Por Catholic News Service
This mostly delightful 3-D animated comedy equips Santa Claus (voice of Jim Broadbent) with a stealth ship, GPS navigation and battalions of ninja-like elves to fulfill the mission of delivering 2 billion gifts each Christmas Eve. Santa's ambitious elder son (voice of Hugh Laurie) runs the sophisticated global distribution network. Decidedly more low-tech is his younger brother (voice of James McAvoy) -- the titular character -- whose task is to answer, by hand, all the letters Santa receives from children. When disaster strikes in the form of an undelivered present, Santa's aged father (voice of Bill Nighy) joins forces with the junior sibling to come to the rescue, and the duo rockets off on one last mission. Although it has absolutely nothing to do with the true meaning of the Nativity, first-time director Sarah Smith's film does offer a good commentary on the commercialization of the holiday and the importance of family, loyalty and being faithful to one's promise. Some rude humor and cartoonish thrills. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.