I saw Arthur Christmas last weekend and really liked it — as I do all of Aardman’s work — but since we saw a not-quite-finished version of the film that was lacking end credits, we were thankfully spared this (from a just-received press release):
JUSTIN BIEBER IS COMING TO TOWN:
NEW SONG FOR UPCOMING MOVIE “ARTHUR CHRISTMAS”LONDON, October 17, 2011 – Santa Claus is coming to town – and this year, he’s getting a little help from Justin Bieber, Aardman Animations, and Sony Pictures Animation.
When Arthur Christmas, the 3D, CG-animated movie from Aardman for Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Pictures, rolls into cinemas on November 11th, Bieber’s rendition of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town,” from his new Christmas album “Under The Mistletoe,” will play over the end credits.
Commenting on the announcement, Lia Vollack, President, Worldwide Music for Sony Pictures, said, “It was important to us to have a song that connected with the film’s themes – and you couldn’t ask for a better match than ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town’ – but our choice was about much more than that. We saw an opportunity to give our moviegoers a tremendous added value with a brand-new music video premiering in theaters. We had a great experience working with Justin on The Karate Kid, so we’re thrilled to be working with him – it’s a perfect fit for our movie’s core audience.”
A “tremendous added value”? It sounds like they’re selling toothpaste.
The sad thing is, they think they are.
The sadder thing is, they’re not wrong.
As Arthur himself might react:
Hoorah for Hollywood but please kill me.
