Movie Review: The Santa Clause

The Santa Clause

Starring: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Eric Lloyd, Wendy Crewson, David Krumholtz, Peter Boyle,  Larry Brandenburg, Mary Gross, Paige Tamada, Melissa King

Director:John Pasquin

Walt Disney Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Outlaw Productions, USA, 1994.

Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) works at toy company. He is 38 years old and divorced. His ex-wife Laura (Wendy Crewson) and son Charlie (Eric Lloyd) live with Neal (Judge Reinhold). Charlie believes in Santa Claus but Scott, Neal and Laura do not. Scott and Charlie spend the Christmas together. However Scott is a terrible cook so they will have to settle for fast food as the Christmas dinner.

Laura and Scott

Charlie

At Christmas night Santa Claus falls off their roof. Santa disappears and leaves a card that tells the finder to put on the red costume if Santa is unable to continue his work. Charlie insists that Scott must follow the orders, so reluctantly Scott wears Santa's red costume. There is a flying reindeer sleigh on the roof that takes them to other houses. After delivering the presents, the reindeers bring Scott and Charlie to North Pole and Santa's workshop. (BTW in Finland we believe that Santa lives in Lapland in a place called Korvatunturi or Ear Fell!) There is also a funny reference to Tim Allen's Home Improvement sitcom series.

Santa's workshop

Home improvement

Bernard the head elf

The head elf supervising the Christmas operations is named Bernard (David Krumholtz). He explains that because Scott wore the costume he has now accepted the responsibilities of being the new Santa Claus. By an agreement or Santa Clause, Scott must now be Santa Claus every Christmas. Otherwise the children will be disappointed.

Judy and Punch

Judy the elf and hot chocolate

Neal and Laura are not amused when Charlie insists that Scott is Santa Claus. Also Scott's agreement brings some side effects, with weight gain and beard growth. Neal and Laura think that Scott has a bad influence on Charlie and apply for a restraining order. Scott needs help from the elfs to get things right. Or ELFS with attitude.

Laura and Neal are not amused

Side effects

ELFS with attitude

This is a movie that will entertain both kids and adults. Kids will enjoy the Christmas fantasy elements, and adults will like Tim Allen's sarcastic jokes and remarks. The second half of the movie is quite sentimental, depicting the problems of a blended family. Overall it is a funny and entertaining Christmas movie.

Rating: Good