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The Santa Clause

Play trailer 1:42 Poster for The Santa Clause PG 1994 1h 37m Kids & Family Holiday Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 59 Reviews 66% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa's place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he's dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn't a dream after all -- and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do.
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The Santa Clause

The Santa Clause

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Critics Consensus

The Santa Clause is utterly undemanding, but it's firmly rooted in the sort of good old-fashioned holiday spirit missing from too many modern yuletide films.

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Critics Reviews

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Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune 08/23/2017
3/4
A genial, lightweight entertainment. Go to Full Review
Jeff Shannon Seattle Times 12/06/2013
3/4
This is Allen's movie debut, and it's easy to see why his show is a ratings smash. There's an effortless quality to his humor, but it's also got a quietly urgent edge to it. Go to Full Review
Jay Boyar Orlando Sentinel 12/06/2013
3/5
I was surprised to find The Santa Clause rather easier to take than anticipated. Go to Full Review
Mal Vincent The Virginian-Pilot 03/02/2022
3/4
There's a laughable edge that makes it all entertaining - not hilarious, just chuckle kind of chuckles... Go to Full Review
Jim Rohner Battleship Pretension 04/14/2021
The original is actually quite entertaining, with Allen's sardonic wit standing in gleeful contrast to his surroundings... Go to Full Review
David Nusair Reel Film Reviews 12/12/2020
2.5/4
...a perfectly watchable yet entirely unmemorable family-friendly... Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Kyle M Jan 5 A mythological, comedic spin on "Miracle on 34th Street" that’s imaginatively funny by magical embodiment whilst heartwarmingly gifted, always ranking this as the best of the films over its purity and debatably Allen’s best performance by retained, earnestly balanced caliber that touches on fatherly difficulties. (B+) See more Joshua m @Flameon Dec 31 It's a fun movie without being overly sentimental. See more Heather C @Heatherjayne99 Dec 24 This film is focused on questioning Santa, planting an unwanted and unnecessary seed in kid’s minds. Definitely wouldn’t recommend for believers unless they are under 5 and too young to question. See more Jude M. Dec 23 A fun and heartfelt Christmas classic. It’s funny, charming, and surprisingly emotional, with a great performance from Tim Allen. A movie that still holds up and feels like a holiday staple. See more Jace E @thefilmguy Dec 23 Pure nostalgia. The concept is unique, the characters are fantastic and Tim Allen does a great job of transforming from Scott Calvin into Santa Claus. Also, the amount of quippy one liners in this movie make this a hilarious rewatch as an adult. Best Character: Scott Calvin Best Quote: "Just because you can't see something, doesn't mean it doesn't exist." - Charlie Best Scene: Transforming into SC. (Honorable mention to the E.L.F.S. scene) Note: I need Judy's hot chocolate recipe! See more malcolm t @malcolmtaplin Dec 21 One of the best Christmas Films of all time. That's it. See more Read all reviews
The Santa Clause

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Movie Info

Synopsis Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa's place before the next Christmas arrives. Scott thinks he's dreaming, but over the next several months he gains weight and grows an inexplicably white beard. Maybe that night at the North Pole wasn't a dream after all -- and maybe Scott has a lot of work to do.
Director
John Pasquin
Producer
Bobby Newmyer, Brian Reilly, Jeffrey Silver
Screenwriter
Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick
Distributor
Hollywood Pictures, Buena Vista Pictures, Buena Vista International [us], Walt Disney Pictures
Production Co
Hollywood Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Outlaw Productions
Rating
PG
Genre
Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 11, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$145.5M
Runtime
1h 37m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo, Dolby Digital
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