Arthur Christmas

CHICAGO – Aardman Animation has been such a vital, creative force in the history of family entertainment that I worry that the relatively lackluster reception stateside for films like “Arthur Christmas” could derail the company a bit. Most U.S. audiences ignored this solid holiday offering and the Spring’s “The Pirates! A Band of Misfits” (although both were much bigger hits overseas). Do yourself a favor and take a trip off the beaten holiday movie path to check out “Arthur Christmas,” a smart, fun comedy for the entire family.

CHICAGO – In a weekend that saw some low totals, the new film “New Year’s Eve” knocked “Breaking Dawn – Part 1” from the top spot at the weekend box office. The new film totaled an estimated $13.7 million this past weekend.

CHICAGO – In a weekend that didn’t see any major new releases, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1” held its ground over all the current releases and reclaimed the top spot at the box office as a three-peat champ. The film brought in an estimated $16.9 million over the first December weekend.

CHICAGO – In the battle of vampires and puppets, the heartthrobs got the win. To clarify, that’s the vampires. “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1” came in at number one in the weekend box office with $42 million over the weekend and $62.3 million over the five-day Thanksgiving break. The total was enough to hold off “The Muppets,” which brought in a very respectable $29.5 million three-day, $42 million five-day total.

CHICAGO – Aardman Studios, the creators of the irrepressible “Wallace & Gromit” and the witty “Flushed Away” is back with another animated holiday treat, “Arthur Christmas.” Santa Claus and the gang are taken into the modern era, but the cheeky lads/lasses at Aardman can’t help but throw in a bit of whimsy and heart.