: Fred Claus
This film has obvious comparisons to Elf, which is a much, much better film. The big problem with this? It takes itself way too seriously. The whole build-up and back story behind the “brother” of Santa Claus was authentically done and not the least bit comical. There really isn’t much funny here at all. Kids won’t be able to follow Vince Vaughn’s rapid-patter con-man chatter, and it’s only mildly amusing to adults anyway. There’s a scene or two of slapstick that kids might like but adults will find annoying. Kevin Spacey plays an over-the-top villain that seems totally out of place among the seriousness, but in reality he’s the only one playing his character correctly, as the whole thing should have celebrated its ridiculousness the way Elf did. Pretty lame overall. It has a tiny bit of heart in the resolution, but it comes about 40 minutes too late. Disappointing and not worth the bother.
Topic: [/movie] |
