Saving Santa

Saving Santa is a Christmas-themed 3D animated feature film from 2013 that features a star-studded cast comprised of Newell Alexander, Noel Clarke, Joan Collins, Tim Conway, and others, all lending their voices to a heartwarming and magical storyline.

A festive treat for all the family, the film focuses on Bernard D. Elf, an inventive but klutzy elf working at Santa's village. Bernard's big-hearted venture to restore Christmas cheer for everyone takes center stage in the movie. Setting things in motion, Bernard unwittingly discloses Santa's secret location to an evil billionaire, Neville Baddington, voiced by Martin Freeman. When Santa gets kidnapped by Baddington, who wishes to exploit Santa's time-travelling powers for his sinister plot, Bernard's loyalty and courage come to the fore.

Voiced by our talented Newell Alexander, Bernard is the comic, clumsy low ranking elf who operates in Santa's stables looking after the reindeer. Even though he is not the smartest tool in the shed, his heart is in the right place, doing his best to ensure all the reindeer are taken care of properly. Complexity develops when Bernard falls in love with another elf, Gadget, who seems way out of his league. Through Bernard, the movie nimbly conveys the underlying message of believing in oneself, irrespective of your place in society's ranking.

British actor Noel Clarke accents Blitzen, one of Santa's main reindeers and Bernard's favorite. An interesting balance of sassy humor and loyal friendship, Blitzen adds dynamic energy to the film. Clarke's delivery beautifully complements his character's witty humor.

Tempering the youthful vigor of the film is the majestic Joan Collins. She lends her voice to Vera Baddington, Neville's chic and ambitious mother. The Baddingtons' credibility as the believable antagonist duo is majorly credited to Collins' compelling performance.

Acting legend Tim Conway gives his voice to the character Santa Claus, presenting us with a jovial and heartwarming portrayal of everyone's favorite saint. His character is not just merely a jolly old man in a red suit, but he has depth and charm that make him instantly lovable and incredibly relatable.

The plot thickens as Bernard discovers an exceptional sleigh at Santa’s workshop named 'Time-Traveling Sleigh', designed to assist Santa if he gets into trouble while delivering gifts. Bernard decides to use this time-travelling sleigh for good, endeavoring to save Santa and all of Christmastime. As Bernard shuttles back and forth in time to rescue Santa, he faces a series of humorous and thrilling adventures. The film’s approach to the idea of time travel is simplified, catering to its young audience, and is skillfully woven into the fabric of the plot.

The art of Saving Santa is that it doesn't just revolve around the holidays, but contains a blend of humor, action, and subtle life lessons that keep both children and adults entertained. The animation style of the film is vibrant and lively, with a brilliant use of 3D effects that give depth to each scene. The film’s animation team has captured each character's personality and emotion in the designs, making them even more captivating.

Packed with memorable musical numbers, the film’s soundtrack adds a melodic layer to the storytelling. It enhances the audience’s experience, playing a crucial role in emphasizing the emotions of the characters and the situations they find themselves in.

Overall, Saving Santa is a film imbued with a holiday spirit that serves up a cheery and enchanting tale for its viewers. Flawlessly paced to keep its young audience engrossed, the film delivers a solid storyline sprinkled with humor, action and heartwarming moments. It ensures a fun cinematic experience for families, while also offering many lessons about bravery, self-worth, and the magic of Christmas.