My Santa

The last quarter of 2019 saw me starting to watch and review many relatively recent Christmas films. As part of a quest to see as many as possible that had not already been seen and still favourites. A quest that still is being undertaken nearly two years on. It did turn out to an interesting experience, took me time to get through it though and am still watching and reviewing, but like all completest quests it proved to be a very variable one with a mix good, bad and in between films.

'My Santa' is one of the in between ones. It is not a great film, and at times not even particularly good, but it was watchable, well intended and sweet. A pleasant enough diversion as long as one doesn't expect too much, that does a fair share of things right. Even if the traps that festive films can fall into, and frequently have done, are not completely avoided. Other festive films have fared far worse in what 'My Santa' has wrong with it though, which is actually quite a lot.

Am going to start off mentioning the flaws. The story is formulaic and doesn't really have anything new or special to it to make it stand out, also not always being completely focused. Many Christmas films end too tidily and that is the case with 'My Santa', as well as it being resolved too quick. The dialogue doesn't always sound natural and could have done with more flow and less cheese and sugar, some scenes do contain howlers for lines.

Do agree that the family in need and explanation for not liking Christmas scenes are embarrassing. With one exception, the supporting cast is pretty terrible. Especially in the family in need scene.

Luckily the two leads are a lot better. Samaire Armstrong is an immensely engaging lead and really charms the viewer. Matthew Lawrence isn't as consistent, he could have toned down the smile in use and how it came across, but he also has a lot of appeal. The chemistry between them is easy-going and genuine, developing at a realistic rate. Julie Brown is a joy in the best friend role and the only good supporting cast member.

The production values are pleasing on the eye, the scenery has an authentic Christmassy feel and the photography doesn't try to do too much while not being claustrophobic. The soundtrack is also suitably festive without being overpowering in volume or over-utilised. Enough parts are amusingly light-hearted and there are some heart-warming and charming moments without being too saccharine.

Overall, watchable but not great. 5/10.

My Santa (2013) -

It's a sweet story, but it's very treacly and some of the actors were far too over the top. It contained some cute moments and had a nice Christmas vibe to it, although it did suggest that only seeing was believing, which we all know isn't how Father Christmas works.

'Mrs Doubtfire's' (1993) son (Matthew Lawrence) grew up to be a very handsome young chap, playing the lead male in this film, Chris, although it was hard to believe him as a mall Santa, because he was still so young and baby faced. However, he did have a spark about him that could make you believe in magic.

Samaire Armstrong, as Jen however, was just a bit whiney and not the best Mum if I'm honest, although the kid seemed to like her, jumping up every time she walked in the room and hugging her.

I personally thought that Chris could do better.

It wasn't one of those with that special something that makes me want to watch it every year, but I wouldn't turn it off. It did what it set out to do and wasn't offensive in any way.

5.5/10.

This story is based on Kris actually being Kris Kringle, Jr., the future Santa Claus. He needs to find the "right one" for a wife before Christmas. Once we establish this for a premise, judging the movie in terms of any sense of reality is moot. In addition, the movie leans a bit toward appealing to kids, so juvenile themes will probably be a part of it.

Jen was deeply wounded by something from a Christmas Eve years ago. We learn what it was toward the latter half, so I won't specify. Jen is going to be slow to trust, slow to believe and slow to have the Christmas spirit. Yet after spending time with Kris, well that's not hard to predict. I thought Samaire Armstrong and Matthew Lawrence had chemistry even if it developed pretty suddenly.

There is definitely some inconsistency in the acting, even among the leads. Trouble is that it is kind of like comparing TV acting to stage acting , or in this case an adult rom/com to one aimed at younger ages. Acting for younger audiences tends to be more exaggerated at times. Same thing applies to the story and there were numerous plot holes. It's not hard to predict what's going to create the conflict or what's going to resolve it. Since the story is about a single mom, obviously the kid plays a part in a 3 way relationship.

There's a rival, but I never really took him seriously as that. I would have preferred that the time spent on that sub-plot would have been added to screen time for Armstrong and Lawrence together.

Basically it's a cute Santa Jr story with a sweet romance.

I would of given this more stars, but I'm deducting for the sheer and blatant lack of diversity. Do better next time. Shameful.

one of many films about Christmas. same atmosphere, same pledge, same clichés, same air of love. and a difference. because it is not only charming or remind of family values but it represents a delicate explanation of the meaning of purposes, hopes and chances. and maybe not the script does it real seductive but the actors. Matthew Lawrence as profound different Santa, Samaire Armstrong as the single mother looking the best partner and, sure, Julie Brown as the great Suzie. sure, it is not unfair to see it as a film for the Christmas movies fans. but it is not enough. something does it not only nice but almost charming. something real important. maybe the social theme, maybe the air of events and problems from the every day life. so, humor, gifts, problems and cinnamon air.