THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 is a good-spirited movie that perfectly embodies the spirit
of Christmas. It is wonderfully funny and even romantic, more so than many
films which are marketed as romances. The only strange thing about the movie is
its release date -- the first day of November. I don't know about your
calendar, but mine still has Christmas pretty close to the end of December,
which means that THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 is unlikely to still be playing on the day
it celebrates. But this is no problem since everyday is a good day to get in
the spirit of Christmas, and this poignantly sweet film will put you instantly
in the mood.
Tim Allen repeats his role from the original as Scott Calvin, a.k.a. Santa
Claus. The hook this time is that there is another clause to his contract.
Buried in the fine print, the very fine print, is the requirement that he must
get married before this Christmas begins. In order to fool the elves during his
absence, Santa turns to an elf named Curtis (Spencer Breslin). Curtis cooks up
a human-sized "Toy Santa" that looks something like the real thing but is made
out of plastic. Allen hams it up Toy Santa, especially when Toy Santa discovers
his dark side with the help of some supersized toy soldiers.
The set decoration for the movie uses a bright and inviting candy-colored scheme
that looks like a Macy's window at Christmas. The animatronic reindeer are
purposely hokey and humorously ridiculous.
The majority of the movie happens away from the North Pole. Scott goes back
home to help out his son, Charlie Calvin (Eric Lloyd), a good kid who has
managed to get himself on Santa's official "naughty list." While in town, Scott
hopes to find himself a wife. The least likely candidate seems like Carol
Newman (Elizabeth Mitchell), Charlie's strict principal. Okay, you guessed
it.
The movie is a cornucopia of delights. My personal favorite is the Council of
Legendary Figures who meet with Santa to vote on such issues as the Tooth
Fairy's proposed new name. (Don't worry -- the vote to rename him "Roy" fails.)
In addition to the Tooth Fairy, a guy with tiny wings who wears a World War I
aviator suit, there is Cupid, Mother Earth, the Sandman and Father Time. This
group is so cute that they should get their own movie.
In a film filled with magic, the most magical thing is that the studio has come
up with a sequel that surpasses the original. Let's hope that everyone goes to
see it before the HARRY POTTER/TWIN TOWERS juggernaut hits and fills every
screen.
THE SANTA CLAUSE 2 runs 1:40. It is rated G and would be acceptable for all
ages.
My son Jeffrey, age 13, gave it ***. He had a great time at the movie and
laughed often. He said that he especially liked the way there were plenty of
jokes for all ages.
Copyright © 2002 Steve Rhodes
out of 4
