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As probably my favorite Christmas animated Rankin & Bass production, the 1970s animated version of this story was simply fantastic! So when I saw the line-up of stars in this live remake, I had set a HIGH bar for my expectations. This is why I purchased this DVD via EBay! SO let me simply point out the Good, the Bad & the Ugly in my opinion and you can be the judge. As far as Good: Casting for this film was GENIUS!!! Who better to play Mother Nature than Carol Kane (Taxi fame) & Chris Kattan (SNL fame) as a ladder climbing elf who wants Santa's job? Harvey Fierstein is the Heat-Miser and Michael McKean (Laverne & Shirley's Lenny)is Snow-Miser. John Goodman is Santa and Delta Burke is Mrs. Santa and better still is Carson Kressley (Queer-eye fame) as a constantly complaining, clothing designer Elf. This cast sets the stage for an impressive remake. Unfortunately the Bad comes through the writing. The attempts to modernize this classic, leave it stagnant in the early 90s and a bit on the negative side for a Christmas story. I didn't care for the supporting roles of Jingle Elf (Ethan Suplee) or Jangle Elf (Eddie Griffin) either. I never really developed a warm feeling for either of these two main characters (not that interesting). As for the Ugly: I mean Harvey Fierstein as the Heat-Miser was the right choice (Ugly), but actually recording him singing the heat-miser song = U-G-L-Y! I did enjoy the half-naked girls dancing around him though. Same goes for Michael McKean! I must also say sadly that I never warmed-up to John Goodman as Santa due to negative overtones throughout the story (again, poor development) But, the best thing about this movie was Chris Kattan and Carol Kane! Chris's antics in an attempt to become the new Superhero Santa really carried the story. Likewise, had the writer's simply cultivated the value of Carol Kane's comedy in her role as Mother Nature with a little more screen time, I think, I could have slid my review to the excellent bar. Overall I would rate this film as GOOD /enjoyable for the eccentric adult such as me, but the kids are going to love the animated version a whole lot better!Read full review
There were definitely great choices of main actors. They all did a fantastic job. But they were not written well enough to be engaging. The very basic story followed the animated movie somewhat, but the supporting storyline shifted as in why Santa became discouraged, who sent the two elves out into the world, and who the mayor and little boy are. Unfortunately, the storyline is one negative scene after another. When there was the chance to engage and add positive humor, wisdom, and friendliness with Mother Nature, it was left out. I didn't appreciate the scantly clothed dancers around Heatmiser and Snowmiser, for what is suppose to be a children's movie. Chris Kattan, as Head elf Sparky, looked like he had pink-eye during the whole shooting of the movie. Very disturbing. I couldn't keep my eyes off of it. The fill-in elves were lacking - not quality acting. In one scene I even saw one of the elves begin to snicker and then hide behind her sign so she wouldn't be seen laughing; Chris Kattan was doing a funny job. The humans in Southtown did a pretty good job. Slightly enjoyable for an adult to watch once, but not for kids. The movie dragged on too long.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I just watched the animated version of this for the first time last Christmas and when I saw this I thought oh, no they are going to ruin it and I was a little hesitant to watch this but my motto is give everything at least one shot you never know you might like it and so I did and I loved this version I thought it was pretty good I thought the casting was great who better to play Santa Claus other than John Goodman they kind of steered away from the original but that was ok they made a new twist but still kept to what it was I thought that Eddie Griffith was hilarious as Jingle and Ethan Suplee as Jangle and I thought that Harvey Fierstein is great as Heat Miser and Michael McKean was great as Snow Miser. I was glad that they put the Snow Miser song in this movie because I think it just would not have been the movie without it and I thought both actors did a great job singing it. I also liked the subplot of Sparky the elf played by Chris Kattan was pretty good about him trying to take over Santa's job and I also thought that Delta Burke was awesome as Mrs. Claus. Overall this movie is pretty good, not as good as the original but still really good. The acting, story and directing is great in this movie. If you have not seen this movie then I recommend you do. This movie is CinematasticRead full review
Verified purchase: No
Movie is OK but I made a mistake and wanted to order the cartoon version which is my favorite Christmas show
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
We had rented this at a local video store and loved it. Unable to buy locally. This is an adorable interpretation of the original animated version. Starring John Goodman as Santa.. with all your favorites. Heat Miser, Snow Miser, Jingle and Jangle and mother nature. much hipper than original. The elves go down to find a boy with Christmas spirit & to help get Santa to deliver on Christmas. which stops the evil elf (Chris Kattan) from trying to steal Santa's thunder and turning Christmas too commercial. Meanwhile helping the father appreciate his family and fulfilling a boys dream to have his dad spend time with him. Good clean humor for the whole family. moral: Importance of family and of course believing A great holiday classic updated and a feel good movie.. Highly recommend it for allRead full review
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