“Klaus” grounds the story of Santa Claus in the best way possible
As an adult, I’ve become apprehensive when it comes to newer Christmas movies ( a.k.a. any Xmas movie made post 2001.) My favorite holiday movies include “Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring the flamboyant Jim Carrey, “Just Friends” making me laugh like “ho-ho-ho,” and “8 Crazy Nights” including my Jewish heritage.
Undoubtedly, “Klaus” will be a regular in my Christmas movie circulation due to the story’s non-secular foundation.
This academy award nominated movie offers satisfying animation, funny writing, and a happy ending. Jason Schwartzman stars as postman sent to run a post office in the unhappy and cold Smeerensberg. He soon meets the mysterious yet docile Klaus, a toymaker, and the two join together to form an unlikely team and bring toys and joy to the kids in the miserable town.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
There were obvious plot holes. Though with every kid’s movie, there are some aspects to movie making that inspire you to turn your head away in the other direction. Such as, I found myself wondering why no one one stayed up late to see Klaus and the postman visit at night.
The Santa legend continues…not. *SPOILER* At the end of the movie, it feels like all of Klaus’ efforts to make and deliver toys was in vain because it seems like the town just stops when he passes away.
Verdict
★★★★
“Klaus” is a great Christmas movie option for secular holiday celebrators due to the basis of the plot being rooted in non-fiction. It’s lite, fun, and not super heavy into religious. The animation is gorgeous and a fresh perspective from the typical Pixar look. Netflix, great job with this one, I even almost watched this movie the day after Christmas!
Pros
+ Animation
+ Screenwriting
+ Simple story
Cons
– Plot holes
Encore?
Watch and learn more about “Klaus” (2019) by streaming it on Netflix or reading more about its production by reading “Klaus: The Art of the Movie.”
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