Santa vs. the Snowman 3D

The title of this high-spirited, 37-minute, computer-animated IMAX adventure is not misleading: Santa and his elves actually go to war against a troubled snowman and an army that he clones from ice cubes. The story begins when the lonely snowman wanders into Santa’s Village, is awed by the camaraderie and splendor, and attempts to replace a broken flute (his only worldly comfort) with one from the busy workshop. The theft and the snowman’s pursuit by elves ignite a rivalry that threatens to ruin Christmas for the entire planet. Producer-creator Steve Oedekerk (who penned Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls) and the production team that gave us Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius keep the visual wonders flowing, as the story about the need to be loved, the spread of goodwill, patience and forgiveness take a back seat to the action. One Star Wars-like battle includes a phalanx of igloo walkers and shootouts with freeze rays and hot-cocoa squirters. Featuring the voices of Jonathan Winters, Ben Stein and Victoria Jackson.