Lutins d'Élite: Méchants Contre Gentils

As said in my review for 'Prep & Landing Stocking Stuffer: Operation: Secret Santa', the first 'Prep & Landing' was one of the revelations of my "watching as many Christmas films and shorts not yet seen before as possible" quest. Saw both follow ups as part of the quest also, and while not as good and lacking the first's magic they are both worth watching.

'Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice' is the superior one of the two. It is a little thin in story, like 'Prep & Landing Stocking Stuffer: Operation: Secret Santa' except that it has more momentum than that did, and is a little lacking in the visual imagination that the first 'Prep & Landing' had. As said though, 'Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice' is well worth watching.

Despite saying that the visual imagination isn't quite as apparent as in 'Prep & Landing', that is in no way criticising the overall animation quality which is great. It is bright and colourful, and characters don't look blocky and move smoothly while the attention to detail in the backgrounds is solid. The side of the building scene is a highlight. The music captures the nostalgia, warmth, excitement and emotion of Christmas to perfection.

The writing balances fun and poignancy very well, as well as having a lot of charm and a warm heart. There is some nice messaging that isn't preachy or too saccharine, living up to its good intentions. The story is flawed in execution but has charm and emotion at least and maintains attention enough to not want to turn it off.

The likeable characters still remain, and the brother chemistry is very heart-warming and sweet, while the voice acting is solid.

Overall, very nice. 8/10 Bethany Cox