What we got here is Netflix' "Alien Xmas", an animated short film from 2020, and this one was released on 20th November to be really precise. Which means that it is exactly two weeks old now, but despite this short period of time, you can see from the number of votes here on imdb as well as the fact that this has ten reviews already (eleven with mine), that it got immediately seen by many. But no surprise there because after all it is Netflix. The time of the year when this got released makes sense as well because, as it is very obvious from the photo, this is a film for the Christmas season, mostly for kids probably. But not exclusively. I am a grown man and liked it too for the most part. There are no major weaknesses, but I shall get into detail about that a little later. First of all, let me say that this is based on a book and if I get it right, this book was written by Stephen Chiodo and his body of work is really the epitome of an all-rounder. Not only does he write children's books apparently, but he has been in almost every field of production you find in films. This may explain why he is not the most prolific director despite directing his first works in the 1960s already, which means over 50 years ago. Here he directs again and does a fairly good job I'd say. I am a bit curious about some of the other stuff he did. I mean just look at his career-defining works when it comes to producing and as a visual effects artist. A mix of aliens and Christmas there too, just like it is here the case with this movie. I cannot say horror because this one is really way too harmless overall, even if there is a greedy female alien who wants to do something horrible. But luckily our protagonist is there to help mankind a bit against his own and in the end they simply coexist in peace. By the way, the protagonist is simply called X, certainly no coincidence given X-Mas and NetfliX. He is voiced by the incomparable Dee Bradley Baker, a real icon when it comes to voice acting with how he has been a part of this branch for decades and been in so many projects. This one here is probably not his most challenging work because the little alien does not talk at all, just makes noises. There is a lot of talking though from the human characters in here, including a father who is so busy with his job that he does not really find the time to be with his little girl. But she kinda understands. By the way, you can also see from the characters' skin colors (and not just the protagonists, also Santa's other helpers) that we are in 2020 now. No need to get into detail about that. You will know what I mean. If it's a good thing, everybody needs to decide for themselves.
The for me funniest moment was maybe the inclusion of reindeer in here. They basically have no job with this super modern new sleigh and how we see them express their emotions (first through booing, then through laughing when the sleigh is not working properly) was pretty hilarious. Exactly my kind of humor. Another thing I want to mention here is that I quite liked the introduction on the distant planet and there we meet X, the hero. We see how he is sneaky, but still small, but pretty courageous to make up for his lack in size. By the books basically. When this introduction is over, then he is off to Earth. I think it still can be called an introduction, even if the real framework is Santa telling this story about X to the little children who do not want to go to sleep yet. I must say I struggled a bit with Santa's looks unfortunately, but other than that, it is also a fine film visually. I liked the looks of everything else, including the locations, the snow, X, the aliens, the humans, the dog etc. The key idea/twist is basically that the aliens change their color, become considerably more colorful when turning to the good side you can say, i.e. when no longer being against humans. It was an okay inclusion, but did not feel as meaningful and emotional as it was meant to be. Good enough nonetheless. The ending feels a bit rushed then with how the aliens all of a sudden agree to deliver all the presents, but as an animated fantasy/sci-fi film, they are getting away with it nicely and no damage is done. If we already have to live through an alien invasion, then this must be it. Such friendly little aliens. I guess this would be all then. This one is not great by any means and probably will not garner a gigantic deal of awards recognition, but a little bit would be nice and no hesitation for me really in giving the outcome here a thumbs-up. I also think a sequel is not unlikely at some point, even if I must say I don't know if there's more books about X. But it does not matter. They can also make a new (short) film without a literary sequel. Finally, let me add that I have not read the book(s), so my perception and evaluation here is solely based on this movie from two weeks ago. Also cannot talk about parallels and differences between base material and adaptation although I am fairly stunned by how many writers worked on this relatively short film. Go watch. With or without your kid. By the way, it runs for over 40 minutes, especially if you keep watching when they display all the foreign voice actors' names, the folks who were in charge of the dubbing and synchronization. Now that's really all. Maybe not too amazing a watch for January until November, but in the last month of the year, it certainly deserves to be seen. Glad it's getting the attention.
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