The Santa Clause 2
Given how many script revisions and production starts and stops it went through, "The Santa Clause 2" could have been a whole lot worse.Which is not to say that this obligatory, "we're-only-doing-it-for-the-money" sequel to the 1994 box-office hit is anything close to a comedic gem. The film has a nearly terminal case of the cutes, and it's neither as funny nor as charming as it thinks it is. (Gassy reindeer? What were they thinking?)
Consequently, it's just the latest in a string of live-action comedy duds by the Disney folks. But again, there were a whole lot of reasons to believe the film would be even worse. At one point, the project was scrapped, just as "Coming Next Christmas" promos were playing in theaters. And then it underwent another years' worth of script rewrites.
Tim Allen reprises his role as the title character, Scott Calvin, who inherited the mantle of Kris Kringle when Santa fell off Calvin's roof. Though he took on the role reluctantly, Scott is now clearly having the time of his life bringing happiness to others. However, Scott's teenage son Charlie (Eric Lloyd) is having a hard time; he's even committing acts of vandalism at school.
So Scott has to return home to deal with Charlie and nonplussed principal Carol Newman (Elizabeth Mitchell). Meeting the beautiful school administrator proves fortuitous, since it turns out a clause in his Santa contract requires him to be married to continue in that capacity.
To be fair, there are a couple of amusing bits, such as the fake Santa creating an army of toy soldiers to enforce his new mandates. But Michael Lembeck's direction is flat and the by-committee script is all over the place. (There are definite indications that certain characters and situations were supposed to give in different directions.)
However, one thing the film does have going for it is the chemistry between Allen and Mitchell, and their characters' romance is certainly the best thing here. And Allen does seem to be having fun playing the Evil Santa.
"The Santa Clause 2" is rated G but does contain some scenes of slapstick violence (a football game and "combat" of sorts) and some crude humor (including a reindeer flatulence gag). Running time: 98 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com