas…
In short, a film that wants to be 100% feel good and the virtual assurance of having a nice time with the family. But if you haven’t already seen it, prefer the other, more ambitious one Klaus on the same platform.
That Christmasavailable on Netflix. By Simon Otto, with the voices in original version of Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker… Duration: 1 hour 31 minutes.
