2008 Woodie Awards
'Fred Claus' recommended for families
By: Brad Canze
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Lifeline
- Page 1 of 1
"Fred Claus" is a very safe movie.
It is safe to bring children to, safe to bring grandparents and even church groups to, and a safe bet for a few hearty laughs and a heap of syrupy feel-goodness.
But the movie is the safest in its execution.
The movie's premise involves the titular Fred, played by Vince Vaughn, struggling with living in the shadow of his younger brother, Santa Claus, who is played by Paul Giamatti.
While visiting the North Pole, the brothers see the errors in their ways and work together to save Christmas from a delightfully bitter businessman, played by Kevin Spacey.
The audience won't find anything here they haven't seen before.
Most of the jokes and gags are borrowed from previous Christmas and Vince Vaughn movies.
He shows a Will Smith-like talent for playing the same character in each of his films. The audience will instantly recognize his bantering, selfish, lazy-yet-lovable scoundrel.
The more disappointing lead was Giamatti as Santa Claus. Giamatti has proven several times to be a stellar talent, but his Saint Nick hits a flat note in between jovial and
overstressed, coming off as just boring.
Most of the holiday magic and charm comes from the supporting cast. Kathy Bates is fantastic as the critical Mama Claus, and Rachel Weisz is charmingly convincing as Fred's love interest.
For what its worth, "Fred Claus" comes up with several inspired onscreen moments, and is a well put-together movie. However, you've seen everything this movie has to offer already.
As winter tightens its clutch, this movie does not provide enough reason to brave the elements and spend money on a ticket.
Everything there is to see in this film can be seen by watching "The Santa Clause" and "Miracle on 34th Street" on ABC Family in the coming months.
"Fred Claus" is recommended mainly for Christmas movie buffs and families.
It is safe to bring children to, safe to bring grandparents and even church groups to, and a safe bet for a few hearty laughs and a heap of syrupy feel-goodness.
But the movie is the safest in its execution.
The movie's premise involves the titular Fred, played by Vince Vaughn, struggling with living in the shadow of his younger brother, Santa Claus, who is played by Paul Giamatti.
While visiting the North Pole, the brothers see the errors in their ways and work together to save Christmas from a delightfully bitter businessman, played by Kevin Spacey.
The audience won't find anything here they haven't seen before.
Most of the jokes and gags are borrowed from previous Christmas and Vince Vaughn movies.
He shows a Will Smith-like talent for playing the same character in each of his films. The audience will instantly recognize his bantering, selfish, lazy-yet-lovable scoundrel.
The more disappointing lead was Giamatti as Santa Claus. Giamatti has proven several times to be a stellar talent, but his Saint Nick hits a flat note in between jovial and
overstressed, coming off as just boring.
Most of the holiday magic and charm comes from the supporting cast. Kathy Bates is fantastic as the critical Mama Claus, and Rachel Weisz is charmingly convincing as Fred's love interest.
For what its worth, "Fred Claus" comes up with several inspired onscreen moments, and is a well put-together movie. However, you've seen everything this movie has to offer already.
As winter tightens its clutch, this movie does not provide enough reason to brave the elements and spend money on a ticket.
Everything there is to see in this film can be seen by watching "The Santa Clause" and "Miracle on 34th Street" on ABC Family in the coming months.
"Fred Claus" is recommended mainly for Christmas movie buffs and families.
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