Tim Allen often gets hated on, but his 90’s work was pretty great. He gave us Home Improvement, Buzz Lightyear, and, of course, The Santa Clause. Of course, he did give us plenty of things to sour the prior, but let’s not speak of those. The Santa Clause is one of my favorite iterations of the iconic Christmas mascot. This film’s story really gives an interesting take on the legend that is the title character and gives one of the best looking Santa’s ever on-screen. I give The Santa Clause the Not Quite Golden, Ponyboy rating.
The Santa Clause is a favorite of mine
Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is getting his son Charlie (Eric Lloyd) for Christmas Eve. After destroying dinner and tucking Charlie in with ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, he hears a noise on the roof. After investigating, he discovers a man dressed as Santa on his roof who falls to the ground. Charlie and Scott take the now empty suit and climb into the sleigh and are whisked away on a crazy journey.
The opening of the film is setting up quite the universe of Santa Claus. In theory, it means Santa doesn’t live forever, but rather anyone can carry the spirit of Christmas and become him. It’s a bit on the nose that Scott’s initials are the same, but the year he has to get his affairs in order makes for entertaining filmmaking. His sudden weight gain and rapidly growing facial hair definitely creates its share of problems. The relatable drama of a custody battle of a man who is really learning to be a better father as he becomes father Christmas is compelling, too. At first, he seems like a mediocre father who puts his son second, but we see him change through the course of the film.
One weak point in the film is demonstrating the passage of time in a way that’s understandable. It’s hard to know exactly when things happen in the context of the year from Christmas to Christmas. That’s not a big issue, but it does bother me from time to time. How long before the weight gain begins? Then, the question that follows, is why does it happen so suddenly and not more gradually. Well, I’m trying to apply logic to a film where a man is transforming into Santa Claus, but still. It’s a minor annoyance that I’ve only picked up on because of the many viewings I’ve given the film.
Tim Allen as the man in red really is one of my favorite Santa’s. They nailed the look at the end of the film and even his suit is fantastic. I enjoy the humor that Allen delivers in the movie, but I also love the story. Eric Lloyd, Judge Reinhold, and Wendy Crewson are all relatable characters, even if Reinhold is more annoying than I’d prefer at times. And of course, David Krumholtz as Bernard the elf is also a highlight of the movie. Check it out on Netflix this holiday.
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