The Star
A small but brave donkey and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the first Christmas. I really wanted to like this animation film as I like the idea from the perspective of the animals which is a clever idea on paper, unfortunately it doesn’t really work as the vocal talent is nothing special and the film takes itself too seriously. It is too predictable and you would guess the ending straight away, it also too twee for some people as this mainly aimed for kids than adults.
The Last Bus
Tom, a pensioner whose wife, Mary has just passed away, who travels from Britain’s most northerly point, John O’ Groats, to his original home time at its most southerly point, Land’s End. Too be honest with you I really like the start of this film so I thought this would be amazing but it falters, it started to feel like a film that made for television and it started to lose my interest and Timothy Spall really trying his best, it doesn’t really leaves you a lasting impression on you.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren take on one of the most sensational cases of their careers after a cop stumbles upon a dazed and bloodied young man walking down the road. Firstly I’m a massive fan of the first two films so I thought this going to be really good and some of the casting is superb, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson and Sarah Catherine Hook is outstanding but the extras is slightly bland. It lacking the psychological element and it doesn’t have that shocked factor, it also too predictable and it is too everywhere.
A Boy Called Christmas
In this origin story of Father Christmas, an ordinary boy sets out on an extraordinary adventure to find his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled city of Elfhelm. The most important thing with this film, is the story as this is majestic, the casting is perfect and they are really convincing in this gorgeous looking film, the only thing is, it can get a little bit uneven and it can be slightly unconvincing, overall this is enjoyable and it is well intentioned.
Encanto
A young Colombian girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers. Well executed and generally catchy songs and with good looking animation that is gorgeous to watch, the pacing is just right but it definitely lacking the emotional depths and the story is weak and it becoming too overcomplicated. It also takes itself too seriously and it not really laugh out loud funny, despite that it is well intentioned and the idea is there.
Klaus
A simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg’s new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age – old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions. A beautiful and majestic film which is nearly perfect, the story is believable and the combination of Jason Schwartzman and JK Simmons is excellent. It is a feel-good type of film and the ending is poignancy and moving and it leaves you a lasting impression on you, it can get a bit uneven but overall this is enchanted.
MDC Reviews 