Review: The Santa Clause (1994)

The Santa Clause was the 4^th highest grossing film in North America of 1994. The film is notable for helping Tim Allen make his transition from television star to film star, his previous success being the hit show "Home Improvement". The Santa Clause was Followed by two sequels, The Santa Clause 2 (2002) and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006). Despite both films being moderately successful at the box office, they were slaughtered by critics, unlike their predecessor.

After accidentally killing Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, Scott Calvin must step into the big man’s shoes and become Santa himself.

"Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing."

Scott Calvin is a rather rude workaholic, who doesn’t spend much time with his son, Charlie. He’s divorced from his wife, and has a great dislike of her new husband. He doesn't seem to have many friends, and his life outside of work leaves much to be desired. This all changes the night he becomes Santa Claus. Calvin’s experience as Mr. Claus brings him closer to his son, and gives him a real purpose in life: To keep the spirit of Christmas alive in the hearts of Children everywhere.

By putting on Santa’s suit, Calvin effectively accepts the terms of “The Santa Clause”, a clause legally binding him to the role of Santa until he is no longer able to fulfil it. Calvin is given one year to “get his affairs in order” before he must return to the North Pole to live permanently, which he fails to comprehend. Upon waking up the next morning, Scott believes the whole thing was just a dream, and continues to believe this and live his life normally until his appearance starts to drastically change, leaving him with an uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus.

This movie gives an interesting take on Santa Claus, and a logical one at that. The idea that Santa is replaced by a new man every time the previous Santa dies makes a lot of sense. It's a very clever idea. I admire it.

"I don't know what's happening to you. You're starting to look like the Pillsburg Doughboy."

When I was a kid, this was the Christmas movie; the one all the kids loved and wanted to own. It's a magical film that really delivers on the spirit of Christmas. As an adult, I find that I still like this movie, but for different reasons. It has a real comedic edge that I didn't notice as a child. It actually happens to be a very amusing film. I'm not sure if I enjoyed it more as a child, or if I enjoy it more now, as an adult.

Tim Allen, who I usually find overacts, is very good as Scott Calvin, aka Santa Claus. I like him a lot in this movie. David Krumholtz is also good as Bernard, the elf, and really shines in the role. The rest of the cast is fine, though not outstanding, in their supporting roles.

The Santa Clause is a Christmas fantasy created by the best, Disney Studios. 8/10

Trivia: Disney, which produced The Santa Clause, broke one of its own rules to allow Tim Allen to star in the picture. The rule? No hiring of an ex-con. Allen had previously spent time in jail on drug charges, making him an exception to the rule.