Klaus

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Jason Schwartzman as Jesper Johansen, a postman who befriends Klaus and helps bring much-needed happiness to Smeerensburg while getting accustomed to a life outside of his comfort zone.
• J. K. Simmons as:
  • Klaus (Santa Claus), an initially-reclusive large woodworker who makes toys.
  • The Drill Sarge (uncredited), the assistant head of the Johansen family’s postal department who works under the Royal Postmaster General.
• Rashida Jones as Alva, a teacher turned fishmonger who becomes Jesper’s love interest.
• Will Sasso as Mr. Aksel Ellingboe, the Ellingboe Clan patriarch carrying on an ancient feud of his clan with the Krums.
• Neda Margrethe Labba as Márgu, a young Sámi girl who becomes well acquainted with Jesper, despite their language barrier.
• Sergio Pablos as:
  • Olaf Krum, Mrs. Krum’s imposing son who does not speak, but communicates using inhuman sounds.
  • Magdelone “Pumpkin” Ellingboe, Mr. Ellingboe’s pampered and imposing daughter whose only word is “mine”.
• Norm Macdonald as Mogens, the sarcastic ferryman of Smeerensburg who enjoys humor that comes at others’ expense.
• Joan Cusack as Mrs. Tammy Krum, the Krum Clan matriarch carrying on an ancient feud of her clan with the Ellingboes.
• Reiulf Aleksandersen and Sara Margrethe Oksal as adult Sami voices, including Márgu’s parents.
• Sam McMurray as The Postmaster General (uncredited), Jesper’s father and the headmaster of The Royal Post Academy who sends Jesper to Smeerensburg.

Storyline:

A selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker form an unlikely friendship, delivering joy to a cold, dark town that desperately needs it.

About Klaus Movie:

Klaus is an animated Christmas adventure comedy film directed by Sergio Pablos in his directorial debut. Produced by The SPA Studios and distributed by Netflix, the film features a voice cast that includes Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Will Sasso, and Joan Cusack. The screenplay was co-written by Pablos, Zach Lewis, and Jim Mahoney.

Plot Summary

Set in a fictional 19th-century town called Smeerensburg, the story follows Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), a lazy postman who is sent to the remote town above the Arctic Circle as a punishment for his poor performance at the postal academy. The town is plagued by feuding families who refuse to communicate, making Jesper’s job difficult.

In his quest to escape the cold and dreary town, Jesper discovers Klaus (J.K. Simmons), a reclusive toymaker living in a cabin filled with handmade toys. As Jesper befriends Klaus, they begin to deliver toys to the local children, which sparks joy and gradually transforms Smeerensburg into a kinder place. The film explores themes of kindness, friendship, and the spirit of giving.

Reception and Awards

Klaus was released on November 8, 2019, and received critical acclaim for its stunning animation style, heartfelt story, humor, and emotional depth. It won seven awards at the 47th Annie Awards, including Best Animated Feature, and also won Best Animated Film at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards. Additionally, it was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards, making it the first animated film from Netflix to receive such a nomination.

Legacy

The film has been praised for its unique take on the origin of Santa Claus and its beautiful hand-drawn animation style. It has quickly become a holiday favorite for many viewers and is considered a modern classic in Christmas cinema.

Overall, Klaus stands out as a heartwarming tale that combines traditional storytelling with innovative animation techniques, making it a significant addition to the genre of animated holiday films.

Budget & Box Office Collection: