The Santa Clause

Released in theaters on November 11, 1994

Stream on Disney+

Episode: 1 Hour 47 Minutes

Rated PG

The one that started it all! Tim Allen plays Scott Calvin who learns that Santa is real, the hard way. After Santa accidentally falls to his death off Scott’s roof Scott falls prey to the “santa clause” which legally forces him to take on the mantle of the big guy himself, whether he wants it or not.

Themes:

Santa Clause, Christmas, Elves, divorce, consumerism, lieing, psychiatry, belief, parenting, the legal system, lashing out irrationally, breaking and entering, falling off roofs, clauses, rules, family, love, children, custody battles, magic, and doubt.

Language:

Name calling and insults such as fatboy, pillsbury doughboy, and “his head comes to a point.” Hell is used once. There are four religious explanations.

Stuff to be aware of:

There are a few questionable lines such as: “Johnson’s secretary is sitting in his lap.” “You’re flying! It’s okay I lived through the sixties.” “How about a stiff drink?” “I sleep butt naked!” “shot of liquor, field dressed a cat…” “Veronica, very nice (while checking out a lady).” There is a police officer during an interrogation scene smoking.

Obviously, there is the whole Santa falls off a roof at the beginning and dies. This scene is not gruesome.

Overall:

This has become a classic Christmas time stable at our house. A great family movie to ring in the holiday season.