Harry Situation Reviews: Klaus
It's probably a little blasphamous of me to review a Christmas movie a day before Thanksgiving... but from all the good stuff I’ve been hearing about this one, I’ll make an exception.
Klaus is an animated film released on Netflix, and it’s a new take on the origins of Santa Claus. The story centers around a spoiled young man named Jesper (voiced by Jason Schwartzman), who is given a position as a postman in a small town. The only problem is that the town generally hates each other and is at constant war with on another. But Jesper befriends a reclusive craftsman named Klaus (voiced by J.K. Simmons), and finds that the man has a incredible gift of making toys and really wishes to give them away. So Jesper comes up with the idea that Klaus could give these toys to the townschildren, and in doing so, invents the legend that is Santa Claus.
First off, it’s nice to finally see a traditional, frame-by-frame, hand-drawn, 2-D animated film for once, in a world where 3-D animated films now dominate, that's already the film's first positive. Oh yeah. It may not look it, but it is all hand-drawn animation. This film was directed by Sergio Pablos, who is no stranger to animation. His resume consists of being a character designer for films like The Goofy Movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan, and Despicable Me.
This is a hella great looking film. The animation is truly breathtaking to watch. The character designs are very slick and vibrant and expressive, matching up with the voices that go along with them. Not to mention the lighting and textures are spectacular. They truly sent a whole new bar for animation.
I also really like these characters and the voice actors match them up nicely. Jesper is pompous and spoiled, but as the film progresses he develops a heart of gold. I've heard people compare him to Kuzco from The Emperor's New Grove, and yeah, I definitely see the comparison. Klaus is another fantastic character and probably one of the most original takes on Santa Claus, and I feel that J.K. Simmons fits him perfectly. Fun fact: I learned by watching an interview that at one point in his life J.K. Simmons had a job as a mall Santa. How cool is this guy?
It’s also a ton of fun watching this film reinvent the Santa Claus mythos. It adds everything. From the chimney, to the stockings, to even the lumps of coal. I won’t give away how it’s played out, but once you watch it, you’ll get some good chuckles. They even touch upon a Mrs. Klaus that’s very heartfelt. Again, I won’t spoil what’s up with that. You'll just have to see it for yourself and let your heartstrings get tugged.
But I really enjoy the underlining message this film sends, which is that spreading good will to others can encourage others to do the same. And this message is presented beautifully in this film. The main reason why the whole town hates each other is the result of some ancient feud between two head families, the Krums and the Ellingboes (whom the head of the families are voiced by Joan Cusack and Will Sasso). Think of them as like the Hatfields and McCoys or the Montagues and Capulets. Why do these families hate each other? Their explanation: that's just how it is. As simple and vague as it gets. Maybe they have forgotten the whole reason for fighting or maybe there is no reason. But as Jesper and Klaus start handing out these toys to each of the children it encourages them to do some nice things for the town. Gradually the adults start doing nice things for each other as well and suddenly these feuding folks are acting neighborly. It goes to show that kindess is indeed contagious, and that's a good thing.
I guess if there’s one thing to nitpick about this near perfect film is that there’s a little bit at the third act and it’s basically a liar revealed trope. You know, one of those scenarios in media where the protagonist has some selfish intention, and they get other people involved and unaware of their intentions. But then they get a spark of goodness and it all feels pitch perfect, until something comes along that reveals the truth, and the protagonist is all like, “no, wait, you don’t understand...”, but everyone turns on them regardless. It's such a trope that get sick of seeing in movies again and again.
This is the best animated film I’ve seen all year, to be honest. Probably one of the best animated films I’ve seen of all time. This film serves as the perfect reminder of what the holiday season truly is about. So often do we get so wrapped up--no pun intended--about the holidays about the overcommercialization and the chaotic gift getting that this season brings that it does put people in a sour mood. Even I get that feeling sometimes. Yeah, even I feel like a Scrooge around the holidays because of how in-your-face it gets. But in doing so, we overlook the happiness and smiles that come when we do give. That contagious joy that appears when we do one selfless act for another.
There’s been some talks about trying to get this film into the Oscars, and yeah, it should be nominated. I greatly enjoyed this film. It's another Christmas film that I'll make a tradition in watching over and over each year. Hopefully this will kickstart a trend to bring back classic 2D animation in theaters. Definitely put this film on your watch list and enjoy some early holiday cheer.
Nice List:
-Welcome back 2D animation
-Outstanding lighting and textures
-Great characters
-Perfect casting
-New Santa mythos
-Great joyous message
-One of the best of the year
Negatives:
-Liar revealed trope
Final Grade: A+
So those are my thoughts on Klaus. Have you seen it? What were your thoughts? Please be kind, leave a like and comment, and check out more reviews here on Prose!
And if you'd like to write up your own Santa Claus story, I created such a challenge for that. Follow this link here to get started: https://theprose.com/challenge/9325
Best Quote:
Klaus: “A true, selfless act always sparks another.”
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