Previously on my blog, I reviewed
Arthur Christmas which was a film all about there being more than one Santa and each Santa succeeding the other due to one being at the age of retirement. Today we are looking at two films that have a similar premise, but on a more 2D animated and playful level than that film. Both of them are on Netflix (at least the UK one anyway) and surprisingly don't have that long of a running time. Normally for something like this, I expect there to be at least 90 minutes long, but of course that doesn't always happen. So with that, let's get to it:
Santa's Apprentice
So the film revolves around a Sydney based orphaned child named Nicholas (voiced by Cole Sand in the version I watched) who is afraid of heights, must deal with the wrath of the orphanage bully Grincoch (voiced by Gabe Eggerling in this version) and seems to have feelings for one of the girls named Little Beatrice (voiced by Bailey Gambertoglio in this version). Meanwhile in the North Pole, a council of retired Santas reveal to the current Santa (voiced by Michael Sorich in this version) that its time to pick a new one and therefore he must train an apprentice. Its at this point when Nicholas's life changes forever and possibly the current Santa's life too. So before I found out there were two versions of the film's cast, I was determined to make a big deal about it given that the US cast makes the film far too inconsistent with the Australian characters and their voices. The other thing I have an issue with is one of the rules in being the next Santa. I can understand that it has to be someone called Nicholas and must have a pure heart. But the rule about being an orphan I don't quite understand at all. But anyway, its a well animated film with a charming if not a bit inconsistent cast (depending on which version you watch), but it may be too forgetful considering its short run time. 8/10
The Magic Snowflake
Picking up from the last film, the former Santa (reprised by Michael Sorich) leaves the North Pole with his wife who is also called Beatrice (voiced by Mary Pat Gleason in both films) to pursue a normal life and help run the orphanage that Nicholas (reprised by Cole Sand) and Little Beatrice (reprised by Bailey Gambertoglio) came from. Meanwhile, Nicholas takes on the role he is given hoping he can be the best Santa he can. But when he begins to show signs of growing up while doing so, its up to a certain teacher of his to help him get back on track and find answers about his past, present and future. So putting aside the inconsistent cast, this film is a bit more light heartened than the first with great animation like before and a charming cast like before. Again it could be a film you're bound to forget and the plot can be predictable. But its got its heart and charm in there so I'm sure you'll get a good time with it. 8/10
So as far as it goes, these films are an enjoyable watch that show the whole shebang about Christmas and the true meaning of it and so forth. You probably may forget ever watching them when you watch them due to them being very short, but that's OK I guess. Great animation, a charming cast and just good stories even if they are predictable in some capacity. 8/10
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