The Santa Clause (1994)

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Directed by John Pasquin, Bill Elvin.

Starring Wendy Crewson, David Krumholtz, Judge Reinhold, Tim Allen, Eric Lloyd.

Television sitcom star Tim Allen made his big screen debut with this light, family-friendly holiday comedy. Allen stars as Scott Calvin, the divorced dad of Charlie (Eric Lloyd). Scott is distressed to learn that his ex-wife Laura (Wendy Crewson) and Charlie's psychiatrist stepfather Neal (Judge Reinhold) have informed his son that there is no Santa Claus. While a sullen Charlie visits his dad on Christmas Eve, a noise on the roof brings them outside, where Scott startles the intruder, who tumbles from the roof. It turns out that there is a Santa after all, and Scott has just accidentally killed him. Because of a legal technicality known as "the Santa clause," Scott inherits the jolly old elf's job. As the next year passes, Scott rapidly gains weight, grows a white beard and meets the elf Bernard (David Krumholtz) -- who is the one who really runs the North Pole -- while Charlie regains his Christmas spirit. However, Neal becomes concerned about Scott's sudden change in appearance and insistence that he's Santa, and he forces him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Director John Pasquin previously directed Allen in the TV series Home Improvement and would team with him again for Jungle 2 Jungle (1997). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

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Reviews and discussions

This movie used to be a Christm ...
by pratchettfan in pratchettfan Blog

liked it.

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]
"When I was a child we had several traditions for Christmas Eve (the day the presents are unpacked in Switzerland). First, we went to church at 5pm. Second, we ate canapé for dinner while watching Santa Claus. As I remember it, it was the perfect family Christmas movie with a nice happy end and of course, lots of presents. Unfortunately, television stations replaced this movie with The Santa Clause, which I admit is very funny and cool as well, but still it just ain’t the same ;). " [More]

Santa Claus(e)
by QFLW in QFLW Blog

liked it.

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]
"While I get really tired of the stance taken in Disney films that grownups are either mean & bad or good but clueless, that kids know everything and should always get their way lest they be the least bit unhappy for even a moment, I do enjoy this film a lot. It's fun (despite the whiny Charlie who isn't all that cute) and inventive (up to a point); the North Pole workshop is lovely (I especially love Santa's big sleigh bed); I like Bernard the elf and Tim Allen's turn in the central role. In fact it's Allen who makes this movie worth watching, his humor saving it from being just another of Disney's ridiculous annoyances. " [More]

Review by All Movie Guide

All Movie Guide

is neutral about it.

While the premise about a man accidentally killing Kris Kringle suggests a dark comedy, at its core The Santa Clause is a mostly straightforward holiday comedy. Choosing a role that virtually plays itself, the film was a smart choice for Tim Allen, making his transition from the small screen to the big one. Playing Scott Calvin never demands Allen to overreach, leaving the audience more than satisfied with his performance. But the film was never meant as a showcase for anyone's acting chops, and it's the clever and heartwarming script that makes it an overall winner. Beyond the concept, there are a handful of genuinely funny moments as Calvin struggles with the fact that, like it or not, he's the new Santa. Likewise, the family story line is touching without being too sappy. While it might have been interesting to see The Santa Clause in the hands of a cast and crew that could give it an edge and some bite, the end product here is a more than adequate offering for the whole family. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

Tags: christmas , father , santa , son , comingofage
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