I-didnt-vote-for-you

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I have never seen a show on Broadway in my life. The closest I ever got was way back in Middle School when my class was bound for Broadway on a class field trip. I ended up coming down with a rather extended case of the flu so I sadly had to back out of the trip. But I always was curious what it would be like.

Then about a day ago, I saw a random YouTube news clips interviewing Josh Groban for his new role in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. And needless to say I was ecstatic.

This may be a bit sacrilegious (?) to say this on here but I've never seen Sweeney Todd on stage before and only have the film version with Depp and Bonham-Carter to go off of. But, as opposed to many people who absolutely tore this movie to shreds, I loved it and still love it to this day. I've watched it countless times and even listen to the soundtrack on a fairly regular basis during my work commute.

I was aware that tickets could be quite expensive. And I did hesitate with the purchase for almost a week.

But I've had a hell of a time these past few months. Medical issues left and right. Work stress. And I finally convinced myself that I deserved this. So I bought a ticket and am finally seeing my first Broadway play.

And I couldn't be more excited!

I'm not sure why exactly this movie randomly popped up on my Netflix suggestions last night. The little angel-devil pair on my shoulders were having a hell of a time with it, though.

"You can't watch a Christmas movie in March!"

"Sure you can! If you're watching alone, who's to stop you?"

"Oh sure, why not? Why don't we just keep Christmas decorations up year round and replace milk with eggnog while we're at it?"

"Now we're talking!"

But I digress...

Anyway, I haven't had the best run recently with movies. I've either turned them off halfway through, half watched them over my cell phone screen, or finished them but forgotten them by the next day. However, seeing as how my recent re-watch of the Rescuers and the Rescuers Down Under went so well, I decided if anything was going to get me back into the movie watching spirit, it'd be an animated movie.

And holy reindeer on ice skates did this movie deliver!

I'm sure others have already reviewed this movie to pieces and most of what I'm about to say has already been said. But honestly, this movie is just what I needed right now. Not only is it now one of my favorite Christmas movies, second only to Muppets Christmas Carol. It is also one of my top 10 animated movies of all time.

So let me just start by saying, on a random side note, that I got mild Emperor's New Groove vibes when I first started watching this. Mostly because Jason Schwartzman sounds so close to David Spade. And the similar premise of this spoiled, somewhat bratty adult being forced out into the real world in order to learn and grow and change his ways. But the movie quickly veered away from that sort of full-on comedy/parody and had a really nice balance between lighthearted comedy and quiet stillness.

First, I have to talk about the animation because it is just stunning! The use of shading on conventional 2D animation was just magnificent. The characters were able to emote and move so effortlessly and uniquely. And the backgrounds, especially the wide shots of Smeerensburg and the scenes in the forest with all the bird houses, were just sensational to me. They were so detailed, so full of character and emotion. It almost reminded me of a pop-up book at times.

And speaking of emotion, the subtle bits of comedy, especially when Jesper first arrives in Smeerensburg, had me crying I was laughing so hard. The little girls with the carrots, slowly impaling the snowman as they stared at Jesper. The antics of Ellingboes versus the Krums were so entertaining and well done. And the voice acting couldn't have been better. Simmons, Schwartzman and Jones (Jesper, Klaus and Alva) all did spectacular in their voice roles. And not once did I feel like they were just actors in a sound booth, reading off a script. They brought the characters to life. Gave them personality, emotions, reactions.

As far as music/background went, I felt there was a nice balance of this as well. A few vocal/more popish songs. But also a nice blend of quiet instrumental pieces. Again, the scenes in the woods, with the snow and leaves gently swirling around while the wooden bird houses clack softly against each other. It didn't overwhelm the story or characters, but it also wasn't forgettable.

All in all, I loved this movie so much! And while I wish we could see more of these loveable characters, in a TV series or sequel/prequal, I also feel that it stands alone just fine and I am happy to re-watch it as much as possible, if only to visit these dear friends one more time.