The movie has an extremely detailed and opulent visual style, which reminded me of Alice Through The Looking Glass. And maybe the stories aren't that different anyway.
I think it's very well made, like a gay Christmas on acid, over-the-top glittery with a few eerie and few emotional touches. It also made me laugh a few times so I guess it was an all-inclusive event for me.
It's not a great adventure for kids because the main character doesn't take the viewer on a journey. The opulent Christmas world starts from the very beginning, even before she arrives in Christmas Tree Land or whatever it is. There's no contrast, it doesn't look funny or bedazzling to
her. It's almost like literally stepping out of a Harry Potter movie and then into a Narnia movie.
Maybe it's a little too relentless to make the "wow" moments pop. It over-indulges, but it never stimulates. That wasn't a problem for me because I only watched it for the pretty shiny stuff, but without stimulation it never becomes part of the young viewer. There's nothing for them to do and it won't create any links or associations that could gradually develop into fond memories and nostalgia.
Clara is also too perfect and princessy for a misfit character, maybe they should have given the story to her brother Fritz.
I enjoyed it but I can see why it didn't became the smash hit movie it was supposed to be.
