I Am Santa Claus (2014)

Best movie of this year hands down!

Highly Overrated But Still Good

A lot of fun.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

I have to admit, when I decided to start the Decembextravaganza! I had a gap in the third week. Straining to find a unique offering in the endless archives of overdone Christmas films, I finally struck gold when I heard a special edition of the Hollywood Babble On Podcast where Kevin Smith interviews director Tommy Avallone and professional wrestler/Christmas enthusiast Mick Foley. What followed was a conversation that lifted me out of the holiday funk that I've carried for many years. I listened as three grown men discussed what it was like to visit Santa as a kid and the magic it instills both in ourselves but also, what it means to the men who keep that magic alive, real bearded Santas.I Am Santa Claus (2014) takes a behind the sleigh look (mind the pun) at what it takes to become the embodiment of Christmas for wide eyed children every year. Not normally being one for documentaries, I went on nothing more than what had transpired during the interview. And I have to admit, this film is great. If there is an emotion to be felt you will feel it here. Following a one year period in the lives of five Santas as they go through the normal everyday ups and downs, I Am Santa Claus allows the viewer to grow attached to each of its greatly varied subjects on a very emotional level. Included in the festivities is Mick Foley, who decides to follow suit and walk in the big black boots himself.—

Started by a Kickstarter campaign & currently streaming on Netflix; 2014's documentary, 'I am Santa Claus', is worth watching! Directed by relative newcomer, Tommy Avallone, and produced by Morgan Spurlock, the man behind several hit documentaries like 2004's 'Super-Size Me'. This film documented the lives of five real-life bearded professional Santa Clauses during an entire year. Each one of them, is pretty unique in their separate way. First off, you got Santa Russell Spice, an unlucky unemployed man who walks around, probably takes his Santa gimmick, a little too serious to hold a normal job. His cantankerous outlook on life might seem a bit bleak to some viewers, but the majority, of his scenes weren't too much depressing. The claymation sequences of Russell, trying to find a job was a nice addition to the film, because it did keep things on the light side. It really help make Russell seem like a real person. By the end of the film, you really want him to find a new home and put his life back together. To some, the next Santa, Jim Stevenson, might come off as a cheap ploy to sensationalize the movie and grab attention, and it kinda was, because the fact, he's a gay Santa; however, the film does focus on other issues, he has, other than his personal gay life with his lover, Alex. Scenes like him, talking about work at the antique store, shows a little range. I just wish, the filmmakers flesh out that other side of him more, because he seem more like a gay figure head than a real-life complex person. I can understand, why some audiences find his scenes, to be a bit too uncomfortable to watch. After all, seeing an elderly man strip to his undies for a photo shoot, is kinda risqué and too bizarre for even some gay men to take. I know, some conservative viewers, dislike him; however in my opinion, Santa Claus, Rob Figley is a little more alarming to watch than mostly likable, and jolly, Jim. Like Jim, Rob's portrayal in the film also comes across as one-dimensional and cartoony; but unlike Jim and the others; Rob isn't given much screen time to showcase any other side of him; besides his wild swinging sex habits. Not only, was he first introduce, toward the middle of the film; but he was also edited out, after that point. You never see, any conclusion to his whereabouts. That's not good, at all. I didn't like, what they did with him. In my opinion, they should had, just cut his story, off, if they weren't really, wasn't going to use him, much. The only highlight about Rob's story, is seeing the west coast, laid-back, Santa Bob Gerardi and east-coast, 'Robert De Niro' like swagger, Santa Frank Pascuzzi debate on what does it take, to makes a great 'Santa Claus'. It was nice to see, two different views on life, work together to be very open and accepted to the multiple lifestyles that make up the Santa world. I love the little odd things that comes along with these two men; such as a church made out of Santa Clauses. While, each of the other Santa Clauses are very interesting in what they bring to the part. They're not the linchpin of the film, as that honors, goes to ex-pro wrestler, Mick Foley. Foley serves as the best example of an overall story arch in this film. We follow Foley from the inception of him, thinking being Santa Claus, until the end, where he indeed transform himself into Santa Claus. His journey from newbie to seasoned veteran, is some of the clearest and most understandable moments in the film. While, the other Santa Clause's stories might not seem needed for this movie; Foley's part, sure was necessary for the narrative. For the most part, seeing men from a variety of backgrounds, lifestyles, and economic circumstances have a common passion, and each pursues that passion with vitality and determination, made for a very interesting watch. While it may hold more entertainment value during the holiday season, this documentary is something that maintains a level of intrigue during any season. Just note, it might not be 'watchable' for small children, due to some shocking imagery and profanity. In my opinion, the film for the most part, does a great job at pulling down the beard and show us, the true faces of the men everyone thinks they know; because of that reason, alone, it's deserve to be watch time after time again.

I'm always a bit fascinated by these documentary type movies which take you inside the lifestyle of real people. I've watched them about mail order brides, living with sex dolls and a raft of others.This one.....well let's just say it's different!We have a gay Santa, a nearly destitute Santa, a grumpy Santa, one who's even changed his name to Santa and then we have the legendary, hardcore wrestler, Mick Foley who wants to be Santa!These guys all seem to have their hearts in the right place (not sure their mind is fully there!!!) and seem to absolutely love the whole Santa belief, to the point it's taken over their lives. The only sane one appears to Mick which is surprising given the number of blows he's taken to his head! Oh, and the other they have in common is their insane eating habits which will see them in an early grave if they don't control their urges and food intake.An interesting insight into an interesting group of guys and their lifestyle. The highlight however is the transformation of Mick into a fantastic, and truly believable Santa.Good for a laugh....

We have documented an entire year in the lives of five real-bearded professional Santa Clauses to find out what the rest of the year is like for a man who perpetually looks like Jolly Saint Nick. In the process, they are shown for who they actually are: flawed, flesh and blood men who feel an overbearing responsibility to protect the integrity of the spotless, untarnished reputation of the Red Suit.This documentary is incredible. While most mall Santas are probably just older men from the community who want to give a little something back, this documentary sheds light on the hundreds of other Santas who take the lifestyle to a greater extreme. And the focus on just a handful of the more unconventional really makes this something to see.We have a man struggling with making ends meet who turns to work as Santa, although he does not seem to have the heart for the job (and if this film is any indication, he has terrible eating habits). And then we have the gay Santa who poses for some questionable magazines. Oddly, although this guy sounds like someone a good Christian may not want associating with their children, he is presented as the most caring and sincere of any of the guys in this film. More than anyone else, he embodies the Santa persona.And then there is Mick Foley. Although the name will be familiar to many, the man might not be. Seeing his kindness, his love of children is inspiring. At times things seem a little bizarre (his 12-year old son apparently still believes in Santa), but his exploration of the transformation process is incredible.