Mr. St. Nick (2002)

I'll tell you why so serious

i must have seen a different film!!

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

This movie answers the question, "What happens to Santa when he gets old?" Apparently every Santa has had a wife and one male child who takes over the business every 100 years. As a kid, my question was, "Our chimney goes to the furnace. How does that work for Santa?" By the time I was 6 mom had a fleet of Santas all with their own helicopter coming through doors.Kelsey Grammar plays son of Santa who is supposed to take over the job, but he would rather spend his time in Miami going to parties chasing the long legged blond weather girl, who spends the night at his house. We see the two of them the next morning kissing in the kitchen, with blondie wearing his shirt top. Not exactly the "family value" I would want to share with kids.The immigration officer was very rude and downright anal. Charles Durning made an excellent Santa, and his wife Katherine Helmond turns Mrs. Claus into Jessica from "Soap." There are long dialogue scenes that would bore younger children. I am not sure what age or maturity level would enjoy this film, certainly not mine.

Kelsey Grammar plays Nicholas 21 which means that he's in line for the throne of Santa Claus. His father Nicholas 20 (played by Charles Durning) is losing his jollies and his powers that made him Santa Claus. For him, it's a job that he loves with a passion. For Junior, he's postponed taking over for years. Finally, the time has come for him to take his father's place in the family business. Katherine Helmond is fantastic as the mother and wife, Queen Carlotta. Brian Bedford plays, Jasper, who is Nick Jr.'s confidante and knows all about the family secrets. Anyway, Nick 21 must fine Mrs. Claus but he gets caught up with a blonde weather girl who is really shallow and vain. Of course, this film is meant to be about Christmas, sharing, generosity, and miracles. It's not the best film but it's decent enough for the family and for kids.

There was no mystery son. Danny was the Grandson of Lorena's Aunt.I really enjoyed this. I can watch Kelsey Grammar in anything, but I found that I couldn't take my eyes off Katherine Helmund. She was 74 when she made this and was so beautiful. Her bone structure is exquisite and no amount of money can replicate that. Her costumes and hair were a delight. She looked every inch a queen.The plot may have been thin but it was still enjoyable and despite it turning out to be a scam I thought the idea behind MrStNick.com was brilliant.Peace and goodwill to everyone.

I normally wouldn't bother writing a review for a made for TV movie, but I got stuck watching while at home for Christmas. Christmas movies are supposed to be kind of cliched, they have to be because Christmas has become a cliche to most people. This movie took that idea and ran with it.First you have the reluctant Santa Claus, which has only been done a few dozen times in recent years. Then there is the rich man falling in love with the hired help, coupled into man being engaged to one woman only to realize it was a mistake and that he is really in love with girl-come-lately. Then add some cookie-cutter characters, like the proper butler giving sage advice. Or how about that the hired help has a mystery son. I say mystery son because it is never explained if the son is from a bad marriage, out-of marriage, widowed, etc. At least I don't remember it being explained. I won't even go into the goofy cop, the swindling best friend, incredibly sappy happy ending, etc.I think there are people in the world who would relish a movie like this, but if cliches, and telegraphed plot twists turn your stomach, then avoid this movie.