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The Santa Clause [1995]
![The Santa Clause [1995]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41S9SSV19GL._SL160_.jpg)
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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Tim Allen makes an impressive screen debut in Disney's well-written seasonal film The Santa Clause. Divorced toy company executive Scott Calvin is pleased to have his son Charlie for Christmas, though the boy himself isn't happy about it. But when Santa Claus accidentally topples off the roof of the house and falls with a thud in the snow, Scott finds himself taking the merry old elf's place and earning new respect in his son's eyes. When the night ends, the reindeer take them to the North Pole, and Scott discovers that by donning the fabled red suit, he's inadvertently agreed to become the next Santa Claus. The next morning he wakes up in his own bed and thinks it's all a dream--but Charlie remembers it with crystal clarity. Scott now has to deal with his suspicious ex-wife (Wendy Crewson) and her psychiatrist boyfriend (Judge Reinhold), who both think he's playing tricks with Charlie's mind, and also with his own out-of-control body, which is putting on weight and growing a prodigious beard. The Santa Clause probably won't supplant It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street as anyone's favourite Christmas viewing, but it's an enjoyable, straightforward family film, anchored by the affable charisma of Allen. --Bret Fetzer
A FUNNY CHRISTMAS FILM
Review date: 2007-11-18 Rating: 8 out of 10
Ever wonder, who is Santa Claus, really? Where does he come from, how old is he? How in the world does he squeeze down a chimney, and how does he get in if there isn't a chimney? What's the deal here? Well, happily, the answers to these questions and more are finally answered, as the legend of Santa Claus comes to life as never before in `The Santa Clause,' directed by John Pasquin and starring Tim Allen. Scott Calvin (Allen) is an executive with a toy manufacturing company, he's divorced and has a young son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd), who still believes in Santa, but is at an age at which doubt is beginning to creep into the picture. And the fact that Charlie's mom, Laura (Wendy Crewson) has a boyfriend, Dr. Neal Miller (Judge Reinhold), who is a psychiatrist, isn't helping the situation any. Neal, it seems, is adamant about counseling Charlie in the realities of life, which of course includes the real scoop on Santa, which doesn't go over too well with Scott.
Then on Christmas Eve, which Charlie is spending with Scott, a strange thing happens. There's a clatter on the roof, and Scott rushes outside to investigate, where he discovers a man in a red suit clamoring about on the roof of his two-story house. As Scott watches, the man loses his footing and falls into the snow on the front lawn. And to Scott's amazement, it's Santa Claus! Or at least a guy dressed up like Santa, and he's not in very good shape at the moment. Lying there on his back, the man hands Scott a card with instructions written on it about what to do in this particular situation. `Put on the suit,' it says, `The reindeer will know what to do.' And when Scott looks back up at the roof, what he sees concludes what Neal would probably call an SEE (Significant Emotional Experience), and though he doesn't realize it at the moment, his life is about to change forever...
And with that, Pasquin goes on to tell the story of Scott Calvin's amazing odyssey, which puts a humorous, and at times poignant, spin on this contemporary and highly imaginative rendition of the Santa Claus story, which offers much more than merely a fresh face on an old tale. The Santa angle has that universal appeal that will attract viewers initially, but what makes this story really accessible is the reality which lies beneath the fantasy. The relationships examined in this film-- the whole situation with Scott, Charlie, Laura and Neal-- are quite common in our modern world, and that obstacle in the lives of these characters puts a necessary balance in the story that makes it more than just another Christmas fantasy. It puts an edge on the sentimentality that would've been over-the-top had Scott, for example, been a happily married man with a text book family life. That would've been good for maybe a one hour T.V. special on a Tuesday night, whereas this story and the way it's presented is unique and lends itself well to full length motion picture status.
When you think of Tim Allen, you don't necessarily think in terms of Santa Claus-- his Tim Taylor, `Home Improvement' persona is simply too far-reaching (there are, in fact, some `in' jokes sprinkled subtly throughout this film, like when Scott, in Santa's workshop, picks up a toy tool belt and holds it up to himself)-- but it actually becomes a positive here, and another part of the appeal of this film. it establishes Scott as a real person, an average guy attempting to cope with the everyday problems of everyday life. And it keeps the core of the story grounded, which ultimately makes the fantasy work while giving it heart. So, in retrospect, Allen was a perfect choice for the role of Scott Calvin, and in the long run this just may turn out to be one of his most memorable roles (which is somewhat ironic, as this was Allen's big screen debut), because this is certainly the kind of film that is bound to make a lot of people's annual `holiday movies to watch' list, falling into that category of films you can watch over and over again every Christmas season, like `A Christmas Story.' `Christmas Vacation,' `A Christmas Carol' and `It's A Wonderful Life.' All films which, though certainly diverse, have at their center the spirit of Christmas along with family values and traditions, and all told in a way that enables the viewer to readily identify with the characters and the story, which is exactly what this film does.
Eric Lloyd turns in a good performance as Charlie, making his character believable while keeping him positive despite the conflicts which surround him, and Crewson and Reinhold are solid in their respective roles, as well. But in supporting roles, the standout performances come from David Krumholtz, as Bernard, Santa's Head Elf, and Paige Tamada, who is endearing as Judy, the Little Elf.
Rounding out the supporting cast are Peter Boyle (Mr. Whittle), Mary Gross (Miss Daniels), Larry Brandenburg (Detective Nunzio), Judith Scott (Susan), Jayne Eastwood (Judy, the Waitress) and Joyce Guy (Principal Compton). An entertaining and ultimately uplifting movie, `The Santa Clause' is funny and enjoyable and has a lot to offer in the way of family entertainment, the kind of film adults and kids alike are going to appreciate. And it may even make you believe in some things you hadn't even considered before-- but that's for you to figure out as you watch the movie. And that's the magic of the movies. I rate this one 8/10.
Similar Products
- The Santa Clause 2 [2002]
- Santa Clause 3 : The Escape Clause [2006]
- Miracle On 34th Street [1994]
- Santa Claus - The Movie [1985]
- The Muppet Christmas Carol [1992]
Reviews
Read the fine print
Review date: 2005-08-10 Rating: 8 out of 10
How can you not enjoy this movie? Santa falls off Scott Calvin's (Tim Allen) roof, so he has to take over the position (albeit reluctantly) when he puts on the suit (having not read the fine print). Along the way you run into Scott's ex-wife (Wendy Crewson), his son Charlie (Eric Lloyd), Charlie's stepfather Neil the psychiatrist (Judge Reinhold) (he stopped believing in Santa Claus at age three when he didn't get his Oscar Mayer Weenie Whistle--yeah, that explains a lot!), and many fun elves, including Bernard (David Krumholtz--currently starring in CBS's Numb3rs). It is a great cast, especially the child-like elves, many of whom are actually at least 1,200 years of age.
The plot is engaging, and very family friendly. Don't analyze it too much, as you may wonder at some points why things don't get explained further--but hey, it isn't supposed to be an air tight court case here, just a fun movie!
The extras are fun, though not long, they definately make a great addition. You get to see the documentary "So You Wanna Be An Elf?" in which Bernard the head Elf, trains a new crop of workers, including telling them about the filming of the movie where "Santa had to lose a few pounds to play his alter-ego Scott Calvin." This mood carries over into the Wolfgang Puck mini-cooking shows (three of them) in which we see Wolfgang and a group of helpful Elves make Pizza (Santa's favourite after too much milk and cookies), Christmas cookies, and hot cocoa. Recipes are also included as typically the shows don't list ingredient measurings.
This is a fun movie to watch, especially around the hollidays, though the kids will enjoy it any time.
good yuletide fun !
Review date: 2004-06-11 Rating: 10 out of 10
There are some films that just have to be watched every christmas and this is one of them. It is a feelgood film for a feelgood time of year.
The story is simple. Scott Calvin (note his initials) is a divorced father who frequently lets his young son down due to his busy working life. That is until he accidently kills Santa Claus. To his disbelief and dismay, and his sons delight, he has to become the new Santa. The film follows his changing life and attitudes and shows the newly developing relationship between father and son.
There is nothing taxing or complex about this movie, just a heartwarming, funny story that is ideal for all the family. Watch and enjoy.
Great for the Whole Family
Review date: 2003-11-29 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is a lovely film that our enire family enjoyed. Tim Allen brings a sly sarcasm to the role that adults will enjoy, because this tends to help the movie avoid the surrupy sentimentality of most Christmas movies. Might not be good for very little ones as much of the film centers around whether or not Santa actually exists. I would suggest that it's probably fine for kids of 8 and above, depending of course on their level of maturity. (Our six year old son asked us to skip the part where the original Santa dies.) Is this one of the greatest films ever made? No, but it does provide a wonderful opportunity to get the whole family (even the teens) together to share a few laughs.
The Santa Clause featuring Tim Allen
Review date: 2003-11-16 Rating: 10 out of 10
This has to be one of my favourite kids films. It is suitable from around age 4 or 5 when they start to ask difficult questions like "How is Santa going to get in when we haven't got a chimney?" This film answers all those questions and shows just how inventive and magical Santa is to get into everybody's houses at Christmas. Absolutely wonderful, it should be shown on TV every Christmas Eve.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
David Krumholtz
Tim Allen
Eric Lloyd
Wendy Crewson
Judge Reinhold
Creators:
Tim Allen (Primary Contributor)
Judge Reinhold (Primary Contributor)
Brian Reilly (Producer)
Caroline Baron (Producer)
James Miller (Producer)
Jeffrey Silver (Producer)
Jennifer Graham Billings (Producer)
Leo Benvenuti (Writer)
Steve Rudnick (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Walt Disney Home Video
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Video
EAN: 5017188885966
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2002-11-18
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 105 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1994-11-11
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Original Language)