Arthur Christmas

I didn't include it on my list because I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to see it, but last night a friend and I found ourselves with the evening free and a desire to catch a movie, so we saw "Arthur Christmas." I think most have written this off as one of lots of the throw-away holiday movies that crop up every year, and I am here to tell you that that is a grave, grave mistake.  I knew we were in for something special when I recognized Aardman in the credits (the folks behind Wallace & Gromit, as well as many other things).  Obviously, this isn't claymation, but the sweetness and charm we've learned to expect from Aardman was present in this, in spades.

Combine that with clever writing and a truly, truly stellar voice cast (James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, James Broadbent, Bill Nighy, and more), and you've got a sweet, fun, funny Christmas movie that would warm even the hackles of the Grinch's cold heart.  I should mention that the friend I saw it with can be kind of a Grinch himself, and there was one point in the film where he completely lost it laughing.

Do yourself a favor and don't write off "Arthur Christmas."  See it.  Take your family, take your kids, take your grouchy coworker, or go by yourself.  And don't be surprised to discover that this is the heart-warmiest thing you see this holiday season.