Arthur Christmas

Name: Arthur Christmas - Christian Parent's Review
Item: Arthur Christmas
Rating: 3
Author: StoryScanner

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General Review

Parent's Guide to Arthur Christmas

Arthur Christmas (2011) is a vibrant animated family comedy that offers a fresh and humorous take on the legend of Santa Claus. Set at the North Pole, which operates as a high-tech, military-precision gift-delivery hub, the story centers on Arthur, Santa's earnest but clumsy youngest son. When a single child's present is accidentally overlooked in the massive Christmas Eve operation, Arthur, against the wishes of his technologically-minded older brother Steve and the current Santa, takes it upon himself to ensure no child is forgotten. Joined by his eccentric Grandsanta and a dedicated wrapping elf, Arthur embarks on a perilous, last-minute global dash to deliver the forgotten gift. The film masterfully blends slapstick humor with a touching narrative about family dynamics, the generational shift in leadership, and the enduring spirit of Christmas. It explores themes of duty, compassion, and the importance of every individual, presenting a charming adventure that highlights the belief that every child deserves a magical Christmas. With its engaging characters and imaginative plot, Arthur Christmas aims to entertain audiences of all ages during the holiday season.

Things to Consider

Medium5

LGBTQ & Gender IdentityViolenceScary & Intense ContentDisrespect & RebellionAnti-Christian Themes

Low4

Romance and Sexual ContentProfanityWitchcraft & OccultSubstance Use

Medium5

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

The film features implied same-sex attraction and includes a brief, ambiguous kiss between two elves, which has led to speculation and discussion in parental reviews and fan communities. While director Sarah Smith clarified that the character Bryony's gender presentation was intended to be functional rather than traditionally feminine, the film subtly includes elements interpreted as LGBTQ representation by some viewers.

One elf character, Peter, is noted in fan communities and some reviews as displaying implied unrequited romantic interest in Santa's son, Steve, often exhibiting flirtatious behaviors that make Steve uncomfortable. Additionally, after Santa returns from his Christmas Eve rounds, two elves are seen briefly kissing. Due to the elves' androgynous appearance (short hair, similar outfits), the gender of these elves is open to interpretation by viewers, with some perceiving it as a same-sex kiss.

Violence

Arthur Christmas contains several instances of mild to medium cartoon violence and perilous situations typical of animated adventure films. These scenes generally lack graphic depictions or lasting harm, but include chases, minor explosions, and animal threats, which could be intense for very young viewers.

Scary & Intense Content

The movie includes several suspenseful and potentially frightening scenes, particularly for younger children. These involve moments of peril, high-speed chases, and animal aggression, though the outcomes are generally not graphic.

Disrespect & Rebellion

The narrative features family tensions and generational clashes within the Claus family. Characters exhibit mild disrespect, stubbornness, and rebellious actions as part of the central conflict, particularly concerning differing approaches to the Christmas operation and leadership succession.

Grandsanta frequently displays a 'crotchety' and somewhat disrespectful attitude, often making 'inappropriate remarks' and defiantly retrieving his old sleigh against modern procedures. Steve Claus, Santa's eldest son, shows significant disrespect for his father's traditional methods, dismisses the importance of a single missed child as an 'acceptable margin of error,' and exhibits an arrogant, career-driven demeanor.

Anti-Christian Themes

The film focuses predominantly on the secular aspects of the Santa Claus mythos, attributing the 'magic' of Christmas to Santa's gift-delivery system rather than the birth of Jesus Christ. While some Christian elements like carols and a church are present, the movie largely omits explicit references to the Christian meaning of Christmas, leading some Christian reviewers to advise caution.

The narrative places a strong emphasis on believing in Santa Claus and the 'magic' of his modern, high-tech operation, suggesting that the spirit of Christmas itself hinges on successful gift delivery. Despite the presence of a small-town English church and snippets of spiritual Christmas carols in the background, the film makes no clear or explicit reference to Jesus Christ as the central meaning or origin of the Christmas holiday.

Low4

Romance and Sexual Content

Romantic and sexual content in the film is minimal and very mild. The most notable instance is a brief, ambiguous kiss between two background elf characters. There is no explicit sexual content, nudity, or graphic displays of affection.

Profanity

The movie features very mild and infrequent coarse language. These instances are brief and not used in an aggressive or highly offensive manner, consistent with its family-friendly rating.

Witchcraft & Occult

The film incorporates magical elements inherent to the traditional Santa Claus mythos, such as a flying sleigh powered by 'Aurora dust' and reindeer, and Santa's supernatural ability to deliver presents globally in one night. These are presented as fantasy aspects of Christmas and do not involve themes of witchcraft, sorcery, occult rituals, or demons.

Substance Use

Substance use references are minor, mostly in comedic or passing contexts, and are not glorified or central to the plot. These instances involve mentions of alcohol but no depiction of active abuse.

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Arthur Christmas (2011) presents several themes that largely align with biblical values, particularly regarding compassion, the importance of every individual, and selfless giving. The core message emphasizes that every child matters, echoing the biblical sentiment of God's care for each 'lost sheep' (Luke 15:4). Arthur, as the protagonist, embodies virtues such as perseverance, kindness, and thoughtfulness, and his dedication to ensuring no child is forgotten is ultimately rewarded. Conversely, characters like Steve, initially driven by efficiency and personal ambition rather than genuine care, face accountability and learn the value of heart over mere logistics. The movie's worldview, while centered on the secular myth of Santa, transcends a purely materialistic view by highlighting that the 'magic' of Christmas lies in the spirit of giving and love, rather than just the gifts themselves. The film also features elements of redemption and strong family values, although portrayed within a comedic and often dysfunctional family dynamic. Arthur’s journey involves sacrifice, as he overcomes his own anxieties and defies family expectations to do what is right. Santa and Steve experience a form of redemption as they recognize the flaws in their approach and embrace Arthur’s compassionate spirit, leading to reconciliation and a stronger family bond. Family relationships, though initially strained by generational clashes and differing views on authority, ultimately prioritize unity and the collective mission of Christmas. While the movie does not explicitly depict Christian faith or the religious origins of Christmas, it reinforces universal moral principles like empathy, selflessness, and the joy of giving, which resonate with Christian teachings on charity and love for one's neighbor. A church is briefly visible, and Christmas carols are heard, but the narrative focuses on the secular aspects of the holiday, offering an opportunity for Christian parents to discuss the true meaning of Christmas with their children.

Additional Context

Best For Ages

Arthur Christmas is generally suitable for children aged 7 and older. While rated PG for mild rude humor, younger children may find some intense action sequences, peril, and thematic discussions of family conflict and implied LGBTQ elements to be slightly unsettling or require parental discussion. The movie's themes of family values and the Christmas spirit are positive for this age group.

Good to Know

The content profile of 'Arthur Christmas' (2011) remains consistent across its theatrical release and home video versions, as no later installments, sequels, or adaptations significantly introduce new or intensified content that would alter these parental guidance concerns. Discrepancies in severity ratings across different review outlets are noted, particularly for violence and sexual content, where a higher reasonable rating has been adopted where applicable, to prioritize caution for parents.

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