 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fred Claus
- Review Date: November 23, 2008
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Holiday comedy's no classic, but it's OK for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that since this is the first Christmas-themed movie of the season, kids might be extra interested in seeing it. The trailers and ads feature the comedy's silly elves and slapsticky nature, and that's exactly what you get (along with a heaping sleighful of brand-name toys). This is no serious, high-minded holiday story; it's a simple comedy about Santa's jealous brother. While there's nothing scary or troubling in the movie, there are a few scenes of couples kissing (including Santa and his wife, and two elves) and a sad moment when an orphan says he doesn't believe in Santa. Fred and Santa get into a fight, as do Fred and a group of angry Salvation Army Santas, and there's some relatively mild language ("crap," "hell," etc.).
What's the story?
As St. Nick's older brother, Fred Claus (Vince Vaughn) has lived for hundreds of years in his sibling's shadow, and he doesn't like it. Fred's dream is to open an off-track betting facility, but to get the down payment he needs for the lease, he has to call in a favor from the North Pole. Santa (Paul Giamatti) is willing to help, but only if Fred flies up to pitch in during the pre-Christmas rush. To add dramatic tension, a mysterious efficiency expert named Clyde (Kevin Spacey) hovers around Santa's workshop with a clipboard and a scowl to determine whether Santa can keep up with the growing demands of today's greedier kids. If the elves can't meet their quotas, Santa will get pink slipped.
Is it any good?
FRED CLAUS is unlikely to become a contemporary Christmas classic, but it features a top-notch cast, slapstick gags, and plenty of North Pole mayhem. Most of the film's humor comes from Vaughn in improv mode. His lightning-paced delivery is always a treat. However, the entire movie, goes on a tad long, especially considering that family comedies are usually 90 minutes (Fred clocks in at 116).
Even a 5-year-old can tell early on that Fred will rise to the occasion to save his brother -- not to mention all the Christmas-celebrating children of the world -- from a toy-less, Santa-less holiday. But by the time "Silent Night" starts playing, even the Grinchiest viewer will feel a slight tug on the heartstrings, even if it's predictable movie manipulation.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's themes: sibling rivalry, naughty behavior, and Christmas greed. Santa's parents, especially his mother, clearly favored him over Fred. How did that make Fred feel and act toward his family? How does he redeem himself? Why does the average Santa letter include a request for 15 toys? Is that a good thing? Are there any toys you want after seeing them in the movie? Why do you want them? What do you think about Fred's comment that no kid is naughty, and that every kid deserves one toy? Do you think that's true? Kids: How can you help a child like Slam receive a gift this holiday season?
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AGE
caution fans of Santa!
I took my four year old and my six year old. After seeing it, I wish I had not taken them. It was funny and they laughed. I think I may have been more disturb by the movie than they were. I had a hard time with Santa being mean. it just felt wrong to have my kids see him try to do physical harm to his brother and talk mean.
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AGE
it really wasn't TOO bad
Just needed more laughs and Vince Vaughn's hilarious humor was not used properly, but overall it had a good message, and sex and language were relatively mild at all times.
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AGE
I walked in the theater with my good friend expecting this to be a good movie but instead it was one of the most boring movies ive ever seen.. it was way to long and boring.. do not waste your life watching this movie its not worth it.
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AGE
Klaus and Cleavage for older Kids
Under 11 should not see this film either because they are missing half of it due to the speed of Vaughn's delivery or the material is simply too mature. Unplanned pregnancy is a topic in one of Vaughn's rants at the beginning of the movie, and while I may have found his monologue to be mildly amusing, I was not amused that my under 11 children were sitting there with me.
Why does the head elf-lady need to have cleavage showing? While I appreciate that her number-crunching, brilliant mind was emphasized to appease the women of the audience, cleavage in a Santa flick has got to go. While I also agree with the movie's theme that no child is bad, this is a theme that is way over a younger child's head. After seeing this movie, my children ages 6-10 couldn't answer why they liked it except that it had good music and dancing during the workshop dance scene and that the snowball fight was funny. Older children will appreciate this movie more and I would enjoy discussing with them the topics that this movie raises.
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AGE
this is my reveiw
fred claues is like a christmas movie but much funnier than a chrismas carol like blue balls by larry the cable guy it is as funny as that hope you like my reveiw thank you hope you like it by!!!!
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AGE
OK
This was an OK Movie. At the end a couple (not married) move in together. 9 and up.
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AGE
BORING!
My husband and I were bored to death in this movie. It was very slow and not what we expected. Our two boys (ages 5 and 8) tolerated it but they certainly didn't get excited about it. We were all just hoping to go have a good laugh and some light-hearted fun but instead it felt like torture. We thought the movie would never end. What a waste of $40 and two hours.
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| Topics: | holidays |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | David Dobkin |
| Cast: | Paul Giamatti, Rachel Weisz, Vince Vaughn |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 116 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 8, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | November 24, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | mild language and some rude humor. |
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