Dir. David Dobkin, US, 2007, 116 mins Cast: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Kevin Spacey, John Michael Higgins, Kathy Bates, Elizabeth Banks Review by Michelle Moore Fred Claus is posited as a film that appeals to all ages but which is not about the big red-suited, white-beared man himself but rather his lesser-known older brother. The story begins begins with two young children in a cottage. The eldest, Fred, gradually becomes envious of his younger brother's caring heart. Cut to present day Chicago and the grown-up Fred (Vaughn) is in trouble and seeking help from his saintly brother. Nick (Giamatti), being the good Santa he now is, obliges but on the condition that Fred join him at the North Pole and helps out with the family business of making and dishing out toys to children. The images of this magical land are simplistic yet beautiful; like peering into a giant snow globe with its snow covered buildings, the toy factory and Santa's sleigh. But wiseguy Fred isn't the obvious choice to be Santa's helper - has Nick took a chance too far? The CGI effects have their moments. The sledge journey is seen as short, incredibly fast-paced but skilfully placed together to include sights of London and Sydney bit the elves can look a little scary, with Higgins and rapper Ludacris looking like they have been through Willie Wonka’s shrinking machine.
After the success of Elf and The Santa Clause, Vince Vaughn seems a natural successor in the ‘Christmas flick adults enjoy too’ genre. Where both Will Ferrell and Tim Allen are known for their loveable and hilarious characters, Vaughn’s smart alec persona may take some getting used to. Spacey as efficiency expert Clyde Northcutt is fitting in his appearance and revenge plot to shut down Santa's operation. Other talented individuals like Bates and Banks are not given the opportunity to show off their full potential, but give as good as they can. Vaughn and Dobkin made some good ground with The Wedding Crashers and are about to go further in their work on this one. Fred Claus is an enjoyable family film, has all your favourite Christmas tracks and sets the ground for this year’s holiday.
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