"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!" Charlie Brown famously asked in his 1965 television special. In an era dominated by cynicism and consumerism it can be all too easy to become swept up in the holiday hustle and forget what the celebration is all about. Thankfully even in our increasingly commercialized culture thee are still a few stories to remind us. One of those films is 2019's animated adventure Klaus. At once a boldly original take on the legend of Santa Claus and a return to the artistry of classic animation Klaus is nothing short of a modern masterpiece. This year have yourself a merry little Christmas with the magic and wonder of Klaus.
The story begins in nineteenth century Norway with the Royal Postmaster General enrolling his wayward son, Jesper, into the Postman Academy. When the academy proves no match the antics of spoiled, entitled, and lazy Jesper he is soon punished with being reassigned to the distant town of Smeerensberg. He is given one year to establish a post office and post six-thousand letters or else be disinherited from his family's fortune. If the town's isolated location and frigid climate weren't discouraging enough he is soon dismayed to learn that Smeerensburg has fallen into domestic chaos. The town is dominated by a a feud between two warring clans, the Ellingboes and the Krums. The feud has so consumed the local population that they have neglected their economy, infrastructure, and children, leaving the town as little more than a wasteland. The prospect of posting six thousand letters in the largely illiterate hamlet seems nothing short of impossible. After a chance meeting with a reclusive yin the nearby forest, however, Jesper concocts a scheme to post the letters that just might change the lives of the children of Smeerensburg and the world forever.
In its brief run time Klaus manages to do the impossible; invigorate the tired holiday film genre with new life. Rather than retreading familiar tropes the film inverts audience expectations while still remaining true to the spirit of Santa. For example, Klaus begins the film more closely resembling Boo Radley than Kris Kringle. Even as this depiction diverges from popular depictions of Santa, however, Klaus' journey from wounded recluse to selfless good Samaritan perfectly encapsulates the meaning of Christmas. Similarly, entitled, sarcastic, and selfish Jesper is perhaps the most unlikely of holiday heroes. As he becomes part of the community of Smeerensburg and forges an surprising friendship with Klaus, however, he grows into as good a man and as good a friend as Smeerensburg knew. Through its wildly different protagonists the film takes viewers on a fresh adventure while still serving as an apt reminder of the spirit of the season. This approach extends beyond the film's central duo to such beloved aspects of Santa's legend as flying reindeer, chimney travels, and naughty lists. The film wisely includes these classic tropes but presents them with just enough of a twist to keep viewers what awaits next. The film expertly blends holiday fantasy with real life lessons in friendship, loss and selflessness to create a compelling story that will resonate throughout the year.
The film brings Smeerensburg and all of its colorful residents to hilarious and heartfelt life thanks to the work of its star studded cast. Joan Cusack and Will Sasso expertly balance slapstick and sinister as the heads of the Krum and Ellingboe clans. Neda Margrette Labba proves that an endearing performance can cross even language barriers as Margu, the Sami girl who befriends Jesper. Norm MacDonald shows off his signature dry wit as sarcastic ferryman Mogens. Rashida Jones infuses Jesper's unlikely love interest teacher turned fish-monger Alva with sass and charm. Even in the midst of apt supporting performances the film belongs to Jason Schwartzman and J.K. Simmons a unlikely duo Jesper and Klaus. Schwartzman imbues Jesper with a snark worthy of David Space with just enough roguish charm to ensure that viewers still root for him. Simmons portrays Klaus' evolution from grief stricken recluse to the unlikely pillar of the community with a depth and nuance rarely seen in modern dramas, let alone family entertainment. Together, the pair form what is truly beautiful friendship. The film brings its adventure to enchanting life through traditional 2D animation that is nothing short of stunning. The designs infuse each of the characters with unique flair while the backgrounds transport viewers to a winter wonderland. Together, the cast and animation weave a modern fairytale guaranteed to delight the young and young at heart.
Blending the classic and the contemporary Klaus proves to be one of the most original and memorable films in family entertainment. the superb script expertly balances sly humor with sincere emotion for viewing that will warm your heart on even the coldest of winter nights. The combination of vocal performances and animation casts a spell that is nothing short of movie magic. This Christmas rediscover the wonder, warmth, and true meaning of the holidays with Klaus.
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