Santa Claus: The Movie - Film Review

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Directed by Jeannot Szwarc and produced by Alexander and Ilya Salkind, Santa Claus: The Movie is a grandiose holiday film that intertwines the mythology of Santa Claus with a modern-day morality tale. Starring David Huddleston as Santa Claus, Dudley Moore as the well-meaning elf Patch, and John Lithgow as the greedy antagonist B.Z., the movie is a mix of traditional holiday cheer and a cautionary tale about commercialism. Although it received mixed reviews upon its release, Santa Claus: The Movie has since become a nostalgic classic for many, particularly for its sweeping visuals, warm-hearted storytelling, and ambitious scope.

The film is divided into two distinct halves, blending a rich origin story of Santa Claus with a contemporary narrative about the commercialization of Christmas.

The Origin of Santa Claus

The movie begins centuries ago, where a kind-hearted woodcutter named Claus (Huddleston) and his wife Anya (Judy Cornwell) dedicate their lives to delivering handmade toys to children in their snowy village. One fateful night during a harsh storm, they find themselves stranded with their reindeer. Just as hope fades, they are rescued by magical elves (called Vendigum), who transport them to the North Pole.

Claus learns that he has been chosen to become “Santa Claus,” the figure who will bring joy to children worldwide. The elves create a massive workshop, and Claus begins his annual Christmas Eve tradition of delivering toys to all the good children. The mythology of Santa Claus is lovingly constructed in these early scenes, including the flying reindeer, the magical sleigh, and the introduction of time manipulation to allow Santa to travel the entire globe in one night.

The Modern-Day Conflict

The second half of the film shifts to the 20th century, where the spirit of Christmas is threatened by greed and corruption. Patch (Moore), a creative but overzealous elf, seeks to modernize toy production, leading to a disaster when his flawed machinery produces defective toys. Disgraced, Patch leaves the North Pole and ends up in New York City, where he is manipulated by the unscrupulous toy tycoon B.Z (Lithgow).

B.Z. plans to exploit Patch’s magical abilities to create “super toys” that will dominate the market. Patch’s invention, a candy cane infused with magical dust, gives children the ability to float, creating a craze. However, B.Z.’s greed knows no bounds, and he hatches a plan to mass-produce a second batch of candy canes, ignoring warnings that they could become dangerously unstable.

Meanwhile, Santa befriends an orphaned boy named Joe (Christian Fitzpatrick) and a wealthy but neglected girl named Cornelia (Carrie Kei Heim), who help him uncover B.Z.’s nefarious plot. The film culminates in a daring rescue, where Santa and his reindeer save Patch and Joe while thwarting B.Z., who attempts to escape but ends up floating into space due to an overdose of the magical candy canes.

The film emphasizes the importance of selflessness and generosity, contrasting Santa’s altruistic mission with B.Z.’s exploitative greed. Santa’s origin story reflects his transformation into a symbol of unconditional kindness, inspiring viewers to embrace the true meaning of Christmas.



The clash between Santa’s values and B.Z.’s consumer-driven schemes critiques the commodification of the holiday season. The film highlights how commercial greed can overshadow the joy and magic of Christmas. Patch’s arc underscores the idea of redemption. Though his mistakes lead to disaster, his intentions are always pure, and he ultimately redeems himself by risking everything to save Christmas. The friendships between Santa and his elves, as well as between Joe and Cornelia, reinforce the importance of connection and community, especially during the holiday season.

Santa Claus (David Huddleston): David Huddleston delivers a warm and endearing performance as Santa Claus. His portrayal captures both the gentle, grandfatherly figure of holiday tradition and the weight of his mythical responsibilities. Huddleston’s Santa embodies kindness, humility, and perseverance, making him an ideal figure for this holiday tale.

Patch (Dudley Moore): Dudley Moore brings charm and humour to the role of Patch, a well-intentioned but clumsy elf. His childlike enthusiasm and inventive spirit make him a sympathetic character, even when his actions lead to chaos. Moore’s comedic timing and emotional sincerity anchor the film’s second act.

B.Z. (John Lithgow): John Lithgow delivers a delightfully over-the-top performance as B.Z., the villainous toy magnate. His exaggerated greed and shameless opportunism provide much of the film’s humour and dramatic tension. Lithgow’s portrayal is a perfect foil to Santa’s selflessness, making him a memorable antagonist.

Joe and Cornelia (Christian Fitzpatrick and Carrie Kei Heim): The two child characters represent contrasting aspects of childhood: Joe is a street-smart orphan yearning for family, while Cornelia is a privileged but lonely girl seeking genuine connection. Their friendship and shared belief in Santa serve as the emotional heart of the film.

Anya (Judy Cornwell): As Santa’s supportive wife, Anya provides a calming presence throughout the story. Though her role is relatively understated, Judy Cornwell brings warmth and wisdom to the character.

The film’s production design is one of its strongest aspects, particularly in the North Pole sequences. The sprawling workshop, intricate machinery, and glowing lights create a magical atmosphere, immersing viewers in the world of Santa Claus. The flying reindeer, though created with practical effects and early special effects technology, remains a visual highlight, evoking wonder and nostalgia.

Cinematographer Arthur Ibbetson uses contrasting palettes to distinguish the magical North Pole from the cold, urban landscape of New York City. This visual dichotomy reinforces the themes of innocence versus corruption and tradition versus modernity.

The film’s score, composed by Henry Mancini, enhances its whimsical and emotional tone. Mancini’s orchestration captures the grandeur of Santa’s origin story while infusing the modern-day scenes with festive energy. The inclusion of original songs, such as It’s Christmas (All Over the World), adds to the film’s holiday charm.

The film excels in crafting a detailed mythology for Santa Claus, blending folklore with cinematic spectacle. The explanation of Santa’s magical abilities and the role of the elves adds depth to the story. Santa Claus: The Movie evokes the wonder and magic of Christmas, making it a beloved holiday tradition for many viewers. The cast delivers memorable performances, particularly David Huddleston’s portrayal of Santa and John Lithgow’s scene-stealing villainy. By combining an epic origin story with a modern-day narrative, the film offers a unique take on the Santa Claus legend.

The film’s shift from a magical, timeless origin story to a more cynical modern-day plot can feel jarring, disrupting its overall tone. The morality tale about greed and commercialization is somewhat heavy-handed, lacking subtlety in its execution. While Patch and Santa receive substantial attention, other characters, such as Anya and Cornelia, are underdeveloped, leaving their arcs feeling incomplete. Although charming, some of the film’s effects, particularly the flying sequences, feel outdated compared to modern standards.

Upon its release, Santa Claus: The Movie received mixed reviews. Critics praised its ambition and visual spectacle but criticized its uneven pacing and simplistic storytelling. Despite this, the film has garnered a devoted fan base over the years, particularly among those who grew up watching it during the holiday season.

For many, the film’s nostalgic charm and heartfelt message outweigh its flaws. Its focus on the origins of Santa Claus and its critique of holiday commercialization resonates with viewers, making it a unique entry in the holiday movie canon.

Santa Claus: The Movie is an ambitious and visually stunning holiday film that combines the timeless magic of Santa Claus with a modern cautionary tale. While its tonal shifts and simplistic narrative may not appeal to all viewers, its heart-warming performances and enchanting visuals make it a memorable Christmas classic. For those willing to embrace its earnestness and nostalgic charm, the film offers a magical journey into the spirit of the holiday season.

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