Scott Calvin is an ordinary man, who accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall from his roof on Christmas Eve and is knocked unconscious. When he and his young son finish Santa's trip and deliveries, they go to the North Pole, where Scott learns he must become the new Santa and convince those he loves that he is indeed, Father Christmas.
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.
– Jeff Shannon,
Seattle Times,
6 Dec 2013
fresh:
I was surprised to find The Santa Clause rather easier to take than anticipated.
– Jay Boyar,
Orlando Sentinel,
6 Dec 2013
rotten:
Like most modern fantasies, The Santa Clause isn't very clear about the rules governing Scott's new powers.
– Carrie Rickey,
Philadelphia Inquirer,
6 Dec 2013
rotten:
Tim Allen's talent for dry regular-guyness fails to kindle Disney's sappy big-screen Yule log.
– Michael Sragow,
New Yorker,
6 Dec 2013
rotten:
You can get the same emotional and imaginative kick staying home and rereading your Christmas cards.