Klaus
KLAUS - NETFLIX
Sergio Pablos helms Klaus, the first original animated feature distributed on NETFLIX in what might be the decade’s modern Christmas classic, follows selfish brat Jesper (voiced by Jason Schwartzman) who meets a mysterious woodsman named Klaus (voiced by J.K. Simmons) while on the job as the postman in a hostile town called Smeerensburg.
Pablos and his own studio of animators go back to the 2D-animation styles that resemble the visual aesthetic of old animated classics while overcoming such animated style limitations by adding subtle aspects, such as scenery lighting, to create a tangible 3D animation resemblance. What results is an astounding, hand-drawn optical behemoth that reminds audiences why they fell in love with the medium in the first place. It is clear that there is much thought and care in crafting the visuals of the film — the characters and world design change as they undergo a spiritual development in the course of the story. Every frame is so gorgeously rendered it will have people begging for studios to make films like this again.
Any aspect aside from the animation is far from flawless. Most of the gags never hit; its over-reliance on playground insults and sarcasm is bit unamusing to watch but when it comes to some clever sight gags and slapstick as Jesper humorously sorts his way in and out of houses, it delivers some genuine and entertaining amusements — even if there is one instance of a bizarre music choice that is entirely out of place, which plagues most recent animated films nowadays, especially the ones that Illumination makes.
The screenplay is not anything new, subjecting to a formulaic narrative most kids films are built around. Jesper is the central character of the story and he can be very frustrating to follow, which is clearly intentional, albeit conventional. The character remains an aggravating aspect for a solid hour into the film until he redeems himself in its final third. However, the titular character — Klaus — is the defining essence of the film, with J.K. Simmons bringing out the best of the cast. The titular character‘s journey provides the needed emotional weight and makes his companion, Jesper, more tolerable when they share the screen.
The film boasts an origin story of the popular Christmas legend but any reference to it feels more forced than interesting. Nevertheless, the film does not need to twist the structure or subvert any clichés. While any moviegoers with extensive knowledge can predict any turn it will take, Klaus makes it clear that this is a film that is made with thought and care. Aspiring to be simple and straightforward in order to send its positive message across, Klaus is a traditional, heartwarming Christmas tale with relevant themes of kindness and selflessness that would appeal and resonate to the general audiences long after the film ends.
Klaus is streaming exclusively on NETFLIX November 15th, 2019
