Santa Claus is one of the quintessential elements of the holiday season, and there are countless movies and specials that continue to reiterate this fact year after year. From the classic Santa Claus is Comin' to Town to the more contemporary Christmas Chronicles, the big man in red is a regular star this time of year.
With so many to choose from, it's quite debatable which St. Nick story can be called the definitive holiday hit but there are two that certainly stand out. The Santa Clause and Miracle on 34th Street offer two distinct and diverse takes on Santa Claus, but which one truly holds the reigns?
10 The Santa Clause: Exploration of the Figure
Disney's The Santa Clause offered a different view into the Santa mythos but gave it a more over-the-top fantasy spin. The film repeatedly goes out of its way to dive into and explore various elements of Santa Claus and his Christmas ride.
Everything from going down chimneys to the flying sleigh is given an explanation and presented in a clever and comical style. Leave it to Disney to flex their imaginations.
9 Miracle on 34th Street: Magical Realism
On the other hand, sometimes less is more. In Miracle on 34th Street, The movie's magic comes from the entire persona of Kris Kringle, a kindly old gentleman who may or may not be Santa Claus.
Although the audience never sees him do anything fantastical, he behaves, answers, and react exactly how Santa Claus would if he lived in the bustling city of New York. Sometimes it's the little details that sell the show.
8 The Santa Clause: Santa’s Redemption
The Santa Clause is a story of redemption, and what sound-minded person at Christmas Time wouldn't want that? This provides a more emotional arc in the Santa origin story motif.
Watching Scott Calvin go from workaholic businessman and out-of-touch father to one of the most beloved versions of Santa Claus in film history is always a treat every Christmas. Is it the conventional Santa story? Absolutely not. But it wouldn't be as popular otherwise.
7 Miracle on 34th Street: The Power of Belief
Before it was further popularized by movies like The Polar Express, the Christmas movie that totally sold the message on the power of belief was Miracle on 34th Street. Granted, there's a sort of Peter Pan touch to the motif, but the sentiment is still there.
Not only that, but it's pretty impressive that the writers were able to find a way to turn a story about Santa Claus into a courtroom drama. Even the U.S. government believes in Santa it would seem.
6 The Santa Clause: Disney’s Touch
One of the biggest factors going for The Santa Clause is Disney's undeniable magic. Walt Disney Pictures has the world's collective childhoods by the throat, and their whimsical nature absolutely thrives throughout this movie.
With all the elves played by wide-eyed children, the goofy-looking reindeer, the gigantic toy factory at the north pole, it's a wonder there wasn't a full-on song and dance number every five minutes. Not that it would hinder the movie.
5 Miracle on 34th Street: The Story
To put it quite bluntly, Miracle on 34th Street simply has the better story of the two. While The Santa Clause is unfortunately still a product of the 90s, the old classic has been adapted multiple times and during different time periods.
With different made-for-TV adaptations and even a full-fledged remake with Mara Wilson and Richard Attenborough, the story of how one kind soul can have a magical effect on the lives of so many people will never go out of style.
4 The Santa Clause: Tim Allen’s Transformation
Transformation is a big part of The Santa Clause, But it would be unfair to talk about this film without addressing Tim Allen's performance. As Scott Calvin, audiences see Allen just playing a part. It's not a bad part for him, but it's still Tim Allen.
But when the makeup goes on and Scott slowly starts accepting his role, Santa truly steals the show. At times, it even feels like Allen blissfully loses himself in the role.
3 Miracle on 34th Street: Edmund Gwen’s Elegance
On the subject of Santa's performance, there are few who rival the skill of Edmund Gwenn's portrayal of Kris Kringle. Right from the first few seconds he's on-screen, audiences can fully believe he's Santa Claus. Pretty cut and dry, right?
There are several actors and even everyday pedestrians that look like Santa Claus, but there's a wonderous joy about his performance that makes him one of the best Santa actors in the business.
2 The Santa Clause: The Message
The motifs of transformation and redemption have been mentioned repeatedly on the list, but the biggest message The Santa Clause has to offer is knowing what value truly means.
Scott Calvin was a very successful businessman because he placed all his values and energy in gain. So much so, that he lost out his marriage and nearly a relationship with his son. After becoming Santa Claus, he truly understands where his values should lie.
1 Miracle on 34th Street: The Ending
Yes, Kris Kringle is painfully, obviously Santa Claus, but there's a certain sort of ambiguity about his identity at the end. Is he just a sweet old man with a white beard? Or is he possibly the genuine article?
Seeing the old man's cane in the house of Susan's dreams is unquestionably uncanny. Yes, it's highly coincidental, but paired with the rest of the evidence presented in the film, it just might be supernatural as well.
from ScreenRant - Feed https://ift.tt/3gZ8Nzz
0 Comments