Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is an average divorcee Dad, working in a toy factory and trying to get along with his son. On the night before Christmas, he kills Santa Claus (yes kills him) and has to take his place in order to save Christmas. Little does he know that in doing so he has bound himself to the job and has to juggle loosing his son with slowly turning into the real Santa Claus.
This is a film I grew up watching every year on Christmas eve but I only re-watched it recently, and I can say, it still has all the flare of a classic Disney Christmas story. The loving bond between Tim Allen and his son (Eric Lloyd) is very moving, even for an adult audience. The memorable characters are all enjoyable, from the 'mean' mother (Wendy Crewson) and her new husband (Judge Reinhold) to the sleigh pulling reindeer (the perfect blend of animatronics and CGI). The whole idea really brings to life the spirit of believing in Father Christmas and the childhood wonder that surrounds him. Whether you're 5 or 50 this film still hits home.
That being said, having watched it recently from an objective point of view, there is one glaring point which just bothers me: the son. Yes he's meant to personify the undying belief in Father Christmas that everyone would like to still have, but in reality the big issue he proves is that he only starts to like his father AFTER he becomes Santa Claus and only seems to want to spend time with him while he's doing his job: irony much?
