(rated PG-13, 98 mins.)
It’s been eight years since Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) mistakenly killed Santa Claus. Ever since he’s played the jolly role donning the red suit. But, there’s one loophole; the “Mrs. Clause” in his contract and the clock is ticking. He must find a wife by Christmas Eve! And then there’s the problem of his son, (Charlie Eric Lloyd), who has landed on this year’s naughty list. With no option, Scott heads back home, leaving a substitute Santa to watch the North Pole, while he enlists the help of the school Principal (Elizabeth Mitchell) whom despite being tight wound, could be a Claus candidate. The 1994 box-office smash follows in the classic footsteps of “A Christmas Story” and “Miracle on 34th Street” not to mention “Home Alone”, but while Allen is more at home in this ho-ho ho-role this time around, the red pants don’t fit and the sequel lacks expectations. But, alas, with little out there for bored kids on holiday weekends, it will be a safe choice for parents, and will pull in the bucks. Or, in this case, reindeer.
