I wanted to think on this blog entry for a bit before writing and posting it. Seems certain folks (mostly certain extended family members whom we love) consider most of my earlier postings a bit verbose (amongst other things). Of course my response is ‘Did you read the very first posting or the subtitle to the blog’s title?’ Hey, if I want to be verbose, then that is my right, nay my duty, to do so as the center of my own little universe here, and if you don’t like it, then
PLLBBBBBBTTPPP (virtual raspberry) to you! ;)
For the sake of brevity, this posting will be short, or at least shorter. Otherwise, I’m sure you all will miss the point. Just like the so-called AP Movie Writer, David Germain, with his review this past week of “The Santa Clause: The Escape Clause”. Reading his review again after seeing the movie, I asked myself, did you even see the movie? Did you go into the movie with an objective manner, or did you have a chip on your shoulder for being assigned to go review a family movie. It seems he merely tolerated the first two Santa Clause movies.
I don’t know what this reviewer’s problem is, or for that matter, the bulk of the reviewers that had reviews linked or posted to that wondrous site Rottentomatoes. Actually, I think I do know what the problem is, and though I’m not some self-important, self declared modern-day bourgeois bohemian, I think it is important to provide a fair counter to that grossly unfair review.
The Mrs. and I went to see the movie Friday evening for the first parents-only date night in a long while. I had read the review earlier in the day, and so naturally had a skeptical attitude going into the movie after spending the $17 for two adult tickets and some $14 on popcorn and drinks. I hate the highway robbery that theatre chains charge for the privilege of seeing a movie in their messy theatres… and to take your whole family these days nearly requires a second or third mortgage loan. So, that coupled with the bad review read earlier, I was feeling like this movie has to really deliver to be worth the expense.
And in my mind, deliver it did. But, the third movie takes a different approach than the previous two movies in Tim Allen’s Santa Clause story. The previous two movies take a nostalgic look at various myths and aspects surrounding Santa Claus. In other words, it is an adult viewpoint that is shown basically remembering the magic of the Santa Claus aspects of Christmas as a child. “Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” looks at the problems and stresses of the adult world and then puts them back into perspective through the simplicity of a child’s world and viewpoint.
The movie is a nice, delightful tale. It is not an Oscar winning performance, but I don’t think it was made to be one though. The people who are giving it lousy reviews need to take a reality check. The acting and story line are well balanced between the various actors and actresses who take part. The regulars (all of whom contribute to the story) that return include Tim Allen as Scott Calvin / Santa Claus, Elizabeth Mitchell as Carol Calvin / Mrs. Claus, Judge Reinhold as Neil Miller, Wendy Crewson as Laura Miller, Curtis Breslin as Curtis, and Liliana Mumy as Lucy Miller. Eric Lloyd is there again as Charlie Calvin, but his role is insignificant and could have been done away with (much as the part of Bernard the Elf from the earlier two was). Newcomers include Martin Short as Jack Frost, and Alan Arkin and Ann-Margret as Carol’s parents. Plus, all the folks on the Council of Legendary Figures are present again in their minor roles. With all these actors and actresses, many of separate fame and reputation, they did a good job in their respective roles and played off each other effectively. The only concern I had was Ann- Margret seemed to be “condescending and enduring” her part for much of the film.
But, it was nice to see everyone taking part in a film that was clearly fun to do and be part of, as well as one that no one would have to be ashamed of saying they were part of due to it being a bad influence on families or children or adults. I venture to say that if some of the lens filtering effects and musical scoring were toned down in "The Santa Clause" and "The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause", the effect would be the same as what is seen in "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause". Again, simplicity here actually seems to be a key element of this movie.
I won’t share with you the plot or anything like that. There are plenty of spoilers out there. And that is part of the problem with so many reviewers out there... they seem to think they need to tell you what happens in the movie (flavored with their own prejudice of course). I would rather you go see it for yourself before you make a pre-judgment on the movie. Is it worth the price of tickets? I don’t know. I’m probably not the one to ask on that, because as I said, I have a problem with the price of tickets and concessions for
any movie in the theatre. Will it be worth the investment of the DVD when it comes out? Sure. I guess I am advocating you go see it in the theatre then. If nothing more, to show that decent, family oriented films still do draw in the box office. The last thing we need is for that paragon of virtue, Hollywood, to stop making any films that are family friendly.
Perhaps individuals like Mr. Germaine are spoiled by the fantastic worlds of the big fantasy franchises like Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter and all the R rated stuff created as eye candy for grown-ups who want some reality escape. So, I ask again, did you miss the whole point? Or are you too wrapped up in the sophistication of the world to realize that often the answers to seemingly difficult things really do lie in doing simple things?
