The greatest Christmas animated movie began with a little snow-white lie. Director Sergio Pablos omitted mention to Netflix that he wasn’t telling the origin story of Santa Klaus as a 3D animation. But maybe it was up to them to realize that he was going to recount that wonderful tale in some of the most beautiful, painterly 2D animation in decades, as unwilling postman Jesper Johansen (Jason Schwartzman) cons surly old carpenter Klaus (J.K. Simmons) into making toys for the kids of remote Smeerensburg, and inadvertently helps the magic fly. Beautiful, funny, with one of Norm MacDonald’s most lovable performances as mischievous ferryman Mogens, don’t miss this rare big-screen showing for this seasonal delight. – Richard Whittaker
