Weihnachtsmann wider Willen

Kelsey Grammar plays Nicholas 21 which means that he's in line for the throne of Santa Claus. His father Nicholas 20 (played by Charles Durning) is losing his jollies and his powers that made him Santa Claus. For him, it's a job that he loves with a passion. For Junior, he's postponed taking over for years. Finally, the time has come for him to take his father's place in the family business. Katherine Helmond is fantastic as the mother and wife, Queen Carlotta. Brian Bedford plays, Jasper, who is Nick Jr.'s confidante and knows all about the family secrets. Anyway, Nick 21 must fine Mrs. Claus but he gets caught up with a blonde weather girl who is really shallow and vain. Of course, this film is meant to be about Christmas, sharing, generosity, and miracles. It's not the best film but it's decent enough for the family and for kids.

my kids loved it but i thought it could use some work i didn't like the part how Santa Claus only was for 100 year because in other movies and books he is meant to live forever and my kids asked why it was different in that movie and i had to make up excuses otherwise it was a great movie

I normally wouldn't bother writing a review for a made for TV movie, but I got stuck watching while at home for Christmas. Christmas movies are supposed to be kind of cliched, they have to be because Christmas has become a cliche to most people. This movie took that idea and ran with it.

First you have the reluctant Santa Claus, which has only been done a few dozen times in recent years. Then there is the rich man falling in love with the hired help, coupled into man being engaged to one woman only to realize it was a mistake and that he is really in love with girl-come-lately. Then add some cookie-cutter characters, like the proper butler giving sage advice. Or how about that the hired help has a mystery son. I say mystery son because it is never explained if the son is from a bad marriage, out-of marriage, widowed, etc. At least I don't remember it being explained. I won't even go into the goofy cop, the swindling best friend, incredibly sappy happy ending, etc.

I think there are people in the world who would relish a movie like this, but if cliches, and telegraphed plot twists turn your stomach, then avoid this movie.

This is a 2002 made-for-Hallmark Christmas movie. Starting from that fact, this (for me) was a totally enjoyable film which I never knew existed until today. I work from home and often put on Christmas films and music for background noise. But when I noticed this one I actually watched. It's not inspired, nor is it an instant classic. Yes, the plot is contrived, but so are the plots of the vast majority of Christmas films.

Criticizing the casting in something like this seems overkill to me. The quality of this film is far superior to the shoestring-budget, no name, mass produced seasonal romances now overrunning the streaming services. This film is a cut above.

There was no mystery son. Danny was the Grandson of Lorena's Aunt.

I really enjoyed this. I can watch Kelsey Grammar in anything, but I found that I couldn't take my eyes off Katherine Helmund. She was 74 when she made this and was so beautiful. Her bone structure is exquisite and no amount of money can replicate that. Her costumes and hair were a delight. She looked every inch a queen.

The plot may have been thin but it was still enjoyable and despite it turning out to be a scam I thought the idea behind MrStNick.com was brilliant.

Peace and goodwill to everyone.