Some Christmas movies are by-the-numbers, but The Santa Clause takes a superb original concept and runs with it in magical style. With the 25th December fast approaching, now is the perfect time to sit down with the family and watch Tim Allen’s iconic turn as the big man who spreads joy across the globe.
What is The Santa Clause about?
Toy marketing director Scott Calvin is spending Christmas Eve with his son, Charlie, when they catch Father Christmas on their roof. Mistaking him for an intruder, Calvin’s yell causes Santa to fall and, well, the unthinkable happens.
When the body of the previous gift-giver disappears, Calvin dons the suit for himself, taking on the role of Santa in the process.
That is the ‘clause’ of the title, and Scott and Charlie are soon whisked to the North Pole where the former is given a year to put his home life in order before his stint in the sleigh begins.
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Why we love The Santa Clause?
While the hook is sublime, this is also a beautiful story about a father/son relationship. Charlie knows what he saw that night, and believes unwaveringly that his dad is the new Santa, but Scott is reluctant to accept his fate.
In contrast to the dreary opening, when the pair share a sad Christmas Eve meal alongside other separated parents at a local Denny’s, the rest of the film is a vibrant celebration of all things Christmas.
We’ve seen the North Pole represented on screen multiple times but the version in The Santa Clause is one of the best. Staffed by Elves and led by the matter-of-fact but kind-hearted Bernard, it is a joy to watch for children and adults alike.
An exciting cameo from a group of SAS-style elves, who are tasked with busting Calvin out of jail, is one of many great set pieces. While the final scenes complete one of the loveliest father-and-son dynamics in movies.
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Where to stream The Santa Clause in the UK and US?
The Santa Clause is available to stream in both the UK and the US on Disney-plus.
You can also check out the two sequels and the spin-off TV series. The second movie, when Santa is tasked with finding his Mrs. Clause, is wonderful, although the final part of the trilogy, involving Jack Frost, loses some of the charm of the earlier installments.
If you want even more, The Santa Clauses TV series, now in its second season, has been well-received and takes the magic of the original 1994 movie in new directions.
You can find all the movies from our advent calendar on our Christmas page.
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