Movie Review - The Year Without A Santa Claus

The Year Without A Santa Claus

2006

The Cast

 

Though this movie sports a decent cast it still falls short of creating a decent movie.  For one, the story isn't too original.  Santa is feeling a little under-appreciated and so decides to take the year off.  The thing is he doesn't since everything is resolved before Christmas Eve - so even the title of the movie is incorrect.

Then, though I've loved Goodman since Rosanne, he just doesn't cut it as the big guy, and his head elf in charge of toy production, Sparky (Kattan), is just plain annoying.  If it wasn't for Ethan Suplee and Eddie Griffin as the rogue elves in search of a human child who still believes in Christmas then this would have been one dire movie.

Harvey Fierstein is great as the Fire Meiser who along with his brother Snow Meiser control the Earths weather.  It's Fierstein's loud and gruff voice along with his overacting that adds to the comedic performance of his character.  It's just a shame that they have to sing... and to have some pretty dreadful special effects, especially in the boxing match when Sparky gets into the action.

There are a few decent ideas, such as "The Divide" which separates the real world from The North Pole and "The Veil" which keeps them hidden from onlookers.  There are also a few good scenes, I particularly liked the BEGOTHS at the toy expo in the opening sequence.

That said, I wouldn't really recommend this movie to many people as it appears staid and dated by today's standards.  I even think that kids could be bored and uninterested as the film is uncertain of its audience - kids, teens, young adults, adults?  It feels uncomfortable trying to please everyone.

If there's nothing else on and you're trapped in your home while in a blizzard and there's nothing else to watch...

I give this film a not so naughty and not so nice 4.75 out of 10

The Film Clip