The Santa Clause (1994)
-
80% of critics liked it
(40 reviews) -
63% of users liked it
(346,752 ratings)
Television sitcom star Tim Allen made his big screen debut with this light, family-friendly holiday comedy. Allen stars as Scott Calvin, the divorced dad of Charlie (Eric Lloyd). Scott is distressed to learn that his ex-wife Laura (Wendy Crewson) and Charlie's psychiatrist stepfather Neal (Judge… More Television sitcom star Tim Allen made his big screen debut with this light, family-friendly holiday comedy. Allen stars as Scott Calvin, the divorced dad of Charlie (Eric Lloyd). Scott is distressed to learn that his ex-wife Laura (Wendy Crewson) and Charlie's psychiatrist stepfather Neal (Judge Reinhold) have informed his son that there is no Santa Claus. While a sullen Charlie visits his dad on Christmas Eve, a noise on the roof brings them outside, where Scott startles the intruder, who tumbles from the roof. It turns out that there is a Santa after all, and Scott has just accidentally killed him. Because of a legal technicality known as "the Santa clause," Scott inherits the jolly old elf's job. As the next year passes, Scott rapidly gains weight, grows a white beard and meets the elf Bernard (David Krumholtz) -- who is the one who really runs the North Pole -- while Charlie regains his Christmas spirit. However, Neal becomes concerned about Scott's sudden change in appearance and insistence that he's Santa, and he forces him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Director John Pasquin previously directed Allen in the TV series Home Improvement and would team with him again for Jungle 2 Jungle (1997). ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Directed By
- John Pasquin
- Written By
- Steve Rudnick, Leo Benvenuti
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Nov 11, 1994 Wide
- Studio
- Buena Vista Distribution Compa
Critic Reviews
-
Leonard Klady, Variety
This is a hip, likable spin on the seasonal icon told with a deft mixture of comedy and sentimentality.
-
Derek Adams, Time Out
The movie steers a shrewd course between bracing cynicism and old-fashioned make-believe.
-
Patricia S. McCormick, New York Times
Home Improvement fans will find plenty of laughs and may even consent to going to this movie with their little brothers and sisters.
-
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Kids of most ages will be able to follow -- and enjoy -- this comic fantasy.
-
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Despite its charms, the movie didn't push over the top into true inspiration.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Cast
-
Tim Allen
as Scott Calvin
-
Judge Reinhold
as Dr.Neal Miller
-
Wendy Crewson
as Laura Calvin
-
Eric Lloyd
as Charlie Calvin
-
David Krumholtz
as Bernard
-
Peter Boyle
as Mr. Whittle
-
Larry Brandenburg
as Det. Nunzio
-
Mary Gross
as Ms. Daniels
-
Paige Tamada
as Judy
-
Chris Benson
as Fireman
-
Michael Caruana
as Officer #1
-
Jayne Eastwood
as Waitress
-
Gene Mack
as Newman
-
Kerrigan Maham
as Reindeer
-
Gordon Masten
as Desk Sergeant
-
Zachary McLemore
as Bobby
-
Lachlan Murdoch
as Fax Kid
-
Lawrence Nakamura
as Japanese Businessman
-
Jack Newman
as Santa In Street
-
Judith Scott
as Susan
-
Steve Vinovich
as Dr. Novos
-
Scott Wickware
as Malone
-
Philip Williams
as Sharpshooter
-
Dennis O'Connor
as Mailman
-
Brian Reilly
as Tinsel Man
-
Frank Welker
as Reindeers
-
John Pasquin
as Santa #6
-
Bob Dermer
as Puppet Punch
-
Jesse Collins
as Ad Executive
-
Joyce Guy
as Principal Compton
-
Tabitha Lupien
as Ballet Girl
-
Ron Hartmann
as Judge
-
Brian M. Reilly
as Tinsel Man


