The story is so simple, so glaringly obvious and filled with delight, that it’s a wonder no one thought of it until this day: a pair of siblings surreptitiously hop aboard Santa’s sleigh for the ride of a lifetime. Movie over Edmund “Miracle on 34th St.” Gwenn, there’s a new Father Christmas in town: Kurt Russell, a lean, keen, gift-giving chaldean who is on a first-name basis with the world. Animator Clay Kaytis (The Angry Birds Movie) receives the director’s credit, but it’s Russell who gives the film its heart and soul. Credit screenwriter Matt Lieberman, the man responsible for the delightful animated reboot of The Addams Family, for plying this clever Claus with some of the shrewdest, funniest dialogue ever to pass from His Jolliness’ lips. Is there sentiment? Of course there’s sentiment; it’s a freaking Christmas movie geared for families. But never enough to push it in the direction of maudlinity. The film’s sole drawback can be traced back to producer/Gremlins scribe Chris Columbus. Better little people with pointy-ears and bell-tipped loafers than a flock of CG Stripes to do Santa’s bidding. When was the last time you fell in love with a Christmas movie? Catch the spirit. (2018) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.