Mr. St. Nick (2002)

This movie answers the question, "What happens to Santa when he gets old?" Apparently every Santa has had a wife and one male child who takes over the business every 100 years. As a kid, my question was, "Our chimney goes to the furnace. How does that work for Santa?" By the time I was 6 mom had a fleet of Santas all with their own helicopter coming through doors.Kelsey Grammar plays son of Santa who is supposed to take over the job, but he would rather spend his time in Miami going to parties chasing the long legged blond weather girl, who spends the night at his house. We see the two of them the next morning kissing in the kitchen, with blondie wearing his shirt top. Not exactly the "family value" I would want to share with kids.The immigration officer was very rude and downright anal. Charles Durning made an excellent Santa, and his wife Katherine Helmond turns Mrs. Claus into Jessica from "Soap." There are long dialogue scenes that would bore younger children. I am not sure what age or maturity level would enjoy this film, certainly not mine.

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.In this film Santa Claus (Charles Durning) wants to pass the torch to his reluctant son (Kelsey Grammar) who would rather stay in Miami and enjoy the nightlife. Kelsey Grammar is miscast. He still seems to be channeling Frasier. He is also 20-25 years too old for the part. Had this been play by a younger actor the film would of been better. Kelsey doesn't come across as sincere. He seems to be "going through the motions" but he gives his "Santa" know soul and zero depth. The actors that do the most with very little are Ana Ortiz and Lupe Ontiveros.This film is family safe but in reality kids will hate this more than adults. The same story should be re-worked and cast appropriately. Charles Durning and Katherine Hepburn are wonderful.

I almost stopped watching, but somehow Kelsey was drawing me to continue.It is an OK movie, however, only 3 people did their part well, Kelsey Grammar, Elaine Hendrix and Katherine Helmond. All the rest sucked big time, especially the other girl Ana. The worst acting I have ever seen. It is still OK to watch till the end, but it was really what the rating is about 5.5, but gave it a six because of the 3 actors above. The plot is great, effect OK, but acting again is so horrible.It lacked some excitement not because of the story but because of bad acting by the rest of the actors. Even the children in this movie are not good actors, I wonder if they were just related to the movie makers, because frankly, I would never hire them.

I normally wouldn't bother writing a review for a made for TV movie, but I got stuck watching while at home for Christmas. Christmas movies are supposed to be kind of cliched, they have to be because Christmas has become a cliche to most people. This movie took that idea and ran with it.First you have the reluctant Santa Claus, which has only been done a few dozen times in recent years. Then there is the rich man falling in love with the hired help, coupled into man being engaged to one woman only to realize it was a mistake and that he is really in love with girl-come-lately. Then add some cookie-cutter characters, like the proper butler giving sage advice. Or how about that the hired help has a mystery son. I say mystery son because it is never explained if the son is from a bad marriage, out-of marriage, widowed, etc. At least I don't remember it being explained. I won't even go into the goofy cop, the swindling best friend, incredibly sappy happy ending, etc.I think there are people in the world who would relish a movie like this, but if cliches, and telegraphed plot twists turn your stomach, then avoid this movie.