57
Metascore
13 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineNevertheless, 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.
- 80Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasAll 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]
- 70Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonThe 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.
- 63Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThe 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.
- 50ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliThe Santa Clause isn't an unmitigated disaster, but it's also a whole lot less impressive than it could be.
- 50Austin ChronicleAustin ChronicleActually, 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.
- 50Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumWatch 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.
- 40EmpireEmpireThe film drops from obvious comedy into a ready melt slush which no amount of make-up and special effects can rescue.
- 40The New YorkerThe New YorkerTim Allen's talent for dry regular-guyness fails to kindle Disney's sappy big-screen Yule log.
- 40TimeRichard SchickelTimeRichard SchickelThe Santa Clause presents us with an Anti-Claus, Tim Allen of Home Improvement, hard-edged, discomfitingly frenetic and spritzing cheerless one-liners.