Dobkin's film is lit up by a couple of genius scenes: first, a siblings support-group attended by Frank Stallone, Stephen Baldwin and Roger Clinton; second, a superb in-joke triggering Spacey's redemptive thaw-out, stoking a festive glow against the odds.
Fred Claus
Everybody has that one relative who can't help but cause problems over the holidays. Even Santa.
2007 · 1h 55m · PG
Action, Comedy, Drama
Directed by
David Dobkin
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Fred Claus
Overview
Fred Claus and Santa Claus have been estranged brothers for many years. Now Fred must reconcile his differences with his brother whom he believes overshadows him. When an efficiency expert assesses the workings at the North Pole and threatens to shut Santa down, Fred must help his brother to save Christmas.
Director and cast
- David Dobkin Director
- Vince Vaughn as Fred Claus
- Paul Giamatti as Nick (Santa) Claus
- John Michael Higgins as Willie
- Miranda Richardson as Annette Claus
- Rachel Weisz as Wanda Blinkowski
- Kathy Bates as Mother Claus
- Trevor Peacock as Papa Claus
- Ludacris as DJ Donnie
- Elizabeth Banks as Charlene
- Jeremy Swift as Bob Elf
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
The movie is less ho-ho-ho than uh-oh, or oh-no.
There are some scattered big laughs and a sweet message here, so I'm giving it a mild recommendation.
As derivative and predictable as any of the holiday comedies of the past few years, providing audiences with at best a handful of laughs. Most of it is uninspired.
It senselessly dims an idea that should shine as brightly as Rudolph's nose.
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