Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)

Under-rated little family film that works due to a couple of over-the-top performances more than anything else. We get a glimpse into the history of the titled character (played by David Huddleston) and his wife (Judy Cornwell) as they make the North Pole their home. Years and years pass and we get to the present-day, but trouble looms as the toys manufactured by elf Dudley Moore (in a wonderful performance) start to fall apart on all the children of the world. Moore feels shame and decides that it would be better to leave. Thus he falls in with evil toy manufacturer John Lithgow (in another fine role) and this is when the fun really starts. Burgess Meredith also has a short, endearing cameo. A production that is tame enough for young children, but is also interesting enough to keep the adults happy as well. Good overall. 4 stars out of 5.

Fmovies: I absolutely love this movie. It is, quite simply, the best Christmas movie there is. I discovered it when I was a teenager and have since watched it repeatedly every Christmas season - in fact, I've just finished watching it for the first time as a married women.

The story is uplifting and magical and real and is a *must see* for anyone who wants an instant touch of Christmas spirit. I can not recommend this movie highly enough!

I have seen this movie every Christmas since I was a child, and I believe it brings explanations of how the fable of Santa Claus, and all of the childhood beliefs came to be. It may be a watered down version of Willy Wonka, but it had great effects for the 1980's, and it brings out the child and Christmas spirit in everyone. It is a grade above Ernest Saves Christmas ( I love watching it as well on a comical basis) especially when it comes to the story line and characters. Dudley Moore was wonderful as Patch the elf, and delivered a great performance without being a drunk or married to two women. It's movie of morals, and the spirit of Christmas.

Santa Claus: The Movie fmovies. Personally, I love this film! I've gone out of my way to buy myself acopy from America (as its not being produced anymore)

I think its a lovely film for kids and adults of all ages. I watch it every year on christmas eve. The story is simple and easy to follow, no complicated names/locations, just a good film!

Get yourself a copy. I know eBay regularly stock it!

One to watch 10/10

Matt

While this movie admittedly has its detractors I personally am NOT one of them. It's utterly charming. Among it's strengths-it's perfectly cast, all the way from Dudley Moore on down to the extras. The sets are breathtaking, and the music is engaging (including Sheena Easton's beautiful "Christmas All Over the World"). With all this movie has going for it it does have its drawbacks. The first half definitely works better than the latter. It seems almost as if they were trying to make 2 movies for the price of 1, and that does detract from the overall effect. It gets a bit confusing once it hits the half-way point but it is still worth seeing all the way through. It's the sort of movie that can still hold up after repeated viewings. You can watch it with your kids, or make a guilty pleasure out of watching it by yourself. Either way do yourself a favor and watch it.

I can not remember what age I was when I first seen this movie. But I do remember that it used to be played on Irish TV every year on Christmas eve.My best memory from childhood was sitting by the coal fire to let my hair dry and watching this movie.

My favorite part was always when Joe shouts Yo and the raindeer take flight! It still makes me shiver.

I am now 24 and only wish I could get it on DVD here in the UK so I could play it on a regional 2 player. I have a baby on the way and I would love someday for my children to enjoy the wonder of Santa Claus the movie as I did all those years ago.

This film gave me a lot of happy Christmas' Dx