The story of Santa Claus family

Review of Movie: Fred Claus (2007)
Director: David Dobkin
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, John Michael Higgins, Miranda Richardson and others

Santa Claus is one of the most famous characters associated with Christmas across the world, but nothing is said about his parents, siblings and family life. Converting this into a story telling opportunity, director David Dobkin has made a movie about Fred Claus, elder brother of Santa Claus. Now don’t go into spirituality, god, etc, etc. This is a movie and a very heartwarming one at that.

The story starts with the birth of younger brother for Fred. Like any other doting big brother Fred loves his younger brother and tries hard to make him happy. But the younger brother Nicholas is just too perfect and Fred is never able to live up to the example set by the former. While Nicholas (Santa) grows up to be a role model of giving and love, Fred becomes the opposite, a smooth-talking marketing person who almost always runs out of luck and money.

At a loss to worm his way out of a crisis Fred turns to his brother who agrees to help much to the annoyance of his wife. But he places a condition, that Fred has to come to North Pole and earn the money he needs by working in Santa’s Toy Factory. Reluctantly Fred agrees, for he needs the money and goes to North Pole. The rest of the movie is about how Santa Claus operates and decides which kids to give gifts on Christmas day.

Then there is the cold and calculating business executive who arrives from headquarters with the sole intention of closing down Santa Claus’ operations. The rest of the story is all about how Fred dons the role of Santa Claus and delivers the toys to all the children across the world and saves the toy factory from closure.

The movie is a typical feel good movie with no great trappings. Performances by the central cast is mediocre and the cinematography is above average. The story could have been lot better produced if family confrontations and Fred’s romantic interludes were composed better.

Watch the trailer