There are Christmas movies that are solely meant for entertainment, and then there are Christmas movies that are created to make you truly feel something–movies that allow you to feel like a kid again and believe in the holiday magic, regardless of your age. The Santa Clause (1994), starring Tim Allen, is definitely one of those films. Personally, I feel that it’s one of the most magical Christmas movies ever made, the kind that makes you not only want to believe again, but feel like you truly do, even if it’s just for 97 minutes.
Background Information
The Santa Clause, directed by John Pasquin and written by Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick, stars Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, Eric Lloyd as his son Charlie, Wendy Crewson as Laura, Judge Reinhold as Neil, and David Krumholtz as the unforgettable and sarcastic Bernard the Elf. The film was released on November 11, 1994. Although not based on a specific book, the movie utilizes stories from centuries of Santa folklore– specifically Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and Baum’s The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. This film later inspired two more sequels— The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause– as well as a Disney+ spin-off series, The Santa Clauses.
Plot Summary and Potential Flaws
The plot of the movie follows Scott Calvin, a divorced dad who accidentally causes Santa to fall off his roof on Christmas Eve. When his son Charlie convinces him to put on the suit and finish the job, they are magically transported to the North Pole and informed that he is now the new Santa– all thanks to the infamous “Santa clause” that is hidden in the fine print of the fallen Santa’s business card. Over the next year following that unforgettable Christmas Eve, Scott experiences both hilarious and heartwarming transformations into Santa, such as white hair, unstoppable beard growth, an appetite for cookies, and the weight gain that he desperately tries to hide from his skeptical family. The movie, while rated PG, includes mild profanity and a few tense moments (like Scott’s arrest, the concept of Santa dying, and divorced parents), but is ultimately very family-friendly. Supporting how this movie is perfect for family holidays, Nico Sanchez highlights that it “is very nostalgic because I used to watch it all the time as a kid when it aired on television. I really love the movie, I’ve always found it funny and perfect to watch with my family during the holidays.”
What Makes the Original the Best?
This movie radiates with its humor, charm, and emotional pull. Every subplot and character feels necessary to the movie’s heart, and while the sequels are fun and entertaining, there is no doubt in mind that the original is the best and doesn’t need a remake; I feel that it perfectly captures the magical essence of Santa and Christmas as it is.
Ultimate Review
This film is a perfect Christmas movie for families, kids, and even adults who think they’ve outgrown holiday magic. Tim Allen’s movie invites everyone, regardless of their age, to believe again. Colonia High School English teacher, Melissa Abrams, stated, “It is definitely a movie I need to watch at least once a year. I even contemplated watching it last night. I feel that it brings back the spirit of Christmas for people, and I love the fact that there was a series reboot created by Disney+.” For me, similar to Melissa, it not only brought that feeling to me as a kid, but continues to every time I rewatch it. The Santa Clause doesn’t just serve as an entertaining Christmas movie, but as a reminder that the wonder, warmth, and joy of believing in Christmas is for all ages.
