152 reviews
Okay, I will start off with the cons first. The story is very predictable and uneven, and there is an anti-climatic ending that really does detract from the fun the film does have. The film also suffers from the direction needing a much harder edge. However, my biggest con was that the messages about commercialising Christmas being evil felt misplaced. Despite its flaws, it is a mildly enjoyable family film, even if it did mean it is my least favourite of the three movies. The film visually is quite possibly the most colourful of the three, the special effects with the exception of the reindeer who look as though they have been stuffed were above average, and the cinematography is nice. There are some good laughs mostly from Jack Frost and the Experimental Elf, and the acting was amiable. While generously underplaying, Tim Allen once again does a good job as Santa, and Ann-Margaret and Alan Arkin in particular do well as his in-laws. But it is Martin Short who steals the film, in a wonderfully wacky portrayal of the villain Jack Frost, and I have to say the makeup on it was superbly done. And the soundtrack is cool, and the songs featured are sung with unusual gusto. Plus, the cameos from Mother Nature, Sandman and Father Time(the late Peter Boyle) are inspired. The film, and I am not sure whether this is good or bad, also is very suagry sweet. All in all, not bad, but my least favourite of the Santa Clause movies. 6/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Dec 23, 2009
- Permalink
Pregnant Mrs. Claus (Elizabeth Mitchell) is almost due, and she wishes for human contact. So Santa (Tim Allen) decides to bring her parents (Ann-Margret, Alan Arkin) to the North Pole along with Santa's ex and her family (Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Liliana Mumy). Meanwhile, the Counsel of Legendary Figures is to judge Jack Frost (Martin Short) for all his wrongdoings. Santa decides to help out by letting him work as one of his helpers. Only Jack Frost schemes to take over Christmas by using the Escape Clause.
The charms of the previous two installments are mostly gone. When North Pole gets remade into Canada, it just emphasized how fake it all is. In the other two, Tim Allen is running around trying to hide his identity from people who love him. In this one, the only people who don't know is Ann-Margret and Alan Arkin. They don't really love him, and there isn't that joy of discovery. That charm isn't here this time around.
Also Bernard the Elf (David Krumholtz) isn't here this time. Curtis (Spencer Breslin) is now the head elf. The movie misses Bernard's attitude and energy. Although it's cute to see Abigail Breslin as one of the little elves. As for Jack Frost, he's alright as the bad guy but he's not funny. In fact, this movie isn't funny. There is a lack of joy. The only one with the wonder and excitement in her eyes is Liliana Mumy. Aside from her, there is too much tension. This movie just doesn't have the same feel.
The charms of the previous two installments are mostly gone. When North Pole gets remade into Canada, it just emphasized how fake it all is. In the other two, Tim Allen is running around trying to hide his identity from people who love him. In this one, the only people who don't know is Ann-Margret and Alan Arkin. They don't really love him, and there isn't that joy of discovery. That charm isn't here this time around.
Also Bernard the Elf (David Krumholtz) isn't here this time. Curtis (Spencer Breslin) is now the head elf. The movie misses Bernard's attitude and energy. Although it's cute to see Abigail Breslin as one of the little elves. As for Jack Frost, he's alright as the bad guy but he's not funny. In fact, this movie isn't funny. There is a lack of joy. The only one with the wonder and excitement in her eyes is Liliana Mumy. Aside from her, there is too much tension. This movie just doesn't have the same feel.
- SnoopyStyle
- Dec 19, 2013
- Permalink
Took the kids to see this and they loved it. I didn't have high expectations but was entertained and got the predictable feel good, happy ending. I agree with others that it was a couple notches better than the second movie. All and all, a good way to kick off the holiday movie season.
Other notes of interest: The actress playing Mrs. Clause is on the T.V. show Lost now. That took a little getting used to. Martin Short did a nice job as Jack Frost. The blooper reel at the end of the movie is pretty lame. Not funny at all. Plus, when the bloopers are literally shown 3 seconds after the end of the movie, it takes away from the movie itself. The kids are still smiling and in a magical place then "poof", magic is over here are the actors messing up their lines. It's like seeing Peter Pan on stage and right after the show, they show you all the wires that were used to make him fly. Save the bloopers for the DVD.
Other notes of interest: The actress playing Mrs. Clause is on the T.V. show Lost now. That took a little getting used to. Martin Short did a nice job as Jack Frost. The blooper reel at the end of the movie is pretty lame. Not funny at all. Plus, when the bloopers are literally shown 3 seconds after the end of the movie, it takes away from the movie itself. The kids are still smiling and in a magical place then "poof", magic is over here are the actors messing up their lines. It's like seeing Peter Pan on stage and right after the show, they show you all the wires that were used to make him fly. Save the bloopers for the DVD.
I just got back from seeing this movie and I have to say it was pretty good. I didn't go to the theater with high hopes, however, so it was easy to meet my expectations. We loved the other 2 movies and had to finish the trilogy! This one could be titled Santa gets a midlife crisis--the plot is based on Scott's frustration over having so many responsibilities and not enough time with his family. There are some disappointments; of course, Bernard isn't in it and we all love him; just one line with no explanation tells us he must be gone. Also, Santa doesn't seem himself; yes, he's frustrated, but you don't see the excitement he had before. And,the plot gets resolved so close to the ending that you still haven't processed it, and the credits are rolling! But if you liked the other movies, go see this one; it's not as action packed, it's a little sappy, but it's clean fun and you'll laugh if you let yourself!
Just remember that it's not Shakespeare, it's just a Christmas movie. Go and have some fun! Enjoy the Canada subplot, eh?
Just remember that it's not Shakespeare, it's just a Christmas movie. Go and have some fun! Enjoy the Canada subplot, eh?
I had great hopes for this movie...none of which were fulfilled. My family and I enjoyed the first two Santa Clause movies, but this was a major let down. Sad, too, because it had great potential. I enjoy Martin Short, and think he was well cast in the role of Jack Frost. However, the writing and editing were so disjointed, and it seemed like there were too many subplots going on for any one story line or character to get any substantial development.
Unless you have kids who are dying to see this, I would skip it altogether or wait for it to come out on DVD. I definitely wouldn't spend another $20 to go see it.
Unless you have kids who are dying to see this, I would skip it altogether or wait for it to come out on DVD. I definitely wouldn't spend another $20 to go see it.
Santa Claus is up against an evil Jack Frost in "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause". Scott Calvin/Santa Claus is preparing for another Christmas at the North Pole when a mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short) has plans to take over his place as the head of Christmas. Jack Frost finds a clause in Santa's contract that he uses to become Santa, a whole bunch of nonsense happens in the middle frame, and finally it's a battle between the two for the title of Santa Claus. Who will win? I think that's pretty obvious.
Boy, this third film in the series was a real letdown. I didn't enjoy the second Santa Clause as much as the first, but even it had more going for it than this. The problem with this one was really the characters, I disliked about 70% of them. Carol's parents are absolute fools. When they come for a visit, Carol and her hubby Santa lead them to believe that the North Pole is actually Canada and that all Canadians are just really short people ... and here's the thing ... they actually believe it. Just a complete dumbing down of characters. Curtis the Elf is more annoying than he was in the second film, the little girl Lucy (who has really taken over Charlie's role as the "cute kid") is really irritating at times, and Jack Frost himself is a very blah villain who really just adds nothing to the movie.
I was a teenager when I watched Santa Clause 3 the first time, and during it I was wondering what I would've thought of it as a young child. I don't think as a 6-10 year old that this would've really engaged me or interested as much as the original "The Santa Clause" did to be honest. What really put me off was that this third film basically ignored Scott's son Charlie and just threw in Neil and Laura's daughter Lucy in his place (which did not work for me at all). The characters were lame, the Canada jokes were hokey and The Santa Clause 3 just wasn't that good at all.
4/10
Boy, this third film in the series was a real letdown. I didn't enjoy the second Santa Clause as much as the first, but even it had more going for it than this. The problem with this one was really the characters, I disliked about 70% of them. Carol's parents are absolute fools. When they come for a visit, Carol and her hubby Santa lead them to believe that the North Pole is actually Canada and that all Canadians are just really short people ... and here's the thing ... they actually believe it. Just a complete dumbing down of characters. Curtis the Elf is more annoying than he was in the second film, the little girl Lucy (who has really taken over Charlie's role as the "cute kid") is really irritating at times, and Jack Frost himself is a very blah villain who really just adds nothing to the movie.
I was a teenager when I watched Santa Clause 3 the first time, and during it I was wondering what I would've thought of it as a young child. I don't think as a 6-10 year old that this would've really engaged me or interested as much as the original "The Santa Clause" did to be honest. What really put me off was that this third film basically ignored Scott's son Charlie and just threw in Neil and Laura's daughter Lucy in his place (which did not work for me at all). The characters were lame, the Canada jokes were hokey and The Santa Clause 3 just wasn't that good at all.
4/10
'The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)' is a marked step down not only from the first entry in its franchise but also from the 2002 robo-Santa-starring sequel. The main issue is one of pace; the eponymous escape clause isn't invoked until just after halfway into the affair and the alternate reality it creates only lasts for a couple of scenes. The movie basically skips its second act by dragging out its first and rushing through its third. It's also just a little bit stale. Nobody really feels as though their hearts are in it and most of the franchise's core cast look a little worse for wear. It isn't bone-achingly boring and it will probably provide some passing entertainment to small children. It isn't engaging at all, though, and it feels like a bit of a chore. If this is your Christmas stocking filler, maybe you've been visited by Jack Frost instead of Saint Nick. 4/10
- Pjtaylor-96-138044
- Dec 24, 2020
- Permalink
Well I'm in the minority with this...
I actually, admittedly narrowly, enjoyed 'The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause' - terrible title, mind. Most other reviewers clearly didn't and I respect that, but I genuinely found it alright. It's definitely the weakest entry of the series, yet I still found it entertaining enough.
Martin Short (Jack Frost) is the star of this second sequel to 1994's The Santa Clause', outshining lead Tim Allen; who is still decent, by the way. I love Short's character design, he looks ridiculous in the nicest possible way and Frost (why him, I'm not sure I admit) makes for a relatively good villain. All the other cast members take a backseat, while the storyline of Alan Arkin's Bud is very forgettable and arguably needless.
I was expecting to dislike this and the preceding follow-up, but to my surprise they are actually - at least to me - harmlessly fun festive films.
I actually, admittedly narrowly, enjoyed 'The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause' - terrible title, mind. Most other reviewers clearly didn't and I respect that, but I genuinely found it alright. It's definitely the weakest entry of the series, yet I still found it entertaining enough.
Martin Short (Jack Frost) is the star of this second sequel to 1994's The Santa Clause', outshining lead Tim Allen; who is still decent, by the way. I love Short's character design, he looks ridiculous in the nicest possible way and Frost (why him, I'm not sure I admit) makes for a relatively good villain. All the other cast members take a backseat, while the storyline of Alan Arkin's Bud is very forgettable and arguably needless.
I was expecting to dislike this and the preceding follow-up, but to my surprise they are actually - at least to me - harmlessly fun festive films.
Perhaps, I shouldn't have waste my time watching this movie. I thought it would be funny based on the preview. When I went to watch this movie on Saturday, I did not find one scene funny at all. The only funny stuff in this movie was the bloopers. Overall, the movie just sucks! It wasn't that great as the first one. The first one was more funnier. The second one was good too, but this one was just not that great. It was okay and all but it just wasn't that funny. I personally think that I should have seen Borat instead of this movie. At least, I would have something to laugh about! I miss the 90s! They used to have such good movies that were much more funnier! If anyone want to see a good Christmas movie, I would recommend Home Alone 1,2, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Santa Clause 1,2.
This could serve as the concluding chapter of the Santa Clause trilogy, or a deserving sequel to a longer franchise. Personally, I'd not mind a franchise in the least. I love these movies, and they just keep getting better and better.
The second installment was lesser to the original, but this third chapter surpasses even the beginning. Martin Short, Ann-Margaret, AND Alan Arkin?! How lovely! They are so funny, and contribute such wonderful aspects to this film. It has become one of the family favorites in our growing list of Yuletime "must watch" films. But I'll watch this in July, too.
Spencer Breslin may be growing too old to portray an elf for The Santa Clause 4, but he's still adorable herein, and a delight to watch. I hope they continue on with this franchise. It would be a shame to stop now. I would actually love to see this run on and on as a tradition, but Tim Allen, et al is a mandatory must. I think he's GREAT as this new generation Santa.
It rates an 8.3/10 from...
the Fiend :.
The second installment was lesser to the original, but this third chapter surpasses even the beginning. Martin Short, Ann-Margaret, AND Alan Arkin?! How lovely! They are so funny, and contribute such wonderful aspects to this film. It has become one of the family favorites in our growing list of Yuletime "must watch" films. But I'll watch this in July, too.
Spencer Breslin may be growing too old to portray an elf for The Santa Clause 4, but he's still adorable herein, and a delight to watch. I hope they continue on with this franchise. It would be a shame to stop now. I would actually love to see this run on and on as a tradition, but Tim Allen, et al is a mandatory must. I think he's GREAT as this new generation Santa.
It rates an 8.3/10 from...
the Fiend :.
- FiendishDramaturgy
- Dec 27, 2008
- Permalink
Yes, I am am adult and yes, I was probably more excited to see this third movie than my 3 children. I really loved the first two movies. This third is a must see in the "set", but I have to say, it's not my favorite. It's very hard to compete with the excellent first 2 movies. I didn't like that Charlie isn't played often enough. I also did care for the actors that starred as Mrs. Clause's parents. Yes, Ann-Margaret and Alan Arkin are terrific actors, but not perfect for this role as the in-laws, I thought. Martin Short was excellent! He is so evil and he does it well! Lucy is a doll! She stole the movie. I loved this movie... it's a great end to the other two, but I don't think they should make any more. Curtis's role as an elf was better when he was a kid! Yes, Bernard's appearance was highly missed. If you loved the first two, see this 3rd, otherwise wait until October of next year to rent it.
- kelleyew-1
- Nov 2, 2006
- Permalink
Sad to day -what was once a great idea has become painful.
This should never have hit theaters - a DVD only release would be pushing it. Strained, forced, uninteresting and poorly conceived.
Tim Allen created a great character in the first film - the 2nd was pushing it - this 3rd outing was simply vengeful.
The idea was bad; its execution is worse - to subject movie audiences to this type of tripe should be illegal, if not unconstitutional. (Oops! wait - it is... cruel and unusual punishment....) The best use for the DVD release of this? Christmas ornaments for your tree next year...
This should never have hit theaters - a DVD only release would be pushing it. Strained, forced, uninteresting and poorly conceived.
Tim Allen created a great character in the first film - the 2nd was pushing it - this 3rd outing was simply vengeful.
The idea was bad; its execution is worse - to subject movie audiences to this type of tripe should be illegal, if not unconstitutional. (Oops! wait - it is... cruel and unusual punishment....) The best use for the DVD release of this? Christmas ornaments for your tree next year...
The first film Tim Allen did in this series, "The Santa Clause" was not a great movie by any stretch, but it was an entertaining film and one of the more imaginative and clever Christmas movies ever made. That film dealt with what it would be for a regular guy to be Santa Claus. That was a new idea! It was witty enough for adults and cutesy and fun enough for kids. Bam, the perfect mix for a "family" movie. The sequels (well OK I guess SC2 had some moments) have just been a mess. The filmmakers spend far too much time in the ridiculous North Pole, show us all the other mystical figures of legend (Mother Nature, Father Time, the Easter Bunny) and completely forget that Scott Calvin is supposed to be a regular dude that just happens to be Santa Claus. This movie is too stupid for anyone over the age of 11 and at times too filled with adult complexities for children to enjoy. The only parts that evoked a feel of the 1st film were the Canada jokes and Scott going back in time to the events of the first film and returning to Scott Calvin, corporate toy maker again. Otherwise this is a waste. Forget this film and go watch the 1st one.
- Bats_Breath
- Dec 25, 2010
- Permalink
- KitsunegariBlu
- Nov 2, 2006
- Permalink
My girlfriend talked me into seeing this movie because she loves Christmas movies. I don't generally mind them either, so I went. I was bored. I'm not often bored, especially at the movies, but maybe that's because I'm careful about what I pay ten bucks to see. I was truly disappointed in the lack of comedy, writing, or anything else that usually goes into making a movie. Tim Allen wasn't funny, Martin Short was REALLY annoying as usual, and the head elf this time around is a little nervous guy with a lisp. Who the filmmakers ride as if it's a stroke of comedic brilliance. The only thing this film had going for it was that it has Santa Claus in it and was released at Christmas time. Boo, Hollywood. Shame on you. But I guess I fell for it, and maybe kids who marvel at shiny things and bright lights liked it.
- rturner231
- Dec 25, 2006
- Permalink
Considering the first two were both box office hits, it's no surprise Disney revived the series for a third film. However, it certainly proves to not only be unnecessary- but incredibly cringeworthy, lifeless, and overdone. This is a really hard movie for me to watch, mainly because of Martin Short's Jack Frost. I respect Short as a comedian, but by God is he awful in this film. Not only is he overacting every single line and gesture on screen, but he also is single-handedly the most annoying character I have ever seen on screen. There is no magic in this film, and I don't mean literally, but rather the feeling the other two brought with them is simply gone. Its charm, evaporated for ironically the same subplot the film chose to pursue- that being- making the north pole a place for nothing but money. Tim Allen has also lost his charm in this film, he tries so hard, but everything he does falls rather flat. When reverted back to his original form, he is a bit more tolerable, but the script and plot throughout don't make it any easier to enjoy. Speaking of plot, this film goes nowhere and everywhere at once, which not only is frustrating, repetitive, and hard to watch, but also just what was the point? It had no point, no message, and it was quite intolerable to watch- not to mention very lazy. In the end, I would be totally fine never setting my eyes on a single moment of this film ever again. It's a disgrace to the first two, which were not necessarily great to begin with, and it's a disgrace to film in general, as it is easily one of the worst sequels I have ever seen.
My Rating: 1/10.
My Rating: 1/10.
- Allierubystein666
- Dec 6, 2020
- Permalink
Went to see this movie today with the family. Personally, I was alittle disappointed in some aspects. There just didn't seem to be a lot of comedy or comic relief in this movie as with the other two. The absence of David Krumholtz was unmoving, for he provided a lot of stability to the plot lines in the other movies.
I did however, enjoyed Martin Short as Jack Frost. He was great! Everyone else returning was a pleasure. It seemed their screen time was increased over SC2, with the exception of Charlie. He just seemed to be there this time around. Lilian Mumy shined in this movie, one of many I hope. And of course Tim Allen....he is superb as Santa Clause.
Overall, the movie was so, so. I thought a lot of the context and situations in the movie were alittle over the heads of children my age. (ages 7 and 5 respectfully) And to me, the original movie was based for all ages. The third installment had to many "grown-up problems" that could loose the interest of a child real quick. But for the most part all the elves, toys and of course Santa made seeing it will the kids worthwhile! Although, it is not up to par with the original, it does do a great job of completing a trilogy that will warm the hearts of families for many holidays to come.
I did however, enjoyed Martin Short as Jack Frost. He was great! Everyone else returning was a pleasure. It seemed their screen time was increased over SC2, with the exception of Charlie. He just seemed to be there this time around. Lilian Mumy shined in this movie, one of many I hope. And of course Tim Allen....he is superb as Santa Clause.
Overall, the movie was so, so. I thought a lot of the context and situations in the movie were alittle over the heads of children my age. (ages 7 and 5 respectfully) And to me, the original movie was based for all ages. The third installment had to many "grown-up problems" that could loose the interest of a child real quick. But for the most part all the elves, toys and of course Santa made seeing it will the kids worthwhile! Although, it is not up to par with the original, it does do a great job of completing a trilogy that will warm the hearts of families for many holidays to come.
- jboothmillard
- Dec 31, 2010
- Permalink
We just saw this movie tonight. I was surprised to see it out so far ahead of Christmas, but looked forward to it having seen the first two and enjoyed them. The special effects are as good as before and it was a treat seeing all the actors back. Didn't really miss Bernard until it was over when it suddenly hit me he wasn't in this movie. I was getting kinda irritated with the negative in-laws and thinking I didn't like the whole film until the end which had me laughing and really enjoying myself. Know I'm a sap, but I LIKED the warm fuzzy feeling of family and friends coming together. Martin Short was pretty good as Jack Frost. Tim Allen was perfect as Santa and Mrs. Santa is lovely. If you enjoy seeing movies just for light entertainment, I think you might enjoy this movie.
Look, I recommend that everybody just take a chill pill and relax for a second. This movie is not trying to be anything more than a fitting finale to what has proved to be a great trilogy of films. Too many people are being too critical and expecting too much from this film. The story is fine, a nice pleasant easy to follow plot with help from some nice additions to the cast, especially Alan Arkin as Santa's father-in-law.
Tim Allen continues to impress as the big man himself and Martin Short is great as Jack Frost. I strongly recommend this one as a holiday pleaser and whilst a number of adults will sigh at the films relatively corny ending I strongly recommend staying around for the bloopers during the final credits.
Overall I would definitely say that this is a movie worth seeing, ignore the critics and make your own mind up on this one, you wont be disappointed.
Tim Allen continues to impress as the big man himself and Martin Short is great as Jack Frost. I strongly recommend this one as a holiday pleaser and whilst a number of adults will sigh at the films relatively corny ending I strongly recommend staying around for the bloopers during the final credits.
Overall I would definitely say that this is a movie worth seeing, ignore the critics and make your own mind up on this one, you wont be disappointed.
Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of sheer crappiness in Santa Clause 3, but there is still enough imagination and twists to balance it out and keep it alive for one more (and hopefully last) movie. I say hopefully last because I don't really think that Tim Allen really has any talent. He seems to have coasted his way into stardom. He also has a thing for doing Xmas-themed movies when he's not making utter crud like The Shaggy Dog or Zoom. But less about him and more about Santa Clause 3.
As Santa/Scott prepares for his massive annual delivery he must disguise the North Pole as Canada so the visiting in-laws don't find out his secret. Also Jack Frost (Martin Short) wants to take over Xmas so he plots to have Santa wiped out of Scott Calvin's history. Cue time travelling and alternate universes.
I really didn't feel a pressing desire to see this film. I did see the first two in the cinema but felt that a third was really pushing it. But when Peter Boyle died and I learned that this would be his last movie I felt like I owed it to him. It's not as bad as it's low score would suggest but is still nowhere near as good as Polar Express or any other recent Xmas film. There's just no magic in it. Santa Clause 3 all looks rather false and phony.
Actors like Alan Arkin, Judge Reinhold and Wendy Crewson are wasted with this kind of material and really should have been allowed to have more freedom with their limited roles.
At the very least it rounds-off a neat little family Xmas trilogy. Please no more.
Oh, and by-the-way, 'Jingle Bells' is not a Xmas song. It's a Thanksgiving Song! And the image of Santa as being the big white-bearded guy in a red suit with fluffy white bits was invented by Coca-Cola to match their bottle coloring.
As Santa/Scott prepares for his massive annual delivery he must disguise the North Pole as Canada so the visiting in-laws don't find out his secret. Also Jack Frost (Martin Short) wants to take over Xmas so he plots to have Santa wiped out of Scott Calvin's history. Cue time travelling and alternate universes.
I really didn't feel a pressing desire to see this film. I did see the first two in the cinema but felt that a third was really pushing it. But when Peter Boyle died and I learned that this would be his last movie I felt like I owed it to him. It's not as bad as it's low score would suggest but is still nowhere near as good as Polar Express or any other recent Xmas film. There's just no magic in it. Santa Clause 3 all looks rather false and phony.
Actors like Alan Arkin, Judge Reinhold and Wendy Crewson are wasted with this kind of material and really should have been allowed to have more freedom with their limited roles.
At the very least it rounds-off a neat little family Xmas trilogy. Please no more.
Oh, and by-the-way, 'Jingle Bells' is not a Xmas song. It's a Thanksgiving Song! And the image of Santa as being the big white-bearded guy in a red suit with fluffy white bits was invented by Coca-Cola to match their bottle coloring.
- CuriosityKilledShawn
- Dec 20, 2006
- Permalink
- michaelRokeefe
- Nov 2, 2006
- Permalink