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Summary:

When Jesper 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, and discovers Klaus, 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.

Director:

Sergio Pablos

Writers:

screenplay by Zach Lewis, Jim Mahoney

story by Sergio Pablos

Cast:

• Jason Schwartzman as Jesper

• J. K. Simmons as Klaus

• Rashida Jones as Alva

• Joan Cusack as Mrs. Krum

• Will Sasso as Mr. Ellingboe

• Kendall Joy Hall as Annelise

• Neda Margrethe Labba as Margu

Rotten Tomatoes:

Metacritic:

After Credits Scene? No

VOD:

I'm not sure why exactly this movie randomly popped up on my Netflix suggestions last night. The little angel-devil pair on my shoulders were having a hell of a time with it, though.

"You can't watch a Christmas movie in March!"

"Sure you can! If you're watching alone, who's to stop you?"

"Oh sure, why not? Why don't we just keep Christmas decorations up year round and replace milk with eggnog while we're at it?"

"Now we're talking!"

But I digress...

Anyway, I haven't had the best run recently with movies. I've either turned them off halfway through, half watched them over my cell phone screen, or finished them but forgotten them by the next day. However, seeing as how my recent re-watch of the Rescuers and the Rescuers Down Under went so well, I decided if anything was going to get me back into the movie watching spirit, it'd be an animated movie.

And holy reindeer on ice skates did this movie deliver!

I'm sure others have already reviewed this movie to pieces and most of what I'm about to say has already been said. But honestly, this movie is just what I needed right now. Not only is it now one of my favorite Christmas movies, second only to Muppets Christmas Carol. It is also one of my top 10 animated movies of all time.

So let me just start by saying, on a random side note, that I got mild Emperor's New Groove vibes when I first started watching this. Mostly because Jason Schwartzman sounds so close to David Spade. And the similar premise of this spoiled, somewhat bratty adult being forced out into the real world in order to learn and grow and change his ways. But the movie quickly veered away from that sort of full-on comedy/parody and had a really nice balance between lighthearted comedy and quiet stillness.

First, I have to talk about the animation because it is just stunning! The use of shading on conventional 2D animation was just magnificent. The characters were able to emote and move so effortlessly and uniquely. And the backgrounds, especially the wide shots of Smeerensburg and the scenes in the forest with all the bird houses, were just sensational to me. They were so detailed, so full of character and emotion. It almost reminded me of a pop-up book at times.

And speaking of emotion, the subtle bits of comedy, especially when Jesper first arrives in Smeerensburg, had me crying I was laughing so hard. The little girls with the carrots, slowly impaling the snowman as they stared at Jesper. The antics of Ellingboes versus the Krums were so entertaining and well done. And the voice acting couldn't have been better. Simmons, Schwartzman and Jones (Jesper, Klaus and Alva) all did spectacular in their voice roles. And not once did I feel like they were just actors in a sound booth, reading off a script. They brought the characters to life. Gave them personality, emotions, reactions.

As far as music/background went, I felt there was a nice balance of this as well. A few vocal/more popish songs. But also a nice blend of quiet instrumental pieces. Again, the scenes in the woods, with the snow and leaves gently swirling around while the wooden bird houses clack softly against each other. It didn't overwhelm the story or characters, but it also wasn't forgettable.

All in all, I loved this movie so much! And while I wish we could see more of these loveable characters, in a TV series or sequel/prequal, I also feel that it stands alone just fine and I am happy to re-watch it as much as possible, if only to visit these dear friends one more time.

It’s that time of the year and my wife and I are getting into the Christmas moves. As we rewatched Klaus from 2019, we were quickly greeted by the sound of Norm MacDonald’s unmistakeable voice playing the role of the smart-alec, sarcastic, hilariously witty boat captain Mogens. I won’t get into a whole tangent on the film itself, because it’s a phenomenal movie in every way I can think of and I think it’s going to stand the test of time as a classic Christmas movie. What I really came here to say is watching Klaus this year really hit me in the feels as it’s my first time watching the movie since we lost this legend and comedic genius.

If you’ve never seen Klaus, check it out. I think you’ll like it; Norm’s character Mogens is hilarious and his performance really enriches the story. Rest easy, Norm MacDonald; he is sorely missed!

It is a lovely animated movie with great voice actors. I do not want to give more away because I loved going into it without knowing much. It has made me cry every time I watch it.

As requested the link;

If you are looking for a Christmas movie I suggest Klaus 2019. It is a delightful movie. The animation is spectacular, the characters are full of heart, great voice performances, and the premise is about the origins of mailing your letter to Santa Claus.

Well the Christmas is near, so thought of recommending this movie. It has a very sweet take on Christmas with magical moments within it to keep the viewers attached to the movie. The characters are simple and that is what makes the story great, nice animation and wonderful storytelling. A movie that you will enjoy thoroughly.

Edit#1: I wrote that the movie is simple, because I felt the story and it's narration was very simple. It's like a folklore or a child's lullaby. And that made it feel so great to me.

This fits the ol’ “Both-Kids-And-Parents-Will-Like-It” category. Interesting animation style, GREAT voice cast, and while the overarching message is ultimately “peace and love triumph, especially at Christmas,” it’s cut with LOTS of snide sarcasm and gothic imagery (Norm McDonald is in it, for Heaven’s sake). Great comic timing, and a dash of steampunk in the toys made by the Woodsman. Highly recommend.

Should 'KLAUS' have won the Oscar and not Toy Story 4.