Elfen helfen - Bahn frei für Santa Claus

Watched 'Prep & Landing' as part of my "watching as many Christmas films and shorts not yet seen before as possible" quest. Of this quest, 'Prep & Landing' was among the best and one of the revelations. Then again, expectations were quite high in the first as a big Disney and Christmas fan.

Cannot add much to the previous positive reviews that have summed up what is so wonderful about 'Prep & Landing' so well. Can say very little better. Anybody who hasn't seen it yet is seriously missing out, am kicking myself at how it could have taken so long to see it and the only reason that comes to my head was that it was recommended to me after having never heard of it until now.

The animation is bright and colourful, some of it also very imaginative. The characters don't look blocky and move smoothly while the attention to detail in the backgrounds is something to behold. The music captures the nostalgia, warmth, excitement and emotion of Christmas to perfection.

'Prep & Landing' has hilarious humour, touching and never mawkish sentiment and emotional moments and thrilling excitement. Not only are these individual elements carried over so brilliantly in the writing and the storytelling they are beautifully balanced also. The references are a sheer delight, adults are more likely to get them and be more familiar with them than younger viewers but the latter are very likely to want to know more about what is being referenced after watching.

Having likeable characters that one cares and roots for is always a plus and, unless deliberately otherwise which is the case with a fair share of films and television shows, this is important. 'Prep & Landing' has likeable characters, while the spirit of Christmas is displayed with a lot of fun, heart and warmth without being over-sentimental or preachy. The voice acting is very good, Dave Foley being spot-on.

Overall, a must watch. 10/10 Bethany Cox