Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus (2004)

One wonders why Hallmark aired this Christmas-theme movie in the summer. "Christmas in July," perhaps? Whatever the reason, it's not a very good film. Much more fairy tale than romance, it's quite far out. It may appeal some to little kids and families. But it may have trouble holding older children and adults. Steve Guttenberg's Nicholas, or "Nick," is a likeable and kind guy; but he's gushing over with it here ad nauseam. His "Ho, ho, ho" laughter a few times is terribly hokey. He even draws a somewhat scornful look from Beth the first time, as though this might not have been rehearsed and she thought it wasn't quite right. Crystal Bernard plays Beth, who appears to be non-stop working in this film. She has a boss that doesn't let up. Yet, for all her nights and weekends of work, she still has time for her son and a friendship or two. It's a little hard to figure that out. Unless she may have to work nights because she's off so often during the daytime with Nick and others. Anyway, if anyone worked as much as the movie tries to tell us she does, they would probably look a little haggard and show some physical signs of tiredness. But, Beth is perkier than ever after another light night of work.This film just doesn't work, even with the dwarf people in the cast who serve as elves.

To me, the only annoying thing about the movie was Nick's laugh. I realize that as Santa, he has to "ho ho ho" sometimes, but I didn't like hearing it every single time he laughed. Other than that, it was a great movie. Crystal Bernard is beautiful and always likable and the kid who played her son was a doll, too. You have to remember that Christmas movies are, as a general rule, not going to be Oscar winners. You have to like the genre first, and if you don't, you probably won't like most Christmas movies and should stay away from them (while muttering "Bah! Humbug!" to yourself!!!!). This one is better than most.

I think this movie had a very good plot with believable characters who played Nick and Beth. It is not only believable, but it is one that will hold your interest throughout the movie. Unless, you're in to violent, negative movies...this movie is positive and comforting. A must see. Thanks Hallmark. I think a second sequel to this one and Meet the Santas would be a good idea. Why not do one where they portray the start of their life at the North Pole and the trials that they go through to get to the point where it really comes naturally. That would be a keeper!! Nick played by Steve Guttenberg is very good. I did keep wondering when he would fill out and his hair grow gray but he is young here. Steve always does an excellent job with whatever role he plays. Beth played by Crystal Bernard was great! She played a great single mom trying to juggle work and home life. The actor who played Ernest was excellent in his role. And the elves they showed in the North Pole scenes looked like the ones who played in Little People, Big World. The sequel with Beth's mother is equally believable and is cute with the magic they do right under her nose. Both of them are keepers to me and we need a followup of the start of their married life at the North Pole!!

Made-for-TV, tame and lame. Must be the season of stupidity. Santa Claus(John Wheeler)is considering retirement and wants to turn over the reigns to his son Nick(Steve Guttenberg). But Santa is concerned because his son has yet to settle down become a family man. Ernst(Armiln Shimerman)actually runs the operations at the North Pole; and he hand picks three candidates for Nick to approve of. Nick surprisingly falls in love with a single mother Beth(Crystal Bernard), who has lost the Christmas spirit long, long ago. Will she be the next Mrs. Claus? Hokey deluxe. Also in the cast: Thomas Calabro, Dominic Scott Kay and Wendy Braun.