 | 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. |
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
- Review Date: November 19, 2007
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Magical (if mindless) family holiday fun.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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!
What's the story?
In the franchise's third installment, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) has a rival for his job as Santa: 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 enchanted 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.
Is it any good?
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.
What families can talk about
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.
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AGE
Okay...
Well, in my opinion, I think that it just got old once they kept making more and more of the Santa Clause movies. The first one wasn't too bad, but the more they made, the more stupid they got. I think , though, that younger kids maybe under 9 or 10 would enjoy this. There's no bad language or anything like that.
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AGE
WHY WASNT THIS MOVIE MADE YEARS AGO?
ONE WORD..FANTASTIC
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Kid, 12 years old
July 15, 2010
AGE
worst one yet
itis ok its is not the best christ mas movie and one of the worst "the santa cluse" movie yet and it is so stuped and pontless
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AGE
A 7 year old's review
It's a really good movie, but there may be some tense parts. This one has a villain unlike the first one. We really didn't like Jack Frost.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 19, 2011
AGE
The first was good, the second was Great, but the third is horrible
Horrible!!!!
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AGE
a bit more vilont then the rest
This movie isnt as good as the first but it is still really good. But i would recomend having your child be atleast 6 before letting them watch it because it's a bit more vilont then the rest of the santa clause movies.
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AGE
good christmas movie
Not that it was bad but for teenagers like me that watch it i think the beginning was too umm...slow. It was funny and i think it showed a good example of a good christmas movie for little kids to enjoy. Its not a waste of time or money but i think the producers would have done better.
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AGE
Great for my 6 year old, not so much for me
I kind of figured going into the movie that my 6-yard old daughter would love this movie since she's like the first two, and that I wouldn't.
And that's about how it worked out. She laughed, was interested in the story, figured out what was good, what was bad, etc...
Me on the other hand, got more joy out of watching her laugh since I couldn't really find anything to laugh about myself. For the adult, it's a little slow, by the time the "switch" happens, the movies 3/4 of the way over.
But hey, if you thought it would be good going into it, you're probably on a different level from me anyway. But, the kids will like it, and that's why we go, I guess.
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| Topics: | holidays |
| Studio: | Buena Vista |
| Director: | Michael Lembeck |
| Cast: | Martin Short, Spencer Breslin, Tim Allen |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 98 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 2, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | November 20, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | general audiences |
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