The Santa Clause Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
This Christmas, the snow hits the fan.
What if your dad was Santa Claus?
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
You've Never Seen Santa Quite Like This Before.
Divorcee Scott Calvin is disgusted to learn that his ex and her husband have tried - and failed - to break it easy to their 6-year-old son Charlie that Santa isn't real. On Christmas Eve, Scott reads The Night Before Christmas... then receives an unexpected visitor on his roof. When he's startled by Scott's calling out and falls, the Santa impersonator disappears, leaving only an 8-reindeer sleigh and a suit with instructions to put it on if he's involved in an accident. Scott does, and is transported around the town dropping gifts through chimneys until he's taken to the North Pole and informed by a group who claim they're elves that he is now Santa. Charlie is proud of his dad's new job, though Scott's convinced it's a dream. Until his hair turns white, his beard refuses to stay shaved, he gains weight inexplicably, even for his sudden love of junk food... Now he's accepted it, there's just one problem: how to keep it secret from his disbelieving family?
| Tim Allen | Scott Calvin, Santa Claus |
| Wendy Crewson | Laura Calvin Miller |
| Judge Reinhold | Dr. Neil Miller |
| Eric Lloyd | Charlie Calvin |
| David Krumholtz | Bernard the Elf |
| Larry Brandenburg | Det. Nunzio |
| Mary Gross | Miss Daniels |
| Paige Tamada | Judy the Elf |
| Peter Boyle | Mr. Whittle |
| Judith Scott | Susan Perry |
| Jayne Eastwood | Judy the Waitress |
| Melissa King | Sarah the Little Girl |
| Bradley Wentworth | Elf at North Pole |
| Azura Bates | Elf in Hangar |
| John Pasquin |
6.00 out of 10 (13144 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Delightful !!!
posted on 10 Jul 2009I saw it last night. It was barely wonderful & touching ! It's just like a nice fairy tale for the whole family. Tim Allen brought us lots of Christmas joy to be a such a nice Santa clause.Eric Lloyd was so smart in the movie as Tim's kid. The elves looked cute. They were lovely. The art direction made up lots of nice background. The composer created lots of fabulous music about Christmas. I trust the adults are still remember their swell Christmas time when they were kid.JOIN THIS MOVIE WITH YOUR FAMILY IN CHRISTMAS SEASON !!!! 8/10
Sweet, Intelligent, and Endearing Family Fun
posted on 05 May 2009Well, between elves with attitude and a job offer he can't refuse, Scott seems to be suffering a little identity crisis. Let's face it, he's a bit uncomfortable within his own skin, and nothing he can do will alleviate his discomfort.This is great fun, a bit dramatic, but exhibits that beautiful Spirit of Yule many of us experience once the weather turns frosty and the fireplaces are lit.Suitable for all ages, this is a new tradition for holiday viewing once the Yule tree is lit the weekend after Thanksgiving, along with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Boris Karloff version of How The Grinch Stole Christmas.All in all? We thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it for anyone who loves the season of Yule.This rates a 7.4/10 from...the Fiend :.
what wrong with America anymore???
posted on 29 Jan 2009Whats the matter with some people now a days?? Everyone's ditching the American youths hopes and wishes. There just kids, let them believe there is a Santa clause, It gives them something to look forward to. Everyone is always trying to get kids to grow up faster. Let them enjoy there childhood, they only get one. I personally though the movie was awesome and I know my kids really enjoyed it. I thought Tim Allen did a horrendous job in play jolly ol' saint nick. The effects were awesome(considering time movie was made)with getting the reindeer and the chimney effects etc...It was a great movie and everyone needs to quit crushing children's dreams. Thats why there's violence in schools.
"The Santa Clause" - Timeless family fun that shows seeing is believing (and vice-versa)
posted on 18 Dec 2008"The Santa Clause" is one of the best holiday movies of the last 16 years, though of course it's not better than "A Christmas Story" (1983). Directed by John Pasquin and starring "Home Improvement" Tim Allen, "The Santa Clause" promises to be a moving update on a classic Christmas fable - the story of Santa Claus.The story of the jolly old fat guy in a red coat who flies around the world on Christmas Eve in his sleigh with eight reindeer is lore known to all who believe. But in an age when science and reason have been known to kill children's fantasies, Disney again proves that seeing is believing (or in the case of the film, believing is seeing). While at 21 years of age, I certainly know there's no Santa, though there is always your inner-child telling you to believe that Christmas is the season of miracles, and that is exactly what transpires in "The Santa Clause."Scott Calvin (Allen), the typical, overworked (and divorced) American dad, is one such disbeliever. His job as a corporate exec high up on the ladder of a successful toy manufacturing firm has put him at odds with his young son Charlie (Eric Lloyd), ex-wife Laura (Wendy Crewson) and her new husband Neil (Judge Reinhold), who's also a disbeliever and pig-headed psychiatrist but is otherwise a nice guy. As the holidays are approaching, Scott has custody of Charlie, who would rather be with his mother and Neil, since Scott doesn't know how to cook (he sets fire to the Christmas turkey) and the two wind up spending Christmas Eve at Denny's.Through this moving and fun Christmas-time picture, the filmmakers throw in a legal side: After Scott reads "The Night Before Christmas" to Charlie and turns in for the night, the two are awakened to find a guy in a red suit on their roof. A mishap occurs and said gentleman on the roof slides off to his doom. Scott finds a business card in the man's suit that informs him that by putting on the coat, he has entered into a legal binding ("The Santa Clause," with an "e" at the end, meaning the last sentence of a contract, as explained by Bernard the Elf, played by David Krumholtz) to assume the rights and responsibilities of Santa Claus.So after one hectic night of delivering presents to children around the world and visiting his North Pole home and workshop, life returns to normal for Scott and Charlie, or so it seems. Charlie has apparently become so enamored by the experience that he believes his father really is Santa Claus. To the disbelievers, Charlie is just stuck in a child's fantasy. But as the year rolls on and the holidays are once again around the corner, Scott starts growing white hair and a beard and begins putting on the pounds, and it is clear that there is some holiday magic going on. (The movie also manages to resolve two ages-old questions that have nagged us all, including how Santa shoves his big old self down chimneys and how he's able to make his nightly rounds on Christmas Eve.)For all its typical Disney kind-hearted-ness, director Pasquin and his screenwriters Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick manage to effectively capture everything there is to really love about the Jolly Old Fat Guy. Allen, everybody's favorite television comedian, fills out his role as the lousy-dad Scott Calvin who is inexplicably transformed into every kid's favorite holiday hero. As Allen gains weight at an incredible pace (courtesy of a body suit), this poor sap goes from doubter to believer in no time. Lloyd is a delight too, as young Charlie and whose love for his father transcends normal father-son relationships as he accompanies him on his holiday rounds.With the holidays rapidly approaching, it's time for me to get some Christmas shopping done, and down with watching some good ol' holiday movies.10/10
Ho Ho Ho, Merry Tim Allen
posted on 06 Nov 2008The Santa Clause was made it 1994 and was directed by John Pasquin. It follows a man who accidentally kills Santa Claus and ends up taking his job. The Santa Clause is an entertaining Xmas movie, that meets a lot of standards that both children and adults. This movie has nice typical Xmas atmosphere and the storyline can grab the viewers attention very easily. Its a film that is for the whole family, and the whole family will enjoy it. It has witty dialogue and it mixes a normal situation with an abnormal one, and it blends in perfectly. A movie like this should be watched by the whole family on Christmas Eve, and they can have a few laughs while watching it too.
A fun, heart-warming Christmas comedy!
posted on 09 Jul 2008I really enjoyed this movie. It was heart-warming and fun to watch. I remember as a child watching my favorite Christmas movies, such as the Grinch that Stole Christmas (cartoon), Miracle on 34th Street, and the classic Scrooge. This movie was so full of fun and warm fuzzies, and PERFECT for the holiday season, that it has easily earned its way into the holiday film montage for my family.
Excellent Holiday Film That The Whole Entire Could Enjoy(SPOILERS)
posted on 21 Jun 2008SPOILERSAs you may know I'm only commenting on Holiday film this month. I'm going to try to comment on all the classic Holiday films. This is one of them. Anyway, this is truly an excellent film. It is definitely one of my favorite Tim Allen performances. There are quotes in this film that are very, very good. The whole film is pretty much famous. Quite frankly, I can not believe this only has a 5.9 rating. I just can not believe it.A man named Scott Calvin accidentally becomes the new Santa Claus after he kills the old Santa Claus. He goes to the North Pole and finds out that there are little Elf children working. The Head Elf tells Scott that he has eleven months before he officially becomes Santa Claus. Through the months he is getting fatter for no apparent reason, maybe it is because he eats nothing but sweets. He grows a beard. When he tries to shave it off, it grows back. He finds out he is Santa Claus. Then Scott is arrested. The police thought he had kidnapped Charlie. Scott is divorced, by the way. Then the Elves swat team group rescue him. In the end Scott deliveries presents to all the nice little children.Overall, this is, again, a fantastic Holiday film that I would recommend to anyone who wants a flick to watch over the Holidays. It is a spectacular film for kids and even adults. Although movies like A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation are better, this film will always have a special little place in my heart. Anyway, this is a fun-filled family film that is bound to be in your favorite Holiday films of all time. It is in mine.9/10Recommended Films: Santa Claus 2.
A Great Holiday Movie, One That I Can Watch Over & Over Throughout The Whole Year.
posted on 06 Jun 2008The Santa Clause (1994)This movie is a holiday classic. Tim Allen is really funny, and the movie is non stop entertaining and fun. This is one movie that I can watch over and over without getting bored, at any time of the year. Simply a holiday classic. Great for the family. 10/10!
My kids and I loved this movie
posted on 31 May 2008My 2 year old just sat there and actually watched the whole thing, he loved the toy factory....as well as my 7 year old found the love story between son and dad wonderful. this is a great christmas addition. It will never take the place of "It's a wonderful life", but gets pretty darn close.
A very mixed bag -- some good, some bad
posted on 29 Mar 2008This film is definitely worth seeing because it has some really good things about it. When they go to the North Pole, it looks as magical as anyone could make the North pole look. Very fun scenes there with the elves to watch. And, of course, they love children, so Charlie really feels at home. I liked the costumes and the kids who played the elves.One reason this movie was not that good was the special effects were really horrible. I tend to think the budget did not include decent special effects, including all of the fake snow. The flying scenes with the reindeer were so cartoonish, it was not the least bit realistic. Also, the reindeer themselves were these icky-looking puppets who apparently groan a lot, but don't really add anything to the story. I would have preferred less screen time with REAL reindeer instead of the cutesy, ridiculous-looking reindeer.Another downside was Wendy Crewson's character. What a plastic person. In all her lines, she whines and whines. I got so tired of it, I wanted someone/anyone to slap her across the face and tell her to shut up. The director should have realized that her character was so over the top that the scenes she was in were ruined just by her presence. I'd hate to have that whiny complainer as my mother. No wonder Charlie wanted to hang with Dad. However, Judge Reinhold was perfectly cast as the nasty, condescending psych doctor. I wish Scott Calvin would have punched him in the nose -- that would have made the movie more interesting.The theme that you cannot tell the truth or you will get in trouble just did not sit well with me in this movie. Charlie told the truth in every detail but his wacko mother and her oaf of a boyfriend used that against him. Some marvelous lessons could have been portrayed on the screen instead of Scott denying the whole thing in front of Charlie ad nauseum. That part of the script was very poorly thought-out.I loved 2 scenes: in the park where the little girl approaches Scott and asks for a Christmas present. That is precious. Also, the little girl who woke up for Santa -- she was a doll. So, this movie is worth seeing, despite some major flaws.
I Believe, Do you?
posted on 10 Feb 2008'The Santa Clause' is a Disney movie centered around the Christmas season. Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is a single parent with a son Charlie (Eric Lloyd).Scott is a toy salesman for a large toy manufacturer. When Charlie's mom Laura Miller (Wendy Crewson) and step dad Dr. Neal Miller (Judge Reinhold) drop Charlie off at Scott's home for Christmas Eve dinner, they tell Scott that Charlie does not believe in Santa Claus. All of Scott's attempts to provide a good dinner fail, and Scott and Charlie end up at Denny's for a Christmas Eve Dinner. Charlie is awakened by a noise on the roof, and when Scott and Charlie go outside to investigate, they find Santa on the roof. Santa slips off the roof and is killed from the fall. While looking for identification, Scott finds a business card on Santa. The card states that Scott must take over for Santa. The reindeer take Scott and Charlie on the appointed rounds, delivering toys to the girls and boys, before ending up at the North Pole. Bernard (David Kurmholtz), the head elf, explains to Scott that when he put on the Santa suit he became the new Santa Claus, because of the 'Santa Clause'. Over the next year, Scott loses his job as a toy salesman, gains weight, and grows facial hair that turns white.Director John Pasquin attempted to inject comedy into the sensitive subject of believing in Santa Claus. Trying to make a movie for all ages is especially hard when the subject is Santa Claus. I believe the use of the police in this movie was not the right approach for a children's movie, because children are instructed from early on in life that police officers are their friend and present to help them in a time of need, only to be further confused by the sight of their friend taking Santa Claus to jail on Christmas Eve. The animation of the reindeer was superb. The fact that Charlie's step dad, psychiatrist Dr. Miller, wanted a weenie whistle for Christmas was one of the funnier parts of the movie. My opinion is that this movie rates on the low end of the Disney collection. I do believe, do you?
A Holiday Treasure
posted on 04 Feb 2008***POSSIBLE SPOILERS*** "The Santa Clause" is a delightful, funny, and pleasant deviation from your typical "Santa Claus" story. Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is a perfectly ordinary man who sells toys, dines at regular restaurants, and is incredulous about the spirit of Christmas. That is, until one magical Christmas Eve, the real Santa plummets from his roof and he is coerced into fulfilling the responsibilities as Santa Claus, an offer he simply cannot refuse. So ensues a calamitous, misadventurous night for Scott Calvin and his innocuous son Charlie, of delivering presents all around the world with exhaustion, only to conclude the evening at the North Pole, full of curious and inquisitive little elves who serve Scott and Charlie chocolate milk, dress them in royal pajamas, and stress that if Scott does not assume the role of Santa, then children throughout the world will be devastated. It can't be easy being the man in the red suit, especially when your personality doesn't satisfy the duties required. From Christmas Eve on, Scott Calvin experiences a marvelous transformation- from his appearance and appetite, to his tendencies and even language, to become a suitable Santa Claus by the following Thanksgiving, while being scoffed and threatened by "the outside party" (e.g. his former wife's fiancée, a psychiatrist frequently offers him "therapy"). For the most part, "The Santa Clause" is an endearing, delightful, and fruitful family comedy. There are some significant flaws, however, such as: the tone frequently going from jolly and refreshing, to depressing and melancholy, from the realms of the North Pole, to the doldrums of the adulterated society. This kind of deviation is perhaps too serious and even discouraging for an innocuous Christmas comedy- and why would everyone who disbelieved in Santa Claus be so inclined to destroy Scott Calvin, for his harmless spirit and whim? Fortunately, by the end, it seems everyone has developed a newfound spirit towards Christmas and Santa Claus, through the convenience of witnessing Santa riding to the North Pole- and all is ended well: "A merry Christmas to all, and to all a great night!" This is a mostly enjoyable Christmas comedy that is heartwarming, funny, and endearing, and definitely worth catching around the holidays. Some inspiring words from an elf: "Just because you don't believe in something, doesn't mean it isn't real". If only we could be so innocent and resigned, celebrate our imaginations and fantasies, and believe in the spirit of Christmas! *** out of ****
One of my favorite holiday films!
posted on 30 Nov 2007I saw this film last Christmas and thought it was great. When a man named Scott Calvin accidentaly kills Santa Clause he's expected to be the new one. His son Charlie goes blabbing to the whole town that his dad is Santa Clause. So since Scott is expected to be the new Santa Clause he starts to get bigger. And the employees start to get concerned about Scott getting bigger and starting to look like The Pillsbury Dough Boy. So in the middle or end the police go on a stakeout to look For Scott.
Good film
posted on 12 Nov 2007I saw this film last night in the beginning an adman named Scott Calvin is making an announcement to people at his toy company. Then he heads on over to his house because his son Charlie is spending Christmas Eve with him. Well Scott burns the turkey so he and Charlie go to Denny's for dinner. After they get home Scott reads Charlie a book and Charlie goes to bed he hears a noise and wakes up Scott. On the roof Scott knocks Santa Clause off the roof by accident. So Charlie gets on the roof and takes Scott for a ride on the Sleigh and Scott winds up the one delivering all the toys to the children on Christmas Eve. When they get home Charlie is all excited for that he had fun at the North Pole and delivering all the toys with Scott. And Charlie goes blabbing to everybody that his dad is Santa Clause. One morning to his surprise Scott wakes up with a beard and puts on a little weight. He starts to look like the pillsbury dough boy. In the end Scott realizes he actually is Santa Clause.
I think this movie was great and it was very funny all of the time.
posted on 03 Nov 2007I Think this movie was great I mean it was funny, touching, and sad all at the same time and I loved watching it all the time at home or if my school showed it during Christmas time my eyes would be on the TV the whole time the movie was playing so I wouldn't miss a moment or a laugh. I just enjoyed it. The cast was good the plot was good and the Elves under ground work shop was so neat.
Substitute Santa Saves Christmas
posted on 04 Oct 2007Tim Allen is perfect as the suburban family man on whose lawn Santa Claus himself drops dead after crashing his sleigh. Curious about what happened, Allen takes off the man's suit and puts it on. A little note reveals that according to the "binding contract" Allen just entered, he would have to take over as Santa Claus for the Holidays! A crew of elves (comprised of Hollywood's top of the line tough-talking youngsters) make sure that every part of the contract is fulfilled. This is an endearing fantasy, with even grown ups starting to believe in the Magic of Christmas again. My favorite scene is where the parents receive the wished-for gifts they never got as kids (a "Dream Date" game and an Oscar Meyer "Weenie Whistle"). Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa Lives!
Why'd It Make So Much Money?
posted on 12 Jun 2007I remember The Santa Clause from 1994 and the good vibe it generated and the money it made. But at the time I gave it a pass; my children were teenagers and didn't have much interest in kids movies. Nor did I. But this holiday season I felt like feel-good movie. Something akin to A Christmas Story, one of my all-time favorites, but one I've seen too many times. I needed a new Christmas movie and The Santa Claus seemed like a promising candidate.
Wrong.Tim Allen plays Scott Calvin, a workaholic divorced parent who cannot connect with his young son. And he desperately wants to, both for his son and to offset the influence of Mom's new boyfriend. But Scott can't do anything right. Then on Christmas Eve Scott accidentally kills Santa Clause. Funny, huh? The clause in the title is not a misspelling, but refers to the legal clause that requires anyone who offs Santa to take his place. This is cleverly done, although it is a bit maudlin. Well guess what happens? Scott learns the (non-religious) meaning of Christmas, bonds with his son, discovers himself…make that a lot maudlin. In 1994 Tim Allen was riding high with his hit TV show, Home Improvement, and in The Santa Clause he plays Tim Allen playing Tim Allen playing Santa Clause. No stretch here. And the rest of the cast is just there as a foil for Tim. And the plot, however clever, just wasn't very entertaining to this reviewer. Actually, this minority commentator didn't like The Santa Clause very much at all, and certainly can't recommend it to anyone.
One of the better Christmas movies
posted on 06 Jun 2007Great film for all the family. Been a little while since I'd seen this and having seen it again I think I'll need to go and buy it. The film has the right ingredients to make a good Christmas film and will be popular with my family for many years.The story follows a dad and his son one Christmas night when due to an accident the sceptical dad finds himself having to finish Santa's deliveries. Of course when next year comes around is the new Santa going to believe in himself in time to take on the job again.There was a sequel to this film which was pretty good but this is the better of the two films.
Summary
posted on 08 Nov 2006Santa Claus is a symbol of the holiday season recognized by numerous amounts of people as the ultimate gift giver and bringer of peace. Little did the world know that Tim Allen, the "Home Improvement" guy would have a take at it. The catch is that Santa Claus is real, and is more like a position in the mob rather than the happy jolly man image. Tim Allen's character, named Scott Calvin – Same initials as Santa, it must be destiny – has a child named Charlie and is caught in a triangle of adults with his ex-wife and her new husband, played by the always amazing Judge Reinhold. Then on one particularly magical Christmas Eve, Santa came to the Scotts house and wound up dying of all things! Here's where the contract comes in (hence the name of the movie, The Santa Clause). Scott finds a business card in the fallen symbols coat pocket, which we later find out is a contract to becoming Santa Claus. Between kidnapping charges of young Charlie, and running form the cops, Santa along with an elite division of elf's called E.L.F.S manages to escape from jail with the use of tinsel, and to save Christmas…like in every Christmas movie. As typical as it is though for Christmas to be saved, it is not done without laughs and adventure all wrapped up into one comedy that can be enjoyed by both the kids, and the adults.
Not Your Christmas Holiday Classic but FUNNY
posted on 18 Aug 2009I think Tim Allen since " Home Improvement" days been nil in acting in box office
blockbusters. This one is best to date, though funny isn't saying much of acting
career. Anyway, I agree with other comments that this is not traditional holiday
classic, that's why rating barely MAKES 6/10 as voting. Can anyone for the life of
me, as a kid I never seen a Christmas/holiday movie REVEALING Santa Claus,in this case Tim Allen. As a boy, I really believed their was a REAL Santa. Mom
& Pop did fine job keeping that child fantasy alive until I was 8 when I peaked in
their closet only to see gifts. Then, bummer, so to keep getting the toys I wanted
MILKED it until 11 yrs old. Well, that was one up on me then the mystery was all
gone, sort of similar of falling in love the first time. Wish Hollywood would make
a Santa Claus film for us like to keep being childlike alive by NOT REVEALING
SANTA CLAUS IS DAD. 7/10 for Tim Allen humor in this 90 version ofChristmas. Still cherish old classics even though not focus is not on SantaClaus, but THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS, the spiritual aspect giving toothers in need, and honoring A Child Was Born Jesus Christ. HO HO HO thisone is funny like"The Grinch" movie is dark with Jim Carrey in it, same rating too