An amiable adaptation of three children’s books by Richard Curtis, introducing us to a lovely little town called Wellington-on-Sea, where everybody’s Christmas plans are about to be interrupted by a blizzard; even Santa Claus faces a challenge.

It’s a sprawling cast of characters, children and adults, and it takes time for us to get involved in their lives and worries – especially since so much of it is innocuous.

Still, OK entertainment mainly for kids, where John Powell’s music score is a standout.

2024-U.K.-U.S. Animated. 92 min. Color. Directed by Simon Otto. Screenplay: Richard Curtis, Peter Souter. Books: Richard Curtis. Music: John Powell. Song: ”Under the Tree” (performed by Ed Sheeran). Voices of Brian Cox (Santa Claus), Fiona Shaw (Miss Trapper), Jodie Whittaker (Mrs. Williams), Bill Nighy, Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen. 

Trivia: First shown at the BFI London film festival, then released on Netflix. Co-executive produced by Curtis.