The Santa Clause

1994 Comedy

Television sitcom star Tim Allen made his big screen debut with this light, family-friendly holiday comedy. Allen stars as Scott Calvin, the divorced dad of Charlie (Eric Lloyd). Scott is distressed to learn that his ex-wife Laura (Wendy Crewson) and Charlie's psychiatrist stepfather Neal (Judge Reinhold) have informed his son that there is no Santa Claus. While a sullen Charlie visits his dad on Christmas Eve, a noise on the roof brings them outside, where Scott startles the intruder, who tumbles from the roof. It turns out that there is a Santa after all, and Scott has just accidentally killed him. Because of a legal technicality known as "the Santa clause," Scott inherits the jolly old elf's job. As the next year passes, Scott rapidly gains weight, grows a white beard and meets the elf Bernard (David Krumholtz) -- who is the one who really runs the North Pole -- while Charlie regains his Christmas spirit. However, Neal becomes concerned about Scott's sudden change in appearance and insistence that he's Santa, and he forces him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Director John Pasquin previously directed Allen in the TV series Home Improvement and would team with him again for Jungle 2 Jungle (1997). more..

Director: John Pasquin

Starring: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Eric Lloyd, David Krumholtz

Reviews

  • This is a hip, likable spin on the seasonal icon told with a deft mixture of comedy and sentimentality.

    Leonard Klady - Variety

    27 April 2013

  • Nevertheless, The Santa Clause is a charming, if mild, fantasy, distinguished by a gentle directorial touch that strikes a deft balance between dramatic and fantastic elements.

    - TV Guide

    27 April 2013

  • All of the film's technical and creative contributions are top-notch, but as it should be, it's the people who win us over.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    27 April 2013

  • Aimed at kids, but written with parents in mind, The Santa Clause balances the sugar with the spice, which Allen sprinkles on just right.

    Rita Kempley - The Washington Post

    27 April 2013

  • The Santa Clause (so named after the clause on Santa's calling card that requires Scott to take over the job) is often a clever and amusing movie, and there's a lot of fresh invention in it.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Fantasy Film

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (1995)

     
  • Michael Convertino

    BMI Film & TV Awards (1995)

  • Favorite Movie Actor

    Kids' Choice Awards (1995)

     
  • Best Breakthrough Performance

    MTV Movie Awards (1995)

     
  • Favorite Comedy Motion Picture

    People's Choice Awards (1995)