In another dimension an Alien race known as the Klept is dependent on stealing things from other planets. Without stealing whatever they can find, they would slowly die off and their species would come to an end. Alien Xmas is the story of a young alien named X (Dee Bradley Baker) who has been tasked with coming to the North Pole--just three days before Christmas--and stealing everything that he possibly can, including gravity. Having never received a gift or experienced love, X is in for a rude awakening when he runs into a young elf named Holly (Kaliayh Rhambo).
Like every other Christmas film, Alien Xmas has a story that encourages good behavior, caring, and generosity. While it may use incredibly unique means to convey its message, Alien Xmas adheres to the standards of holiday entertainment. Christmas spirit is ultimately the driving force behind what transpires in The Chiodo Brothers’ extraterrestrial Christmas story. Other than the usual, what are viewers meant to expect when turning on a film called Alien Xmas for the first time? Consider this: director Stephen Chiodo (along with producers--and Stephen’s brothers--Charles and Edward) were the creative minds behind Killer Klowns from Outer Space, meaning viewers should expect something out of the ordinary, and potentially a bit demented from this film; and, to be clear, if they come into the film with this particular mindset, they won’t be entirely wrong. In addition to the Chiodos, Jon Favreau, the mastermind behind hits like Elf and Iron Man, helps to produce this film, providing viewers the expectation that Alien Xmas will be a homerun. While the film does not live up to the standards that Favreau has set for himself, it is far from a failure.
Elves are often cute enough to hold over an audience during a Christmas production of any kind; but tiny, equally cute characters like X make their way to the forefront of the story and provide viewers with levels of cuteness that they haven’t seen in an alien since E.T. Even with his shifty, less-than-ideal personality X is able to weasel his way into the hearts of many as Alien Xmas progresses. Furthermore, the combination and juxtaposition of X and Holly make for a quintessential Grinch-esque moment that is sure to warm the hearts and souls of all that watch.
Something missing from the Christmas film scene for some time is stop-motion. Stop-motion is an element of Christmas entertainment that has been lost for a while but reminds viewers of classics like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, providing feelings of nostalgia that are sure to tickle the fancy of seasoned viewers. There are numerous elements of Alien Xmas that are certain to entertain, but the nostalgia present in the animation is what sold it for me.
Keythe Farley as Santa Claus seems odd aesthetically, however, his voice is booming and fills a room with great ease, making him the perfect choice for (an animated) Santa Claus. Like the inclusion of Farley as Santa, everything pieced together (regardless of how unique or out of place it might feel) makes for a fun, alien-navigated journey through the North Pole. Alien Xmas is unusual, but it includes many of the aspects necessary to make a successful Christmas film. It’s cute, heart-warming, and full of excitement; Alien Xmas feels like a film that viewers of all ages can get behind.
Directed by Stephen Chiodo. Written by Kealan O’Rourke, Dan Clark, Noah Kloor, Stephen Chiodo & Jim Strain. Starring Keythe Farley, Dee Bradley Baker, Kaliayh Rhambo, Jon Favreau, Michelle Deco, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
Comments