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The Santa Clause
Metascore
57 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Leonard Klady
    90
    This is a hip, likable spin on the seasonal icon told with a deft mixture of comedy and sentimentality.
  2. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Staff(not credited)
    88
    Nevertheless, The Santa Clause is a charming, if mild, fantasy, distinguished by a gentle directorial touch that strikes a deft balance between dramatic and fantastic elements.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    80
    All of the film's technical and creative contributions are top-notch, but as it should be, it's the people who win us over. [11 Nov 1994 Pg. F10]
    All this critic's reviews
  4. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Rita Kempley
    80
    Aimed at kids, but written with parents in mind, The Santa Clause balances the sugar with the spice, which Allen sprinkles on just right.
  5. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Desson Thomson
    70
    The personable star of the TV series "Home Improvement" turns this Walt Disney film around. He may not be as effervescent as, say, Robin Williams, but he's full of understated, ticklish charm.
  6. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    63
    The Santa Clause (so named after the clause on Santa's calling card that requires Scott to take over the job) is often a clever and amusing movie, and there's a lot of fresh invention in it.
  7. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Susan Wloszczyna
    63
    As holiday heartwarmers go, The Santa Clause is an amusing stocking stuffer, a sitcom-superficial novelty that jingles many of the same bells as last year's "Mrs. Doubtfire". [11 Nov 1994 Pg. 12.D]
    All this critic's reviews
  8. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    50
    The Santa Clause isn't an unmitigated disaster, but it's also a whole lot less impressive than it could be.
  9. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Hollis Chacona
    50
    Actually, this souped-up sled is a perfect vehicle for TV star/comedian Tim Allen and, despite its formulaic chassis, he takes us through a few interesting twists and turns.
  10. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Lisa Schwarzbaum
    50
    Watch for the ''Mrs. Doubtfire'' syndrome: In Santa drag and padded for laughs, Scott demonstrates how to be a more sensitive, more funsy parent than boring old Mom.
  11. Empire
    Reviewed by: Staff(not credited)
    40
    The film drops from obvious comedy into a ready melt slush which no amount of make-up and special effects can rescue.
  12. Time
    Reviewed by: Richard Schickel
    40
    The Santa Clause presents us with an Anti-Claus, Tim Allen of Home Improvement, hard-edged, discomfitingly frenetic and spritzing cheerless one-liners.
  13. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Michael Sragow
    40
    Tim Allen's talent for dry regular-guyness fails to kindle Disney's sappy big-screen Yule log.
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. AmazingWatch
    10
    Love this holiday film, one of the best holiday movies ever made! There is so much laugh-out-load moments for all the family with such a lovely cast, an amazing story line and a warming family movie!… Full Review »
  2. Zilcell
    10
    The Santa Clause is an instant Christmas classic. A unique idea brought to life with a great story, and good acting, especially with a great performance from Tim Allen.… Full Review »
  3. IsaacV
    7
    An oddball tale but to quote Roger Ebert: a lot of fresh invention in it.
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