Why, why did I bother? I knew it wasn't going to be good going in, but off I went, the dutiful little movie-goer. Going to this was like rubbernecking a car wreck — you don't really want to look, but you can't tear yourself away from the carnage. That said, it was not bad, but there really isn't much substance. It is a completely innocuous film that adults will find instantly forgettable, but will probably stick with the kids for awhile.
The first film I liked; it was an enjoyable film for the family and still stands as one of Tim Allen's best big screen outings, of which there are few. That one introduced us to Scott Calvin, a self-centered businessman who lacks any kind of strong ties to his family. One fateful night, he startles ol' St. Nick, causing him to plummet to his death from the roof of Calvin's house, leaving good ol' Scott to don the red jacket and ringing in a new era. The second film had Scott/Santa having to find himself a wife. I do not remember the details apart from being bored and not particularly caring for it. Now, Scott is firmly entrenched as the man of cheer, which brings out the aspirations of fellow legendary figure, Jack Frost.
This third outing combines the exploits of potential usurper Frost, with the hormonal wreck of the very pregnant Mrs. Claus. She is feeling neglected while Scott/Santa is slipping into his workaholic, pre-Santa ways. It isn't something he is doing on purpose; it's just the way it is. Scott attempts to cheer her up by inviting her parents to the North Pole. Of course, they have to disguise the place to keep the "secret of Santa." So, what do they do? Make it into a little Canada.
While the Missus shows the family around, Jack Frost goes about his plan to get the red coat off of Scott and onto him. Now, the film involves a little bit of time travel. We all know the quandaries and paradoxes that time travel can introduce. All I can say is just go with it. If you try to make sense of what happens, you will do nothing other than give yourself a killer migraine. Once the deed goes down, we get a glimpse of the Jack Frost-run holiday, and it is not pretty. His vision is the embodiment of the materialistic and commercial nature of the season - he gives us the Santa-centric amusement park.
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
We ventured out to see this movie last weekend too, and I have to agree, for the most part. Martin Short and Alan Arkin made it worth our time.
It wasn't the best in the (so-far) trilogy, but it was light and amusing and something young kids will enjoy. In today's world, something young kids will enjoy, gives it value, there just aren't very many of those films out there (outside of animation.)
2 - Chris Beaumont
I agree, there isn't much in the way of movies for the young in the live action world, and we should take what we can get. Just like I think there is a market for strictly adult fare (not that kind of adult, mind you, just something with purely adults in mind), and a market for films for the young. All too often, they just don't work as they are compromised for a more mass audience. This aims for the young and mostly hits its target, but it isn't quite there.
3 - nm
i dont agree at all i thought the movie was great and i had a fun time seeing it also.