Wednesday, December 28, 2022

#31DaysOfChristmas: Klaus


Watched on: Netflix
Duration: 1 hour 36 minutes
Originally aired: November 15, 2019
Directed by: Sergio Pablos and Carlos Martinez Lopez
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, JK Simmons and Rashida Jones
Please see IMDb for full cast and crew information. 
 
Synopsis

When Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) distinguishes himself as the postal academy's worst student, he is stationed on a frozen island above the Arctic Circle, where the feuding locals hardly exchange words let alone letters. Jesper is about to give up when he finds an ally in local teacher Alva (Rashida Jones), and discovers Klaus (Oscar® winner J.K. Simmons), a mysterious carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys. These unlikely friendships return laughter to Smeerensburg, forging a new legacy of generous neighbors, magical lore and stockings hung by the chimney with care. An animated Christmas comedy directed by Despicable Me co-creator Sergio Pablos, KLAUS co-stars Rashida Jones, Jason Schwartzman and JK Simmons.

Review

Why I watched two movies in a row about the origin of Christmas, I do not know. Thankfully, they have very different story lines so they aren't all mixed up in my head.

This movie features a spoiled shipping heir that has intentionally done badly at the academy so he can return to his life of luxury. His father isn't having it though, and sends him to the worst village in the kingdom to set up a successful post office. The problem, this village is full of feuding families and they do not want to send letters. 

He manages to stumble on the workshop of the village hermit that is just chock full of toys. One thing leads to another and he convinces the village children that writing letters to Mr. Klaus will get them a new toy, and somehow convinces Klaus to go along with it. 

Drama ensues because the older generation is not pleased with the fact that the young's have stopped fighting each other and they refuse to let their feuds die. It is a fact, universally acknowledged, that older generations tend to be averse to change. 

While this movie doesn't have rom-com level Christmas magic, it does feel magical. As the villagers stop fighting each other, they start interacting and in some ways creating the traditions that provide the magic in Hallmark movies. This is definitely a good family movie night choice.

Rating


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