Santa Claus: The Movie

Review: Okay listen. This movie is a British classic. Good for them. I don’t think it’s great. But it’s absolutely oozing with whimsy. Just so whimsically oozy. And that’s one of the best things a Christmas movie can be. Whimsical. It gives Santa a cool little origin story, has some good Mrs. Claus representation, and some good Christmas magic from the elves. Elfs? Doesn’t matter. The film stars David Huddleston as Santa in a performance that kept me thinking of John Goodman (Huddleston’s costar on ‘The Big Lebowski’). The film also stars Dudley Moore as one of Santa’s elves (elfs? Doesn’t matter), John Lithgow as a corrupt businessman, Burgess Meredith as the Ancient Elf, & Judy Cornwell as Mrs. Claus. Director Jeannot Szwarc is also well known in America for his films ‘Jaws 2’ & ‘Supergirl’ which make quite an interesting trio of movies. The film is a really good background Christmas movie to turn on while you open presents or do another Christmas activity, but could maybe a rough watch if you give it your undivided attention (like I did). It’s one that would be really good if you grew up with it, but has a harder entry curve if you first watch it as an adult. If you want to give it a crack, stream it on Peacock or free on Tubi.

High: WHIMSY! Did you not read what I just said???

Low: John Lithgow’s performance made me want to poo. Not in a positive way. And I feel like there were so many things going in that I don’t know if calling this ‘Santa Claus: The Movie’ is really accurate, because Santa was one of several key players. Not the sole key player. In fact, Huddleston was the third billed actor in the film. I get that Moore & Lithgow were/are bigger names, but I feel as though Santa should be the top name.

Rating: 6/10