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The Santa Clause 2

Play trailer 1:44 Poster for The Santa Clause 2 G 2002 1h 44m Kids & Family Holiday Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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56% Tomatometer 120 Reviews 43% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) has been in the role of Santa for the past eight years, and his loyal elves consider him the best one ever. But the world of the "Merry Old Soul" turns upside down when he's dealt a double whammy of news: Not only has his son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd), landed on this year's naughty list, but Scott discovers that he must marry by Christmas Eve -- just a month away! -- or he will stop being Santa Claus forever.
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The Santa Clause 2

The Santa Clause 2

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Critics Consensus

Though it's harmless as family entertainment and has moments of charm, The Santa Clause 2 is also predictable and forgettable.

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Critics Reviews

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Keith Phipps AV Club 11/05/2019
Despite the obviously mercenary nature of this sequel, there's a thimbleful of clever ideas at work here, most notably in the way Allen's RoboSanta begins to turn his toy factory into a tiny dictatorship. Go to Full Review
Nell Minow Common Sense Media 12/29/2010
2/5
This one deserves a "bah humbug." Go to Full Review
Peter Bradshaw Guardian 12/02/2002
1/5
You might find the syllables bah, hum, and bug dancing on your lips. Go to Full Review
Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens 11/15/2019
On Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen! On Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen! On Chet! Yes - Chet. Remember - Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing. Go to Full Review
Sloan Freer Radio Times 11/05/2019
2/5
It simply feels like a marketing opportunity, without the sincerity and genuine warmth the Christmas season represents. Go to Full Review
Andy Patrizio IGN Movies 11/05/2019
8/10
Sure, it's cotton candy movie making with a totally predictable outcome. If you want a cranky Christmas, there's always Bad Santa. It's also not as funny as the original, but it's still entertaining. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Jace E @thefilmguy 3d Hot take: I think that this is better than the first one. The North Pole in this film is the best depiction of the North Pole in film. It's magical, bright and exactly what I picture for Santa's workshop. Charlie is a whiney baby but there is so much to love about the rest of the movie. The additions of Carol, Lucy and the Council of Legendary Figures add so much depth to the cast. Scott's quest to find a wife is a nice little romcom and the evil toy Santa is hilarious. Best Character: Carol Best Quote: "I think Santa feels a little buzz!" - Toy Santa Best Scene: The Secret Santa (Honorable mention to the final scene with Lucy seeing Scott) See more Mitchell S @Mitchstur 5d It's every bit as cute and funny as the original. Probably a little more magical. See more Duante X H 5d The Best Christmas Movie Ever See more thiago s @Thiagostone Dec 18 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more TheMovieSearch R @TheMovieSearch Dec 2 The Santa Clause 2 attempts to recapture the magic of its predecessor by diving deeper into the mythology of Scott Calvin’s life as Santa Claus, but the film’s ambition sometimes outweighs its execution. While the first movie delivered a perfectly balanced mix of heart, humor, and holiday wonder, the sequel shifts its focus to the introduction of a future Mrs. Claus. This narrative choice gives the film its emotional direction, though it doesn’t always hold the same effortless charm as the original. Even so, the continuation of Scott’s journey keeps the story engaging enough to hold the interest of returning fans. One of the film’s biggest challenges lies in its screenplay, which is noticeably weaker and more uncertain than the one that fueled the first installment. The story often feels like it’s second-guessing itself, wavering between clever ideas and uneven pacing. There are moments of genuine holiday warmth, but they sometimes struggle to break through structural issues, leaving the film feeling like it’s trying to recreate something it hasn’t fully figured out how to repeat. Still, the underlying creativity remains, giving the sequel a festive personality even when the writing falters. Despite its screenplay shortcomings, The Santa Clause 2 benefits greatly from its casting. Tim Allen once again anchors the film with a performance that effortlessly blends humor and heart, reaffirming why he remains so closely associated with the Santa persona decades later. The supporting cast continues to shine, maintaining the whimsical dynamic that made the North Pole feel so enchanting in the first place. Their chemistry and comedic timing help soften some of the film’s structural weaknesses. Visually and tonally, the film retains the charm audiences expect from a Disney holiday production. The North Pole remains imaginative and lively, filled with colorful sets and endearing side characters who bring warmth to even the film’s clunkier moments. The childlike energy of the elves and the magic of Santa’s world continue to resonate, reminding viewers why the franchise has such strong seasonal staying power. It’s clear that the filmmakers cared about maintaining continuity within this cinematic universe. While The Santa Clause 2 doesn’t reach the same emotional or narrative height as the original, it still offers a wholesome seasonal experience. The movie provides a sincere look at love, responsibility, and the pressure of living up to what others believe you should be. These themes allow the story to stand on its own, even if the execution isn’t always as strong or as confident as what came before it. Fans of the first movie will likely appreciate the continuation of Scott Calvin’s evolution, especially as he moves toward building a family. Ultimately, this sequel succeeds as a warm and enjoyable addition to the franchise, even if it never quite recaptures the effortless magic of the first film. It’s a holiday movie that fits comfortably within the universe of The Santa Clause—not flawless, but heartfelt enough to revisit each December. For viewers seeking familiar Christmas charm and a chance to reconnect with beloved characters, it delivers a perfectly pleasant seasonal celebration. See more Ed R @JustcallmeER Nov 21 An incredible sequel that keeps the magic alive! See more Read all reviews
The Santa Clause 2

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Movie Info

Synopsis Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) has been in the role of Santa for the past eight years, and his loyal elves consider him the best one ever. But the world of the "Merry Old Soul" turns upside down when he's dealt a double whammy of news: Not only has his son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd), landed on this year's naughty list, but Scott discovers that he must marry by Christmas Eve -- just a month away! -- or he will stop being Santa Claus forever.
Director
Michael Lembeck
Producer
Brian Reilly, Bobby Newmyer, Jeffrey Silver
Screenwriter
Don Rhymer, Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio, Ed Decter, John Strauss, Steve Rudnick, Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick, Leo Benvenuti
Distributor
Walt Disney Pictures
Production Co
Buena Vista (Walt Disney)
Rating
G
Genre
Kids & Family, Holiday, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 1, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 5, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$139.2M
Runtime
1h 44m
Sound Mix
Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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