Fred Claus is an interesting take on a Christmas movie. It’s clearly written for Vince Vaughn as he has plenty of chances to do his rant heavy comedy, and it works for me. It’s not a perfect movie and often feels a bit too silly with the amount of conflict in the film. Yet, there are some fun ideas, some laughs, and a positive message at the end that’s expected with a holiday film. I give Fred Claus the Decent Watch rating.
Fred Claus works on some levels and misses at others
Fred Claus (Vince Vaughn) is Santa’s bigger brother who has a chip on his shoulder. His brother’s sainthood allows the whole family to live forever and Fred’s tired of living in the shadow of his kid brother. After falling into some financial issues, Santa (Paul Giamatti) offers to help Fred if he’ll work at the North Pole for this season. Yet, Santa’s operation is being audited and Fred puts the whole holiday into jeopardy.
This is definitely a film that you’re only going to like if you like Vince Vaughn. A lot of the humor comes from his rants and his inability to accept certain behaviors. He gets beat up a couple of times and those are also pretty funny moments. John Michael Higgins as an elf is also extremely funny. Willie (Higgins) gets tasked with rooming with Fred and that dynamic is comical in and of itself. A full grown human in an elf sized apartment and bunk bed is silly. Giamatti plays Santa like he plays most characters: anxious and a bit irritable. Yet, he looks pretty good in the role and ultimately there is a touching moment with Fred and Santa that he sells well.
Too much silly conflict
Kevin Spacey, who is fully committed to his villainous role, character is where the movie kind of derails. There really is enough family conflict with Fred and Santa that the Clyde Northcutt efficiency expert is a bit silly. Ultimately, it makes the holiday figures and their roles a part of a business like organization. If any are underperforming adjustments can be made and even whole holidays shut down. He claims he has gotten rid of Easter as the synergy is all wrong. He has a grudge with Santa and sets about sabotages the Christmas operation to ensure its failure. Not that it’s all bad, but it’s more drama than really needed.
The film is still entertaining for the most part and there are some big names. Fred’s love interest is Rachel Weiz and Mama Claus is Kathy Bates. The film has some endearing elements and it’s easy to relate to Fred’s plight. Living in someone’s shadow is never fun, and who could cast a bigger shadow than Santa Claus. There is also a crazy support group for siblings of successful people that is pretty great. It’s worth a watch if you can catch it.
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