By Lynn Venhaus

Charming and delightful, “That Christmas” is an animated comedy that will give you the warm-and -fuzzies without the too-sweet and unrealistic situations that derail many of these holiday-themed movies.

And that’s because of the pedigree involved. Based on a trio of children’s books written by Richard Curtis and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, his screenplay is not your typical fluff but features relatable characters and believable human interactions – and his trademark wit. (The other books are “Snow Day” and “The Empty Stocking.”)

Rom-com legend Curtis is known for writing “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Love Actually,” “Notting Hill” and “Yesterday.” Along with co-screenwriter Peter Souter, they tickle the funny bone through his imperfect adult characters and an endearing cast of quirky children. (And for Curtis fans, several in-jokes about his other films are clever references).

Now streaming on Netflix, the story centers on an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone’s plans, including Santa’s.

The film touches on community, friendship and the bonds between families, especially siblings – all rendered in amusing and heartwarming ways throughout the breezy 91-minute film.

The seasonal adventure focuses on three families – and nobody’s having a picture-perfect holiday. In fact, calamities ensue, not to mention a whole flock of turkeys liberated before they become dinner entrees.

Simon Otto makes his feature film directorial debut — he was responsible for the character animation and story art in the superb “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy. The animation is by Locksmith Animation (“Ron’s Gone Wrong,” and it’s bright, cheery and sufficiently wintry.

There is more to love – music is by the renowned film composer John Powell – recent credit “Wicked” — and Ed Sheeran wrote an original song “Under the Tree” for the film.

Brian Cox lent his distinguished voice as Santa, Bill Nighy has a small but impactful role as the lighthouse keeper Bill, and Fiona Shaw is the stern teacher Ms. Trapper.

The kids reflect modern views, especially Bernadette (India Brown), who rewrote the school’s traditional Christmas pageant (“The Three Wisewomen”!) and went too ‘woke’ to the horror of those in attendance. But to be fair, it had more to do with the messy watermelon splatter.

Sam (Zazie Hayhurst) is the ‘good sister’ who is exasperated by her rowdy, messy twin Charlie (Sienna Sayer), for a naughty-or-nice subplot, and Danny (Jack Wisniewski) is the sweet, sincere kid with a crush on Sam. His parents are going through a divorce. Jodie Whittaker voices his hard-working mom.

The entwined tales don’t shy aways from the realities of loneliness at holiday time, but there is plenty of merriment because of the parents’ more colorful personalities. Rhys Darby and Lolly Adefope’s

Wellington-on-Sea is fictional, but Curtis drew inspiration from the coastal towns of Walberswick and Southwold, which are in the English county of Suffolk.

It’s just a fun ride, with a pesky blizzard, Santa’s woes, and a sassy reindeer, Dasher (Guz Khan), plus the kids go through ‘learning experiences.’

The old-fashioned emotional touches in the story and contemporary cozy look are both appealing, making this Christmas one to remember. Watching “That Christmas” is as comforting as a cup of hot cocoa with a plate of Christmas cookies. In fact, that may be the best way to see it, along with snuggling up with a throw.

“That Christmas” is a 2024 animated comedy directed by Simon Otto and starring (voice-over work) Brian Cox, Bill Nighy, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Jack Wisniewski, Sienna Sayer, India Brown, Zazie Hayhurst, Rhys Darby, Lolly Adefope, Guz Khan, and Bronte Smith. It is rated: PG for thematic elements, some language and rude humor. It began streaming on Netflix Dec. 4. Lynn’s Grade: B+

By Lynn Venhaus
On the surface, “IF” looks warm and fuzzy, a relatable story about the power of imagination and how it affects our childhoods. And while there is much to like about the film, the whimsy doesn’t quite live up to the magic it strives to capture.

While being imaginative and heartfelt, it is also sad and dark, which may confuse parents of young children who are unaware of the story’s tragic elements. The 12-year-old heroine, Bea, who has been through some things, faces another potential heartbreak.

Writer-director John Krasinski, who knocked it out of the park with his “A Quiet Place” films, was inspired by his two daughters to make a live-action Pixar movie, and the ambitious concept is a dandy one.

Yet I struggled to make sense of this alternate reality, for the logic doesn’t seem to be there, even in a fantasy. Lonely Bea, dealing with loss and staying with her grandmother while her dad is in the hospital, meets neighbor Cal, who sees abandoned imaginary friends. 

Cal serves as a matchmaker of sorts, finding new pals for IFs to hang around with, and be useful, for their previous childhood buddies grew up. Think of him as the guardian of the portal. He enlists the earnest and creative Bea.

Cailey Fleming is heart-tugging as a guarded Bea, and warms to Carl, wonderfully played by Ryan Reynolds, who appears more vulnerable than his usually jovial characters. His trademark snappy patter is here, but he’s also some emotional heft to display.

As a human, he blends into the visual effects with flair, standing out in two scenes that wow – a splashy dancing sequence and one where he materializes from a painting.

Reynolds’ agility goes a long way in liking Cal, and his story arc that comes full circle in the third act just might bring a tear to your eye, like it did mine. In fact, my tissue got a workout, like when I watched Pixar’s “Coco” and “Toy Story 4.”

The point about the need for human connection is well-taken, particularly after living through the global coronavirus pandemic. The central theme of the film is loss and grief, and the opening montage is comparable to the start of Pixar’s “Up.”

I can’t recommend this for children under 8, and don’t think a PG-rating is enough warning. If you take young children, be prepared to address some heavy questions.

And there are a few disconcerting choices – Bea walks to a bodega late at night alone, and we’re talking New York City (OK, Brooklyn, but…) and grandma (Fiona Shaw) is apparently OK with her wandering the city by herself.

Granted, we can’t shield our children from life’s cruel blows, and even classic Disney films feature death – Mufasa in “The Lion King” and the momma deer in “Bambi” come to mind – but this film’s marketing makes it look like shiny, happy people having fun.

Nevertheless, the all-star voice cast delivers funny and charming characterizations of various creatures, including Steve Carell as Blue, a gentle Muppet-like giant, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge as a cartoonish Betty Boop named Blossom.

In less substantial but full of personality vocal performances are Krasinski’s wife Emily Blunt as an excitable unicorn, Amy Schumer as a high-strung gummy bear and George Clooney as a spaceman (remember “Gravity”?). In his final role, Louis Gossett Jr. is a wise Teddy bear.

Christopher Meloni plays one of the more animated characters, Cosmo, and the who’s who of Hollywood includes Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Blake Lively, Matthew Rhys, Jon Stewart, Maya Rudolph, Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, Bill Hader and Keegan Michael-Key. Outstanding talent is assembled, but with so many, not everyone gets moments to shine, more like snippets.

Alan Kim, whose breakthrough role was in “Minari,” plays Benjamin, a hospital patient who befriends Bea, and it’s a sweet, but underdeveloped character

The film does have a striking fairy tale-storybook glow to it, courtesy of cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, who has worked with Steven Spielberg since 1993 and won Oscars for “Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan.”

Jess Gonchor’s production design is also noteworthy, especially using Coney Island as a fantastic playground for the IFs, as well as a nifty retirement home. Gonchor, longtime collaborator with the Coen Brothers, also created the striking set design for “White Noise,” another difficult world to build. He previously worked with Krasinski on “The Quiet Place, Part II.”

Jenny Eagan’s costume design is delightful, and the army of special and visual effects wizards dazzle with their playfulness.

Krasinski’s heart is in the right place, and the intention is admirable, if not the execution. While the third act redeems the storyline to an extent, the movie fails to live up to expectations, which is a letdown, given the enormous amount of talent involved.

“IF” is a 2024 comedy-drama-fantasy written and directed by John Krasinski, starring Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, Steve Carell, Alan Kim and Krasinski. Rated PG for thematic elements and mild language, its runtime is 1 hour, 44 minutes. Opens in theatres May 17. Lynn’s Grade: C