Opened: November 8, 2019
Directed by: Sergio Pablos
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Joan Cusack, Will Sasso, Norm Macdonald, Neda Margrethe Labba, Sergio Pablos & Reiulf Aleksandersen
If Klaus doesn’t warm the spirit of your family, nothing will. It’s the perfect holiday film that returns to traditional animation with a stellar Santa Claus backstory.
A Postmaster General’s spoiled son – Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) – gets sent to the reclusive town of Smeerensburg to set up a post office. He comes across the Woodsman, later identified as Klaus (J.K. Simmons), who starts delivering toys to kids if they send him a letter. The two work together to bring the warring residents together.
This film has so many layers in terms of acceptance of others and brining joy that it’s worth watching it more than once. It’s beautifully drawn and employs CGI lighting in order to make it look 3D, giving it a unique style
Schwartzman and Simmons both give fantastic vocal performances.
Final say: Magic with an air of mystery. ★★★★★