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I Am Santa Claus
By Renee Schonfeld,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Docu about holiday helpers has mature themes, profanity.
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I Am Santa Claus
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What's the Story?
I AM SANTA CLAUS follows five men for one year, culminating in their immersion into the role of Santa Claus at holiday time. Without narration, intercutting among them and focusing upon three, viewers meet Santas: Russell, Jim, Mick, Frank (who has legally changed his name to Santa Claus), and Bob. They're from different parts of the country and different cultures, though their paths sometimes cross. After all, there are associations of Santa Clauses, agents for Santa Clauses, contracts and bookings and play dates for Santa Clauses. For Russell, his Santa time is an economic necessity, and he glories in the part. For the sensitive Jim, it's a highlight of a year that's otherwise fraught with emotional hurt and longing. For Mick, it's a dream come true -- the pinnacle of a life spent preparing for the moment when he can be the Santa Claus he knows he was always meant to be. For Frank, it's fun, fulfilling, and a welcome break from the back-breaking construction work that fills his days. As the backdrop for these men, Tommy Avallone gives his viewers a taste of the culture of Santa Claus that is active all year long: a look at Santa Claus gatherings, the business of being Santa, and, best of all, the reactions of the children whose lives are enriched and changed when they land in Santa's lap.
Is It Any Good?
You might not like every Santa you meet here, but they'll engage you, often surprise you, and never, ever bore you. Mick Foley's sincerity and artlessness is a delight; he makes parenting seem a gift that keeps on giving. Santa Jim, like some of the kids he greets, can't hold back his tears; in his 70s, he seems committed to life as a young man. Russell Spice's duality is astounding; his story has heartbreak around every corner. Tommy Avallone and producer Morgan Spurlock have done a terrific job of letting these men and their lives speak for themselves; no narration necessary. Caution: Although it's as an examination of a culture that's distinctly associated with children, I Am Santa Claus is for adults and mature teens only.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about three purposes of documentary films: to inform, to persuade, to entertain. Which category or categories does this movie fit into? Do you think the filmmakers accomplished their goals?
Which of the Santas was most surprising to you? Why?
How does Mick Foley the person contradict the stereotype that may be associated with professional wrestling?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 10, 2014
- Cast: Mick Foley
- Director: Tommy Avallone
- Studio: Double Windsor Films
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Holidays
- Run time: 89 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 19, 2023
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