OK for kids 5+
Fabulous, funny holiday movie about the Christmas spirit.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Arthur Christmas is a heartwarming animated holiday adventure that's a fine pick for the entire family. One brief scene of a group of startled wild animals and another of an angry homeowner wielding a gun may frighten very young kids, and there are a few jokes targeting parents -- like when Grandsanta explains that "in the old days," he once gave a double whiskey to an elf. But otherwise this movie from the British animators behind Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit provides a good reminder of the holiday spirit, family unity, and being generous. Families that don't celebrate Christmas should know that the story doesn't have any religious overtones; the emphasis remains on Santa and his family.
- Families can talk about how Arthur Christmas fits into the genre of holiday movies. How is this story different than other Santa-based movies? Is it confusing to see a movie about Santa's personal family in the North Pole?
- What are the movie's messages about both family and the holidays? What do the characters learn over the course of the movie?
- Some of the movie's jokes are aimed directly at adults; do you think too much of the humor is "grown up," or will kids enjoy it as well? Why do you think filmmakers might include jokes that will go over kids' head in movies that are made for them?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids will learn about the English tradition of "Father Christmas" and will briefly see how Christmas is celebrated around the world when Arthur and Grandsanta make their way to England in search of one little girl.
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Messages: Arthur's story is an example of how one person can really make a difference and why families should work together. Arthur and Bryony also exemplify rising to the occasion and overcoming fears. Christmas, the movie suggests, is about the joy of feeling of loved and appreciated. There's also a worthwhile message about finding a balance between technology and tradition, especially during the holidays.
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Role models: Arthur is a wonderful example of someone who rises to the occasion to fight for what he believes in, overcome his fears, and help others. He's generous and kind and believes every child deserves to feel special and loved for Christmas. Grandsanta starts out acting selfishly but redeems himself toward the end of the movie, as do the other adult characters.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: An encounter with wild animals in Africa could frighten younger viewers; the lions look especially ready to pounce. A dog is another formidable obstacle to delivering a gift. In one scene, a homeowner gets out of his house and fires a gun at Arthur, Grandsanta, and Bryony, mistaking them for aliens; in another, missiles are fired at Grandsanta's sleigh, and it bursts into flames. Some of the sleigh rides themselves are a little perilous, especially when the police are involved, and there's a fair bit of military flavor to some of the goings-on. Physical comedy gags include clumsy Arthur always falling and tripping into things, being afraid of heights, and otherwise wreaking havoc on the elves' world.
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Sexy stuff: Not an issue
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Language: The word "hell" is said. Grandsanta pokes fun at this son, Father Christmas, by using some clever nicknames.
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Consumerism: Steve's Santa suit is designed by Versace; Google Earth is mentioned.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Grandsanta looks tipsy and recalls when he gave an elf a "double whiskey" to forget about something. There's also a scene in his room where viewers see him near lots of alcohol bottles, but he's never seen drinking.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Very entertaining holiday movie for kids of all ages from 6 to 72 by granddaddy123
Everyone will be entertained by the characters in this Santa story updated for our technological age. There are many laughs throughout the movie and you will not be disappointed in this holiday fare.
5
Best Christmas movie ever for family by jpeterson1695
I left the movie smiling and in the holiday spirit of love and sharing. What more can be asked for. I really want to see it on Dvd so I can have captions.
4
Athur Christmas brings out true Christmas spirit by DwightTG
With a little bit of everything for everyone, this new-age christmas tale reminds us what christmas is all about. I wasnt really excited about Arthur Christmas, but I was thouroughly suprised. It is a wonderful story! Go see this movie
5
Best Christmas Movie in a Long Time by missjudy43
It was a really funny movie. Arthur was nice, clumsy, and very sweet. His brother, Steve, was quite the control freak. Grand Santa saves the day. Really a lovely movie for all ages.
5
Incredible movie! Family Fun!! by Movieluver5
THis movie was a great way for me and my kids to spend time together, ecspecially around the Holidays. Theres no other better way to spend the Holidays then see the movie, Arthurs Christmas! It's a really "cute" way to show the real meaning of Christmas, in no other way then with Santa! Even if you aren't Cathiloc or don't celebrate Christmas, you STILL will love, and you'll love Christmas, too! MUST GO!
4
Maybe not the best Christmas movie out by carmen9122
My 15year old and 9 year old saw this movie and when they came out they said it was okay...kind of silly...said their 4 year old brother would have liked it better than they did.
5
Arthur Christmas by ssbrown2000
My whole family loved it, from the 3 yr old to the 40 yr olds. It was not a block buster, nor about traditional christmas, but it was cute. We loved Arthur and the little solders. I didn't like how they portrayed Santa as stupid and clumsy, but it's just a movie.
4
Arthur Christmas by glegris
I thought overall, it was a very cute movie. I enjoyed the technical advances Santa has made to circumnavigate the entire globe in one night. :)
1
Wait for DVD by murf2006
This was a "must" see movie of the Christmas season. My daughter was so excited to see this movie. Wait for the DVD! save yourself the money and wait an additional month and use RedBox!
20 minutes in to the movie my daughter said" This will start to get better now Mom". No such luck.
Over rated and boring!
5
good for the whole family by drmeister
Arthur Christmas had an interesting and unique storyline, but maintained the tradition of Santa for children. My 6 and 8 year old kids liked it a lot. Although a PG movie, it was fine for them and there was not much that concerned my for their age groups. Although, the story might be a bit hard for very small children to understand.
The wife and I enjoyed the movie as well. It was quite funny in parts. It was good fun for a family night out.