November (Web-only) 2002 Commentaries Movies & TV

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Santa is the box office champion this week at your local theaters, and it's not even mid-November yet. Tim Allen reprises his role as that jolly old elf in The Santa Clause 2, a sequel to the smash holiday comedy of 1994.

Religious media critics are making the usual criticisms about Santa overshadowing Jesus during the holiday season. About the film itself, they say this installment in the franchise is funnier than the first, but others complain that the film's message goes against everything the nature of the holiday's namesake.

Phil Boatwright (Movie Reporter) writes, "The Santa Clause 2 outshines its predecessor. It is a true delight … a nice lesson about faith."

But others see a problem. Steven D. Greydanus (Decent Films) argues, "The film actually suggests that if Santa Claus isn't able to deliver presents, it will mean no Christmas. Didn't Dr. Seuss teach us all a long time ago that even if you stop the presents, you don't stop Christmas?"

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) agrees: "Where the film goes astray is in its implied message. It would appear that to the large posse of credited screenwriters, Christmas is all about the gifts. Receiving them … not necessarily giving them. The film implicitly gives a selfish message directed to the 'me' generation. It may be wrapped in tinsel and glittering lights but when we open this package, it's empty inside."

Ed Blank (Catholic News) gives it a mixed review: "The picture makes a good point about adults cherishing the child in themselves, but, as in the original, the sequel is limited to a secular view of Christmas."

Movieguide's critic is troubled by something different. He calls it "one of the better-produced holiday-oriented family offerings from Hollywood in the last few years. ...