Santa Clause 3 - Eine frostige Bescherung

Okay, I will start off with the cons first. The story is very predictable and uneven, and there is an anti-climatic ending that really does detract from the fun the film does have. The film also suffers from the direction needing a much harder edge. However, my biggest con was that the messages about commercialising Christmas being evil felt misplaced. Despite its flaws, it is a mildly enjoyable family film, even if it did mean it is my least favourite of the three movies. The film visually is quite possibly the most colourful of the three, the special effects with the exception of the reindeer who look as though they have been stuffed were above average, and the cinematography is nice. There are some good laughs mostly from Jack Frost and the Experimental Elf, and the acting was amiable. While generously underplaying, Tim Allen once again does a good job as Santa, and Ann-Margaret and Alan Arkin in particular do well as his in-laws. But it is Martin Short who steals the film, in a wonderfully wacky portrayal of the villain Jack Frost, and I have to say the makeup on it was superbly done. And the soundtrack is cool, and the songs featured are sung with unusual gusto. Plus, the cameos from Mother Nature, Sandman and Father Time(the late Peter Boyle) are inspired. The film, and I am not sure whether this is good or bad, also is very suagry sweet. All in all, not bad, but my least favourite of the Santa Clause movies. 6/10 Bethany Cox

The first film Tim Allen did in this series, "The Santa Clause" was not a great movie by any stretch, but it was an entertaining film and one of the more imaginative and clever Christmas movies ever made. That film dealt with what it would be for a regular guy to be Santa Claus. That was a new idea! It was witty enough for adults and cutesy and fun enough for kids. Bam, the perfect mix for a "family" movie. The sequels (well OK I guess SC2 had some moments) have just been a mess. The filmmakers spend far too much time in the ridiculous North Pole, show us all the other mystical figures of legend (Mother Nature, Father Time, the Easter Bunny) and completely forget that Scott Calvin is supposed to be a regular dude that just happens to be Santa Claus. This movie is too stupid for anyone over the age of 11 and at times too filled with adult complexities for children to enjoy. The only parts that evoked a feel of the 1st film were the Canada jokes and Scott going back in time to the events of the first film and returning to Scott Calvin, corporate toy maker again. Otherwise this is a waste. Forget this film and go watch the 1st one.

Pregnant Mrs. Claus (Elizabeth Mitchell) is almost due, and she wishes for human contact. So Santa (Tim Allen) decides to bring her parents (Ann-Margret, Alan Arkin) to the North Pole along with Santa's ex and her family (Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Liliana Mumy). Meanwhile, the Counsel of Legendary Figures is to judge Jack Frost (Martin Short) for all his wrongdoings. Santa decides to help out by letting him work as one of his helpers. Only Jack Frost schemes to take over Christmas by using the Escape Clause.

The charms of the previous two installments are mostly gone. When North Pole gets remade into Canada, it just emphasized how fake it all is. In the other two, Tim Allen is running around trying to hide his identity from people who love him. In this one, the only people who don't know is Ann-Margret and Alan Arkin. They don't really love him, and there isn't that joy of discovery. That charm isn't here this time around.

Also Bernard the Elf (David Krumholtz) isn't here this time. Curtis (Spencer Breslin) is now the head elf. The movie misses Bernard's attitude and energy. Although it's cute to see Abigail Breslin as one of the little elves. As for Jack Frost, he's alright as the bad guy but he's not funny. In fact, this movie isn't funny. There is a lack of joy. The only one with the wonder and excitement in her eyes is Liliana Mumy. Aside from her, there is too much tension. This movie just doesn't have the same feel.

I just got back from seeing this movie and I have to say it was pretty good. I didn't go to the theater with high hopes, however, so it was easy to meet my expectations. We loved the other 2 movies and had to finish the trilogy! This one could be titled Santa gets a midlife crisis--the plot is based on Scott's frustration over having so many responsibilities and not enough time with his family. There are some disappointments; of course, Bernard isn't in it and we all love him; just one line with no explanation tells us he must be gone. Also, Santa doesn't seem himself; yes, he's frustrated, but you don't see the excitement he had before. And,the plot gets resolved so close to the ending that you still haven't processed it, and the credits are rolling! But if you liked the other movies, go see this one; it's not as action packed, it's a little sappy, but it's clean fun and you'll laugh if you let yourself!

Just remember that it's not Shakespeare, it's just a Christmas movie. Go and have some fun! Enjoy the Canada subplot, eh?

Yes, I am am adult and yes, I was probably more excited to see this third movie than my 3 children. I really loved the first two movies. This third is a must see in the "set", but I have to say, it's not my favorite. It's very hard to compete with the excellent first 2 movies. I didn't like that Charlie isn't played often enough. I also did care for the actors that starred as Mrs. Clause's parents. Yes, Ann-Margaret and Alan Arkin are terrific actors, but not perfect for this role as the in-laws, I thought. Martin Short was excellent! He is so evil and he does it well! Lucy is a doll! She stole the movie. I loved this movie... it's a great end to the other two, but I don't think they should make any more. Curtis's role as an elf was better when he was a kid! Yes, Bernard's appearance was highly missed. If you loved the first two, see this 3rd, otherwise wait until October of next year to rent it.