Santa and Pete

I saw this movie on Hulu in 2009. It's a sweet movie that hints at some spirituality and incorporates a small amount of history to show how the story of Santa and Christmas has evolved. The movie says the story comes from a Dutch legend and I have seen various other locations mention a Santa and Pete Dutch legend although probably significantly different. It is enjoyable for the whole family. My children were enraptured and the adults found it fun and wholesome. At the time of this post the book that the movie is based on and the movie can be found on Amazon. I would say the phrase 'Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men' summarizes the goal of the multicultural angle of the movie. It is an enjoyable piece without many adult themes which is a rare find.

Santa and Pete (1999) is currently available on Tubi. The story follows a family visiting Grandpa's house for Christmas, their first holiday together since Grandma passed away. Despite the lingering sadness, Grandpa surprises his grandson with his festive spirit and shares his favorite Christmas tale-a story that never fails to brighten his holiday season.

Directed by Duwayne Dunham (Little Giants), the film stars Hume Cronyn (Cocoon), James Earl Jones (Conan the Barbarian), Flex Alexander (Snakes on a Plane), and Erica Gimpel (Fame).

The movie effectively weaves two narratives: the story being told and the storyteller's perspective. James Earl Jones shines as the grandfather, bringing warmth and charm to the role, while Hume Cronyn delivers an excellent performance as Saint Nick, making his journey captivating. The biblical-era storyline features engaging sets, props, and costumes that enhance the historical feel. While I wasn't entirely sold on Flex Alexander's portrayal of Pete, the clever writing kept me interested in seeing how the tale unfolded. The dual conclusions of both storylines were heartfelt and satisfying.

In conclusion, Santa and Pete is an enjoyable family holiday film worth watching. I'd rate it a 6/10.

I usually look at everything made for Christmas viewing. I wasn't sure what this one was going to be. I have seen many movies that describe themselves as Christmas stories, simply because they take place at Christmas. "One Magic Christmas" is one of that breed. When I saw "Santa and Pete" for the first time, I was hooked. This was a delightful little story of Saint Nicholas and his helper; how he visited the new world for the first time and how he became "modernized". The story held my interest from beginning to end and stayed in my heart and mind much longer than that. Using James Earl Jones as the grandfather relating the story to his grandson for the first time was a stroke of pure genius in casting. The writers could have gone anywhere with this tale, and they wisely chose to tell it as a story of hope, peace, charity, love, and family. Their are many Christmas movies in my collection, and "Santa and Pete" ranks up with the best of them. The sooner this is released on VHS and DVD, the better The ratings That have been given are understandable when I note the demographics connected with them. I urge all who voted and gave somewhat low marks, to see this picture again after a few years and see if their perspective has changed. They may be surprised! God Bless Us - everyone.

Oh yes! What a wonderful Christmas story. I, too, just "happened" across it when flipping channels a few years back and was mesmerized. It IS indeed a lovely story and I have watched for it every year on television, in video stores and told others (who have no idea what I am talking about). I would most definitely purchase it if it was available knowing it would be watched each year. I am perplexed as to why it has had no more play and was not advertised. It is clearly a loss when one sees the "drivel" put out each year that are called Christmas stories which are really just an excuse for a Harlequin romance. Albeit there are Christmas decorations and the characters wear red and green. Anyway, Santa and Pete..see it if you can!

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.

Grandpa Nicholas is seen decorating a Christmas tree before the arrival of his daughter Cassie with her husband James and son Terence. While decorating the tree together Terence finds an ornament of Santa and a second ornament Grandpa Nicholas says is Pete. Realizing Terence does not know who Pete is Grandpa Nicholas starts telling him the story of Santa and Pete.

When I saw the jacket of this movie it showed "Santa" with a dog. There was never a dog in the movie. I wish that people that designed the DVD cover would of been more honest. If they have I would have seen this film years ago.

The story is basically how Santa came to be and why he has a red suit. It is a great film that that I wish I saw years ago.

This film is available in DVD sets that have more than one film. It sells for about $9.00. If you see it for sale get. Watch it and share it.