Santa Claus

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2:09

Santa Claus

PG

1985

1h 47m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

22%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

In ancient times, a man named Claus (David Huddleston), who delivers toys in his small village, fulfills his destiny to become Santa Claus after meeting an expert toy-making elf, Patch (Dudley Moore), in the North Pole. In the present day, Santa Claus has become overwhelmed by his workload, and the disgruntled Patch flees the workshop to New York City. There, Patch unknowingly threatens the fate of Christmas by taking a job at a failing toy company run by a scheming businessman (John Lithgow).

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

... The core of this spectacular 1980s fantasy from the producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind is a reimagining of their most famous franchise: Superman.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 28, 2023

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

This is the filmic equivalent of the uneaten toffee left at the bottom of the Quality Street tin.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 25, 2023

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Dolores Barclay

Associated Press

A holiday honey of a film for the entire family.

Oct 22, 2018

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…a traditional, seasonal hate-watch for ironists and bad-movie buffs the world over…

Rated: 1/5

Nov 30, 2023

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

The sets frequently look chintzy and cheap, with Santa's workshop bringing to mind a prison sweat shop as much as a toy factory.

Rated: 1.5/4

Dec 29, 2018

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Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

Dated '80s holiday movie has smoking, product placement.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 8, 2013

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Audience Member

I found the movie generally entertaining, just a slight bit confusing though. The timeline felt like it was everywhere, at the beginning you’d think the film was taking place in the 1800’s. Then, seemingly without explanation we are thrust right into the 80’s. I don’t know how to feel about that, but wasn’t that big of a deal to be fair. I love the first 2 Superman movies, and the overall plot structure is here. If you strip it down to its core ideas you’ll see how they are similar. I also found out that Santa is played by the big Lebowski himself, Dudley Moore. I knew I recognized his face from somewhere, it’s just that the beard was in the way. Overall I do think this movie was a bit janky in places, but for a holiday movie it does Santa Claus justice. 3.5/5 stars.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/27/24

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Keaton K

So much work put into it and it pays off

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/26/24

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Stephen R

This is such an underrated movie. The critics are bland and wrong like usual. Such a great movie and for the date great special effects. Wonderful story and better than most of the “critics” liked movies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/24

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Aidan K

one of the very best Christmas movies ever made. stunning set, brilliant effects . by far a must see Christmas movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/24

Full Review

Gemma D

By far, the greatest Christmas movie of all time. With just the first few bars of the soundtrack, I’m taken back to my childhood days. I absolutely adore this film and watch it several times, every year, leading up to Christmas.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/18/24

Full Review

Mark J

Whilst alright to watch each year with a few bits to enjoy, overall, not the best film. Production values are low and the story is very uneven and oddly paced. Some of the older actors alright but children are irritating and I’m pretty sure the ending counts as kidnap.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/15/24

Full Review

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Jeannot Szwarc

Director

Dudley Moore

Patch

David Huddleston

Santa Claus

John Lithgow

B.Z.

Burgess Meredith

Ancient Elf

Judy Cornwell

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Santa Claus: Trailer 1

2:09

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Synopsis

In ancient times, a man named Claus (David Huddleston), who delivers toys in his small village, fulfills his destiny to become Santa Claus after meeting an expert toy-making elf, Patch (Dudley Moore), in the North Pole. In the present day, Santa Claus has become overwhelmed by his workload, and the disgruntled Patch flees the workshop to New York City. There, Patch unknowingly threatens the fate of Christmas by taking a job at a failing toy company run by a scheming businessman (John Lithgow).

Director: Jeannot Szwarc
Producer: Ilya Salkind, Pierre Spengler
Screenwriter: David Newman
Production Co: TriStar Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $23.6M
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Surround

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