Klaus

Klaus, a 2019 movie directed by Sergio Pablos and co-directed by Carlos Martínez López, is a bold and heartwarming reinvention of the classic Santa Claus story that has been woven seamlessly into our holiday traditions. The film, with a runtime of 96 minutes, is presented as an animated feature that utilizes beautiful hand-drawn animation in a stunning fashion, merging the art of traditional animation techniques with modern technology. The Christmas-themed family drama manages to successfully circle back to the roots of animation, producing an enchanting spectacle reminiscent of the classics, while considerably remaining within the boundaries of the 21st century.

The main characters in the film are brought to life through the skilled voice acting of Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, and more. Jason Schwartzman lends his voice to Jesper, a spoilt and lazy son of a rich postmaster. Jesper is forcefully sent to the far-northern island town of Smeerensburg, with the condition that he must ensure the delivery of six thousand letters within a year if he has any plans of returning to his comfortable life. The character's transformation from an affluent slacker to a modest mailman forms the central narrative of the film.

Jesper stumbles upon Klaus (voiced by J.K. Simmons), a reclusive carpenter who lives alone in his cabin filled with handcrafted toys. They form an atypical alliance, which underlines the essence of the movie. This friendship inspires the tale that evolves into the legend of Santa Claus.

Rashida Jones voices Alva, a cynical schoolteacher in Smeerensburg who transforms into a support system for Jesper and the children of the town. The collaborative efforts of Jesper, Klaus, and Alva ignite a ripple effect of kindness among the fiercely feuding locals. The story is elegantly paced, keeping the viewers on their toes as it introduces fresh elements and entertaining twists.

The screenplay is notably light-hearted and humorous, with a degree of sophistication. In addition, Klaus is also embedded with a subtle layer of poignancy. While it caters to children with its vibrant visuals, slapstick comedy, and simplistic dialogues, it also appeals to adults via its mature themes of empathy, compassion, the value of friendship, and the profound impact of a simple act of kindness.

The animation style of Klaus is a fierce homage to traditional 2D animation. Detailed strokes sketch out expressive characters against a backdrop of mesmerizing scenery that looks like a painting brought to life. The film utilizes the play of light and shadow to create a dramatic and appealing visual experience. It offers an inventive spin with its choice to use 2D animation over the more prevalent CGI, ensuring the film feels both nostalgic and innovative.

The voice performances in Klaus are exceptional. Schwartzman delivers the lazy yet likable Jesper with enthusiasm and nuance, while Simmons brings depth and warmth to the role of Klaus. Rashida Jones, as the jaded yet compassionate Alva, is engaging and complementary to the lead characters. The supporting cast enhances the charm of the script, offering a well-rounded storytelling experience.

In the realm of holiday classics, Klaus establishes its unique identity through its profound messaging, exquisite animation, and a well-crafted narrative. The movie's enchanting soundtrack, composed by Alfonso G. Aguilar, adds the perfect melody and rhythm to the visuals. It's a holiday gem that celebrates the joy of giving and the magic of goodwill. Despite being rooted in a fictional world, Klaus encourages everyone, kids and adults alike, to bring the magic to life through acts of kindness.

Above all, Klaus is an emotional ride that slowly but surely ushers the audience into the real spirit of Christmas. The movie strives to underline the relevance of sharing, love, and acts of random kindness. It ventures to subtly remind its audience that one good deed can spark off a series of good deeds, a belief that lies at the core of the holiday season and in the gentle heart of this tale.