Experience the magic.|Nov. 25, 2021|United Kingdom | France|106 Min.|PG
Genre: Adventure;Drama;Family;Fantasy;Kids
Description: If you’re in the holiday spirit and craving a Santa Claus origin story, “A Boy Called Christmas” is the perfect choice. This British film, shot in Finland, is sure to bring a smile to your face and captivate even the pickiest of young viewers. The movie features a standout performance by Sally Hawkins as Mother Something, a character reminiscent of a wicked witch among elves, alongside a charming computer-generated mouse named Mika, voiced by Stephen Merchant.
The story begins with a widowed father, Matt (Joel Fry), asking his late wife’s elderly Aunt Ruth (Maggie Smith) to watch over his three grieving children on Christmas Eve. Aunt Ruth quickly begins to share a tale with the skeptical children about a boy named Nikolas (played by Henry Lawfull) who lived long ago in Finland. Nikolas, who has also lost his mother, carries a small carved figure of her. She had believed in elves and claimed to have visited their homeland, Elfhelm, in the mountains.
When the local King (Jim Broadbent) challenges his people to restore hope by embarking on a quest, Nikolas’ father (Michiel Huisman) leaves with a group of men to seek their fortune, leaving Nikolas in the care of his cruel Aunt Carlotta (Kristen Wiig). Determined to find his father, Nikolas sets off with his mouse, Mika, wearing the red leather cap his mother made. Along the way, they encounter an injured reindeer with an arrow in its side. After removing the arrow, the reindeer, named Blitzen, befriends Nikolas and Mika, carrying them through a stunning winter landscape.
Based on Matt Haig’s 2015 book, “A Boy Called Christmas” is director Gil Kenan’s best work since “Monster House” (2006). The film also includes notable performances by Smith and Broadbent, both veterans of the “Harry Potter” series, and Wiig, who delivers a memorable portrayal of the evil aunt who mistreats Nikolas. This heartwarming adventure is a must-watch for the holiday season.
Cast director: Gil Kenan
Cast actor: Henry Lawfull, Kristen Wiig, Michiel Huisman, Maggie Smith, Sally Hawkins, Jim Broadbent, Toby Jones, Rune Temte, Zoe Colletti, Indica Watson
Original name: A Boy Called Christmas