Many successful franchise revivals find ways to connect with audiences that are both familiar and fresh. They find the reason that people connected with the original and build upon it. Scott Calvin, an executive at a toy manufacturing company, tries to keep his son Charlie’s belief in Santa alive. But when he accidentally causes Santa to fall off their roof, he must don the red suit and become the real deal.
Starring Tim Allen
Tim Allen, best known for his work in sitcoms and on Last Man Standing, steps into the iconic role of Santa Claus in this holiday classic. He’s joined by Elizabeth Mitchell (who returns as Mrs. Claus) and newcomer Kal Penn. The look movie film was a hit, leading to two sequels and now a Disney+ series that’ll hopefully recapture some of the magic from the movies.
The movie opens on Christmas Eve, when divorced Scott Calvin hears noises on his roof and accidentally surprises Santa Claus in the act. The big man loses his balance and falls off the roof. As he awakens, Scott assumes it was all just a dream, but soon he begins to change, physically and emotionally.
The Santa Clause is one of those rare films that can make you feel good while laughing out loud. It’s a story of family and the spirit of Christmas, proving that the holidays are about more than just getting presents. It’s also a reminder of what we should be thankful for, and that’s something worth remembering all year round.
Directed by Bob Peterson
Unlike other Christmas movies that often fall into one camp or the other, The Santa Clause Movie Review ably balances both fantasy and family-friendly themes. It is a delightfully tame watch that should appeal to younger viewers and rekindle a degree of holiday spirit in even the hardiest adult cynics. Although it features some mild profanity and innuendo, the film also manages to keep a level of realism that might surprise many viewers. It is forthright about the impact of divorce on children and doesn’t shy away from depicting a messy custody battle.
It also addresses the issue of religious faith, a subject that is often overlooked in contemporary films. Although the story does contain some instances of taking God’s name in vain, it is generally minor and not as blatant as in some other movies. Its message of faith in a higher power should appeal to viewers of all ages, but it is particularly geared toward children. It is an entertaining and uplifting film that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Eric Stonestreet, known for his role in Modern Family, makes a welcome return to the screen as head elf Bernard.
Written by Peter Boyle
A family-friendly fantasy with a few tame frights, The Santa Clause is a funny and entertaining movie. Its premise is based on a crackerjack family dynamic that will resonate with most viewers. Despite the fact that there are a few misuses of God’s name and slapstick violence, it is generally a tame watch for children. The film also avoids a lot of explicit sexual content and is relatively free from offensive language.
Allen elevates the proceedings on a consistently likable basis, and Pasquin extracts engaging work from a talented supporting cast that includes Judge Reinhold, Eric Lloyd, and David Krumholtz. However, there is a reliance on humor about ageless elves and an excessive amount of time devoted to the Calvin progeny that renders some scenes a bit overstuffed.
This installment features the introduction of a fun new character, played by Eric Stonestreet from Modern Family. This new addition brings a little freshness to the story, and his chemistry with Allen is a welcome addition. Unfortunately, the rest of the film is a bit too overly familiar.
Starring John Lithgow
In addition to its funny premise, this movie delivers laughs for adults and kids. Allen is perfect in this role and Mitchell shows that she has a lot more acting talent than the cookie cutter girl-next-door roles that she usually gets cast in.
The film opens in the distant past with Santa Claus (David Huddleston) and his wife (Judy Cornwell) delivering toys to children in a rustic village. During this journey they become caught in a freezing blizzard and are about to freeze to death, but a bright light appears out of the snow and they are saved by a group of elves who transport them to their home at the North Pole.
Once they arrive, the Clauses must deal with a toy maker named Patch (Dudley Moore) who is trying to steal Santa’s business by putting elf magic to bad use. John Lithgow is hysterical as the over-the-top villain. But the main flaw in this film is that it doesn’t have enough conflict to keep you captivated. There is a lot of slapstick violence, some misuses of God’s name and some sensual themes that could upset younger children.
Starring Mary Gross
The Santa Clause is a warm and funny movie that enchants children and adults alike. It is a rare holiday movie that successfully balances fantasy and reality, while remaining true to the spirit of Christmas. The film is filled with the classics: Santa’s workshop, elves, flying reindeer, and the naughty and nice lists. The movie also has a strong sense of family and community.
Mary Gross is a veteran actress who has appeared in several films and television shows. She is best known for her time on the comedy series Saturday Night Live, where she performed numerous celebrity impressions. She has also starred in the movies Jailbait!, Practical Magic, Troop Beverly Hills, Feds, Casual Sex?, and The Rugrats Movie. She has also had recurring roles on Boston Legal and General Hospital.
In The Santa Clause, she plays the role of Laura Miller, Scott’s ex-wife and Calvin’s mother. She has a light comic touch, and her acting is very natural. Her other film appearances include Air Force One, Room, The 6th Day, Suddenly Naked, and Better Than Chocolate.
