The Santa Clause remains forever fresh in the mind thanks to its annual slot in the yuletide daytime TV schedules which might be why its so hard to believe it first came out way back in 1994. Eight years later, this disappointing follow-up hit the big screen, with the DVD release delayed by a further 12 months in order to catch the 2003 festive season. But if this disc somehow manages to capture the publics imagination on any sort of reasonable scale, it really WILL be a Christmas miracle.
The bulk of the original cast return – bulkiest of all being Tim Allen, whos back in his red and white fat suit as Father C. In the original, in case it passed you by, he was an average Joe who unwittingly became legally bound to taking on Santas job after trying on the big mans costume. This time round, hes still living the high life in the North Pole, but contractual obligations are once again causing probs. Apparently, the paperwork says hes got to find a wife a Mary Christmas if you will within 28 days, or the whole deals off. Whats more, it seems his son Charlie (Eric Lloyd) has misbehaved his way onto the naughty list (and its been checked twice, so theres no chance of it being a mistake). So, a month earlier than usual, Santa Claus is coming to town.
Can our hero manage to sort out his son, free the North Pole from the tyranny of a bizarre evil plastic Santa, AND get the girl in time to deliver the toys to all the kiddy-winks out there? Strangely, I found myself not caring one way or the other. A bit like the toys, it all just seems too manufactured to evoke any sort of genuine emotion.
Director Michael Lembeck is best known for his work on Friends, so hes used to directing a laugh or three – but usually hes got some considerably better writing to work with. Most of the jokes here just dont work, despite Allens valiant attempts at squeezing a few laughs out of them. The rest of the line-up just look plain bored.
The first Santa Clause was certainly nothing special, but it was decent festive entertainment and had a strong enough premise to hold the attention of all ages. By comparison, watching the sequel just feels like far too much of a chore. As a kids film its completely inoffensive, but its also without any spark of Chrimbo magic. Its less ho-ho-ho, and more no-no-no.