The Santa ClauseThe Santa Clause is one of the most beautiful Christmas DVDs of our time. The movie tells the story of newly divorced Scott Calvin who spends Christmas Eve with his son. Suddenly there’s a ruble on the roof and Calvin goes to see, who’s making such a noise. There’s Santa Claus himself, however, he falls from the roof and disappears. Calvin, forced by his son, slips into the Santa costume and therefore into the role of the fat man before he is aware that he now has this job forever and only 11 months to do his personal stuff. And because of his increasingly obvious transformation these 11 months are more difficult than expected. Yes, Disney had a really nice Christmas story idea. Although pretty much all stereotypes about Christmas are in this movie this is entertainment for the whole family.

All the jokes are lovely. Where the majority of Christmas movies hurts the eye with much pomp and kitsch The Santa Clause is pleasantly reduced. Of course the houses are decorated and the workshop of Santa Claus swells with all kinds of stuff. But since not the whole film plays during Christmas season you can forgive the somewhat excessive we-love-each-other and the-world-is-great fuss at the end.

The background music is a wonderful mix of film score and Christmas hits. The score by Michael Convertino succeeds perfectly and consistently evokes exactly the right emotions with the viewers. There are quieter hits like White Christmas or upbeat rock sound such as Jingle Bells by Yello during the end credits. The music is just like everything else, simply fun.

The actors perform consistently at the highest level. Tim Allen plays a Santa Claus, or a man on his way to become him, you just have to love him. But Eric Lloyd as the young Charlie is convincing as well. All in all The Santa Clause has an excellent cast.

The movie is an absolute stroke of luck in terms of Christmas entertainment from Walt Disney. A lovable, imaginative story, likeable characters, tricky jokes and an atmosphere that many Christmas movies of today lack. That’s what Christmas family entertainment has to look like!

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