The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause - G
Watch Video Review
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that kids will probably be eager to see the third tale in this fun, tame holiday movie series. Although it's rated G, there's still plenty of slapstick violence. Jack smacks Scott in the face with a snow shovel, and, in another scene, Jack gets run into and knocked over. That said, Santa's pad at the North Pole is one happy place. There are plenty of magical scenes in this movie that make you believe reindeer really can fly and magic really does exist in the world. And, oh, all those sweet treats!
Families can talk about the differences in the way Jack and Scott view Christmas. Scott loves being Santa and bringing joy and magic to people all over the world, while Jack is only in it for his own gain. Does Jack's scheming pay off in the end? And, what is Christmas truly all about? The candy and presents? The magic and joy and spending time with people you love? The religious significance? This is a great opportunity for families to talk about their own holiday traditions and beliefs.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jane Boursaw
In 1994's The Santa Clause, we learned how Santa gets to be Santa: When one Santa dies, the next person to put on the red coat becomes the new North Pole chief. In that case, it was Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), who donned the coat after the previous Santa fell off his roof. Scott quickly grew a beard, got fat, and settled into his new role. In 2002's "The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause, Scott was required to find a wife, and he happily made Carol (Elizabeth Mitchell) the new Mrs. Claus.
Now, in the franchise's third installment, Scott has a rival for his job: Jack Frost (Martin Short), who has a big chip on his shoulder about always having to play second fiddle to the popular Claus. But, as the title suggests, there's an "escape clause" in Scott's contract, which takes Scott and Jack back to the moment when Scott first pulled on the red coat and became Santa. This time around, Jack grabs the garment and -- presto! -- he becomes Santa instead.
This is not good. Not good at all. Mainly because Jack is sorely lacking in people skills. Unlike Scott, Jack isn't doing the whole Santa thing to bring joy and happiness to people around the world. He's only thinking of himself -- so much so that he re-names the holiday "Frostmas." Jack doesn't have the warm, fuzzy factor that Scott has, either. He frightens the kids, blames them when things go wrong, and takes the spirit of the season and turns it into one big commercial for himself.
The Santa Clause movies don't require a lot of brain power, but, frankly, that's what makes them entertaining. They're just good, old-fashioned fun, with some magic and mischief mixed in. Allen has found a great niche in family movies, and sidekick Spencer Breslin (who's shared the screen with Allen in several movies) is funny as head elf Curtis. New additions Ann-Margret and Alan Arkin (as Scott's in-laws) bring some freshness to the franchise, and, of course, Short is his usual over-the-top funny self. If you're just looking for a lighthearted movie to share with your kids, this is a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Families who enjoy this movie will also like Elf and the previous two Santa Clause installments.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentMrs. Claus is pregnant. |
 |
|
|
|
ViolenceSome slapstick violence: Scott gets smacked in the face with a shovel; in another scene, his pants are on fire. Jack gets knocked over. Also, Santa falls off a roof and disappears -- literally -- leaving behind only his clothes. |
 |
|
|
|
Language |
|
|
|
|
Message |
|
|
|
|
Social BehaviorJack is selfish and wants to be Santa for his own gain. He schemes and tricks Scott into relinquishing his Santa role. Jack is rude to kids and adults, "frosts" people, and causes Christmas chaos everywhere. |
 |
|
|
|
CommercialismToys and snow globes factor greatly into the storyline. |
 |
|
|
|
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
|
|
