'Arthur' delivers an uplifting Christmas tale

Boiled down to its plot essentials, "Arthur Christmas" tells of a frantic race to get a misplaced Christmas present to a little girl in England before she wakes up on Christmas morning and has her wavering faith in Santa Claus shattered.

Yet, "Arthur Christmas" is really about something far more profound.

It confirms a favorite "Muppets Show" theme, cooperation, as it nimbly communicates the idea that Santa's toy company (read: the whole world) works much better when run in tandem by people will highly different talents, skills and approaches.

Just how does the world's 20th Santa Claus (voiced by Jim Broadbent) manage to deliver 60 kajillion presents to boys and girls around the world in a single night?

Organization!

And a giant airship that resembles a streamlined spacecraft right out of a "Star Trek" movie.

Santa's gangly son Arthur (voiced by James McAvoy) becomes alarmed when all the gifts have been delivered by an over-caffeinated army of elfin workers - except for one.

A glittery bike didn't make it to the Cornwall home of a little Gwen, who has already cast a suspicious eye upon Santa's North Pole after she can't find it on Google maps.

Arthur's paramilitary-looking brother Steve (voiced by Hugh Laurie) can't be bothered with Arthur's petty concerns.

"It's just <I>one!"</I> Steven shouts.

(Cue the collective gasp of disbelief from shocked elf workers!)

While Santa naps, left-brained Steve takes over the night's operations.

So Arthur, his dotty and mildly hostile Gransanta (Bill Nighy) and rebellious wrapping elf Byrony (Ashley Jensen) sneak off to deliver Gwen's present the old school way: in Santa's retired sleigh with the eight original reindeer.

It's a slam-bam journey that takes them around the world, testing their faith in themselves and in the very spirit of Christmas.

Through all the patently ridiculous challenges (remember, it's <I>a cartoon</I>), Arthur's nearly naive belief in the purity of good serves as his personal North Star.

"Arthur Christmas" becomes the first computer-animated feature from Aardman Animation, the British company known for its finely crafted stop-motion "Wallace & Gromit" classics and "Chicken Run" feature.

Female characters still remain in the support ranks in this movie, even though it's been directed by a woman animator, Sarah Smith.

But wouldn't you know the two smartest characters at the North Pole turn out to be Byrony and the quiet Mrs. Claus (Imenda Staunton)?

“Arthur Christmas”

★ ★ ★ ½

Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Bill Nighy

Directed by: Sarah Smith (co-directed by Barry Cook)

Other: A Columbia Pictures release. Rated PG. 100 minutes