3 out of 5 stars
There is a tradition that has been as regular as the holiday it attempts to emulate. Since the inception of cinema, there have been Santa Clause origin stories that try to provide a fresh perspective on Saint Nick. Based on a book by Matt Haig of the same name, A Boy Named Christmas is the latest addition to this collection. Despite rubbing up against the Christian message of the birth of Jesus Christ, this fairy tale does provide a charming nod to the legendary character who purportedly brings gifts to children each year.
Maggie Smith plays Aunt Ruth to her two nephews and niece who have recently lost their mother to illness. As she attempts to connect with the grieving siblings, the cantankerous storyteller decides to share her unique version of the tale behind this special boy nicknamed Christmas. Ruth’s version has its roots in the snowy forests of Finland in a cabin where Nikolas (Henry Lawfull) lives as a teenage boy with his father, Joel (Michiel Huisman). The young man’s mother had passed away a few years back, but her spirit of joy and faith managed to influence their home. She had given her son the moniker of Christmas and always believed in a magical kingdom of elves called Elfhelm who celebrated the annual celebration.
When the local king had called all of the fittest villagers together, Father Vodell (Jim Broadbent) was hoping to turn the tide on the depressive state of the kingdom. After he offers a reward for anyone who could bring hope back to the community, Nikolas’ father decides to seek out the elf village with a band of men. Their motivation is more for the financial reward, but these actions by the men could cause more turmoil than joy. When Joel leaves his son with the nasty Aunt Carlotta (Kristen Wiig), the teen follows his father. With a talking mouse named Miika (voiced by Stephen Merchant), a magical reindeer called Blitzen, and his mother's map to the elf community in hand, this odd trio must do all they can to bring happiness back to the kingdom.
Despite being set in Finland, director Gil Kenan’s film delivers a modern British adventure. His interpretation of Matt Haig’s book has all of the traditional elements of reindeer, red hats, elves and magic. Yet, offering some new twists that involve a diversity of characters that only exist within the imaginative world of a Hollywood production. Who knew that Finnish elves were such an array of different cultures who all speak English? Despite this contemporary view of the world, the one thing that this project has going for it is the fabulous cast. To complement Maggie Smith's narration and the relatively unknown Henry Lawfull in the lead role, this fantasy includes Jim Broadbent, Toby Jones, Sally Hawkins, and Joel Fry. With a cast of this calibre, the screenplay's weakest moments manage to be covered by solid performances from these award-winning actors.
For those from the Christian tradition, these stories do cause some frustration. Especially since they do not include the true meaning of the holiday. Even though this story does have hope, faith and joy, nothing can compare to the actual tale of the birth of Jesus which is even more compelling. Father Christmas does provide a bit of fantasy and fiction for children to enjoy. Still, the actual historical narrative found in the Bible has more joy, love and celebration than could ever be matched by any story of the man in the red hat.
A Boy Named Christmas is beautifully filmed and is an entertaining choice for families this season. Yet, the real story behind the season is worth reading. For parents who choose to take their little ones to see this magical movie, be sure to chat with them afterward about the actual Christmas story. The one of the birth of a boy whose name is in the name of the holiday itself and who offers the best gift anyone could imagine.
