Rated G
Directed by Michael Lembeck (Santa Clause 2)
Starring Tim Allen, Martin Short
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause is a fun family film that is all about Christmas cheese.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Is that an option for scoring this film? Cheese?
TODD: Let me get back to you on that one.
The third installment of this holiday film finds Santa (Tim Allen) and the very pregnant Mrs. Claus (Elizabeth Mitchell) stressed out once again as the big day approaches. With a baby on the way and not seeing much of her parents, Sylvia (Ann-Margaret) and Bud (Alan Arkin), Santa decides to bring the in-laws to the North Pole. Sylvia and Bud don't have a clue as to his real identity (they think he's just a toy maker in Canada), so Santa comes up with an elaborate (and completely ridiculous) plan to fool them by turing his workshop into a quaint Canadian village. But the biggest problem this year is…
JONATHAN’S WORD: Can you wake me up when you’re done with this synopsis?
TODD: Sigh. The biggest problem this year is Jack Frost (Martin Short), who tricks Santa into activating “The Escape Clause” which magically transforms Santa back into Scott Calvin. Santa is horrified to see that Frost has completely exploited the holiday for his personal commercial gain. (Kind of like Disney has…oh did I say that out loud?) Scott will need the help of his family to restore the “true” spirit of Christmas.
I’m done now.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Whew. It’s about time. So did you actually like this piece of cinematic excrement?
TODD: Well, if you’re like me, you love the Santa Clause movies…maybe not as much as Elf or Christmas Vacation, but they are on your list for yearly viewing. Although The Escape Clause is not as good as the first two, it was still pretty good and definitely family friendly.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Ha! If you want to put everyone to sleep!
TODD: Come on! Tim Allen and Martin Short have some very funny lines as well as a few gags that got my kids rolling. Not to mention that the colors and gadgets of Santa’s workshop will keep your eyes busy.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Do you find snow globes interesting?
TODD: Santa Clause 3 is not It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street or…
JONATHAN’S WORD: Or even a Theresa Russell film!
TODD: …or even the original Santa Clause…
JONATHAN’S WORD: The original was good. The sequel was even good.
TODD’S WORD: …but this one has enough charm, style and laughs to earn a rental score. So gather up the family, make some hot chocolate and enjoy.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Or gather up some pillows and blankets, because they’ll be asleep in no time! This one is a serious dud!
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Truly G-rated. Although there is some hypocrisy with the whole commercialism stuff, it does have some quality teachable moments.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
