The Santa Clause
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Heartwarming family tale for both kids and adults.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 5 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Santa Clause was written by Charles Cassady Jr.
Parents need to know the original Santa Claus takes a fatal, accidental pratfall. Guns are drawn as Tim Allen's new "Santa" gets arrested by police. They should know that there are grown-up (and gross) jokes, and that the film deals with divorce and estrangement between a father and son.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about holiday movies. What are some of the others you can think of? Why are the same titles -- like It's a Wonderful Life and Scrooge -- shown each season? How is this film the same or different than other Christmas movies?
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More on The Santa Clause
What’s the Story?
It's Christmas Eve. Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), a toy company executive, collects his little son Charlie from his ex-wife. When Santa Claus arrives on his roof, Scott's shout startles Santa into a fatal fall. The body disappears, leaving only the famous red suit. Scott takes over the sleigh and reindeer, completing Santa's annual rounds. At the North Pole, elves tell Scott and Charlie that according to the "Santa Clause" Scott is now required by law to take on Santa's identity. After Charlie tells his mom and child-psychologist stepfather (Judge Reinhold), they're convinced that Charlie has been warped by his dad. Months pass and Scott transforms into Santa, until court hearings decide that he's nuts and cut off his visitation rights. Another December 24 approaches, and Scott must convince his employers and ex that he's not crazy.
Is It Any Good?
The nice thing about THE SANTA CLAUSE is that it takes its far-out premise all the way to a logical conclusion; there are no cheats or easy outs for Scott Calvin when the biggest job in the world is thrust upon him. Aided by excellent special effects, this likeable guy's slow, whimsical change into St. Nick, persistent in a disbelieving world, is supernatural. The jokes are just as funny for adults as for kids.
For a Disney fantasy, The Santa Clause is forthright about divorce and its aftermath but doesn't dwell too much on the agony of a broken home. There's pathos enough just in the separation of Scott Calvin from a son who still looks up to him. Commendably, Charlie's new stepdad appears not as an ogre to be defeated, but as an OK guy who lost his faith in Santa Claus because he never got the Oscar Meyer Wiener whistle he wanted at age 3 (does that foreshadow the ending or what?). Some parents may be disappointed that this movie overlooks the religious significance of Christmas in favor of present-giving and childhood wish-fulfillment, but the movie ends on an appropriate note of good will and reconciliation.
Movie Details
Studio: Disney, Director: John Pasquin
Run time: 95 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1994, DVD release: 9/29/2002
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements.
Run time: 95 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1994, DVD release: 9/29/2002
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements.
Our Members Say
See all 12 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
A Christmas Favorite
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Great Holiday Fun!
THE SANTA CLAUSE is whimsical, comical, and over-the-top. It is cheerful, original, implausible, and gently touching. For a full dose of holiday cheer, look no further. The film is suitable for most families. Parents should know that the film tackles some mature issues like divorce and child custody. However, there is nothing inapropriate about it. Several adults talk about how they don't believe in Santa, but in the end the big man's existance is confirmed.
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I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
full of chrismas fun.
The story is full of chrismas fun. I recomend watching on chrismas eve with some chrismas cookies (if you have kids watch it with them to. There sure to love it!)
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I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
THE SANTA CLAUSE is a very funny movie!
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
I think its a good movie
Helps the skeptical believe in Santa all over again. Has situations that kids can relate to (divorce and parents new friends and feeling torn). We watch this every Christmas.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Very sweet movie
Good movie and nice relationahip between the father and son. I like that no one is portrayed as stupid or evil. Do think carefully if your child is still a believer.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Common sense is stupid!There is absolutly nothing wrong with this movie!It rocks out loud!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
A great Christmas movie!
Santa Clause was an outstanding movie. Very funny, and wonderfully believable. This might be one of the best modern Christmas movies. It is DEFINITELY worth watching! :)
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Great Hoilday Film
This movie was very funny. A good one for the whole family to watch every Christmas. But if you don't believe in Santa... you might not like it too well. There is some mild dirty humor but it is very subtle and safe for younger kids.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
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