I like binge watching cheesy Christmas movies every year. Was this a big budget film? Not even close. But I stayed interested to the end, and I got to laugh a couple of times. Definitely worth watching once.
13 Reviews
Cheesy, but cute.
clawsmith3 December 2019
Anything with Meredith Baxter is worth watching
Christmas-Reviewer26 September 2016
A woman brings her boyfriend home for Christmas to meet her parents, Santa and Mrs. Claus. He must decide if he's willing to continue their relationship after learning that he'd be next in line for Santa's job. I am a sucker for Meredith Baxter. Having Michael Gross (Her Family Ties Co-Star) is just an added bonus.
Now this film isn't the greatest however it is still sweet. It has a minor hidden message in this film about toys and how the electronic can co-exist. The film is well made and the North-pole scenes make this film fun
Jesse Hutch (who is the man who would be Santa) shines in this and its almost a thankless role. He is very charismatic. The film in general is safe for the entire family. Now the 10 and under set will love this. Fans of "Family Ties" will also get a kick out of the reunion of Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross
Now this film isn't the greatest however it is still sweet. It has a minor hidden message in this film about toys and how the electronic can co-exist. The film is well made and the North-pole scenes make this film fun
Jesse Hutch (who is the man who would be Santa) shines in this and its almost a thankless role. He is very charismatic. The film in general is safe for the entire family. Now the 10 and under set will love this. Fans of "Family Ties" will also get a kick out of the reunion of Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross
Little Jack Frost get lost!
adamjohns-425755 December 2020
This film is just really silly, but I persevered all the way to the end, because I have to support my husband Jesse Hutch.
I could cope with the ridiculous Father Christmas, who was quite obviously wearing a muscle suit under his costume, instead of a fat suit for some reason? I could also cope with the funny little man playing Mario the Elf. I could almost even cope with the tosspot that ran the toy company, but Jack Frost was just so vile he made my skin crawl and I don't think it was just his acting!
It's a good story, but I'd like to see a more serious version. However it was better that the producers of this film decided to go fully silly instead of the odd mix you can sometimes get.
Also, there's no way kids would rave about a wooden dog with wheels!
I could cope with the ridiculous Father Christmas, who was quite obviously wearing a muscle suit under his costume, instead of a fat suit for some reason? I could also cope with the funny little man playing Mario the Elf. I could almost even cope with the tosspot that ran the toy company, but Jack Frost was just so vile he made my skin crawl and I don't think it was just his acting!
It's a good story, but I'd like to see a more serious version. However it was better that the producers of this film decided to go fully silly instead of the odd mix you can sometimes get.
Also, there's no way kids would rave about a wooden dog with wheels!
Not worth becoming Santa
TheLittleSongbird8 June 2021
It was not easy telling whether 2015's 'Becoming Santa' was going to be good or whether it was going to be bad when first hearing of it, reading the plot synopsis and seeing the advertising. Saw it anyway because Michael Gross is always watchable, despite being in his fair share of misfires but almost always one of the better aspects of. It did sound slightly interesting though would never get any prizes for uniqueness. Love a lot of Christmas films too.
'Becoming Santa' sadly is not one of those "loved it" Christmas films. Actually didn't think it was a good film at all and that it was worse than it sounded. Unfortunately too even Gross can't save it and it was a rare case of him being a flaw. Am not saying any of this with pleasure, was really prepared to at least moderately like it as there are plenty of films out there that are a lot better than they sound on paper. 'Becoming Santa' isn't one of them.
Not an unwatchable film by all means. The scenery is lovely and quite picturesque at its best and slickly photographed. The lodge is indeed great looking. The music had an affectionate festive atmosphere and had me smiling and humming along, as good music should do, even if it was intrusive at times. The film starts off quite charmingly.
Laura Bell Bundy brings a lot of charm to the lead role and plays the one character worth rooting for. Gabe Khouth is amusing at times.
The rest of the cast don't work. That is including Gross, who uncharacteristically phones in and his performance comes over as unintentionally weird. Meredith Baxter tries too hard and Jesse Hutch not enough in a personality-free role. Worst of all is Tony Cavalero as a truly annoying and hateful character that has so few if any positive traits that one questions what people see in him. The chemistry between the actors doesn't always connect, that between Bundy and Hutch never develops, and almost all the characters are thoroughly unpleasant (especially Jack) or lack personality. Only Bundy has any degree of charm.
Furthermore, the script is excessively cheesy and over-sentimental and is very stilted. The story starts off decently, but is paper thin, very dull and with so many Christmas film cliches and a done to death formula there is absolutely no freshness. To me it lacked charm and heart, doesn't have that much of a warm centre and is quite bland and contrived. Also very predictable and too pat, nothing rings true.
Overall, mediocre. 4/10.
'Becoming Santa' sadly is not one of those "loved it" Christmas films. Actually didn't think it was a good film at all and that it was worse than it sounded. Unfortunately too even Gross can't save it and it was a rare case of him being a flaw. Am not saying any of this with pleasure, was really prepared to at least moderately like it as there are plenty of films out there that are a lot better than they sound on paper. 'Becoming Santa' isn't one of them.
Not an unwatchable film by all means. The scenery is lovely and quite picturesque at its best and slickly photographed. The lodge is indeed great looking. The music had an affectionate festive atmosphere and had me smiling and humming along, as good music should do, even if it was intrusive at times. The film starts off quite charmingly.
Laura Bell Bundy brings a lot of charm to the lead role and plays the one character worth rooting for. Gabe Khouth is amusing at times.
The rest of the cast don't work. That is including Gross, who uncharacteristically phones in and his performance comes over as unintentionally weird. Meredith Baxter tries too hard and Jesse Hutch not enough in a personality-free role. Worst of all is Tony Cavalero as a truly annoying and hateful character that has so few if any positive traits that one questions what people see in him. The chemistry between the actors doesn't always connect, that between Bundy and Hutch never develops, and almost all the characters are thoroughly unpleasant (especially Jack) or lack personality. Only Bundy has any degree of charm.
Furthermore, the script is excessively cheesy and over-sentimental and is very stilted. The story starts off decently, but is paper thin, very dull and with so many Christmas film cliches and a done to death formula there is absolutely no freshness. To me it lacked charm and heart, doesn't have that much of a warm centre and is quite bland and contrived. Also very predictable and too pat, nothing rings true.
Overall, mediocre. 4/10.
Watching Paint Dry Would Be More Interesting
mrmac-425613 November 2018
This attempt at a seasonal film is cringeworthy despite the efforts of the cast to rescue a bad script. However, I can see why some people might like this low budget effort when it includes Meredith Baxter and Laura Bell Bundy.
Pathetic
garyhvizdak21 November 2017
Things go downhill when Holly and Connor travel to the north pole. Some of the casting and acting was better than my '2' rating, Uncle Mario in particular was a pleasant relief from what was otherwise a horrible production. My least favorite character was Jack, but it wasn't necessarily his acting. Rather, it was everything else about him ... casting, plot, writing, directing. (Why was he always in "their" home?) Casting for Santa (A.K.A. Nick) was particularly bad, as was Nick's fake beard. Santa and Mrs. Claus' acting was pathetic, although that is probably more the fault of the director rather than the actors. The only reason I wasted two hours watching the whole thing, was so that I could submit a review. I almost forgot to mention that both of the scenes at Connor's workplace were also pathetic.
Becoming santa
madelinot13 January 2021
An easy way to waste an afternoon
gwynmoses8 December 2019
This is an incredibly formulaic film that fits every cliche going. Despite that it is quite fun to watch if you start with low expectations. None of the cast are particularly well known and the writing is of an acceptable standard. It fits perfectly into the genre of easy to watch Xmas films which enable you to switch off your brain for an afternoon.
The storyline is utterly predictable, as can be gathered from the title, the acting is OK and any twists either signalled or absent. Character development is none existent, but one dimensional characters never need developing anyway. As long as you don't want any intellectual stimulation, this film is fine.
The storyline is utterly predictable, as can be gathered from the title, the acting is OK and any twists either signalled or absent. Character development is none existent, but one dimensional characters never need developing anyway. As long as you don't want any intellectual stimulation, this film is fine.
How about a greedy narcissistic Santa
Jackbv1232 January 2018
Lame story. Lame acting. But then the movie is probably not aimed at adults and the story is dumbed down and the acting is exaggerated on purpose. Still, I really didn't like it. Won't watch it again.
Start off with offering a totally lame toy to a focus group of kids. It's ridiculous that anyone would get that far. Then the boss tells them to hurry up and get a replacement, but Connor takes off on vacation.
Jack Frost, who wants to be Santa, is scheming, dishonest, greedy and mean spirited. Holly shouldn't just not love him, she should hate him.
The only bright point is Laura Bell Bundy. She is charming and she can really sing. I wish we could have seen more positive time between Holly and Connor.
Start off with offering a totally lame toy to a focus group of kids. It's ridiculous that anyone would get that far. Then the boss tells them to hurry up and get a replacement, but Connor takes off on vacation.
Jack Frost, who wants to be Santa, is scheming, dishonest, greedy and mean spirited. Holly shouldn't just not love him, she should hate him.
The only bright point is Laura Bell Bundy. She is charming and she can really sing. I wish we could have seen more positive time between Holly and Connor.
So, so bad.
samoq12 December 2015
Even comparing this to the admittedly low bar set by other Christmas movies, this is just awful. A weak plot, poor acting (with the exception of Meredith Baxter Birney), and terrible effects. For example, when they're sitting on the roof in the snow, the snow bounces- because it's obviously cotton batting. And the shooting star flying through the sky? I could throw a flashlight and make a more convincing magic star.
My husband and I decided that Jesse Hutch looks like the love child of Seth McFarland and Christopher Knight. Laura Bell Bundy? I just kept waiting for her to yell "Boats! Boats! Boats!". I do have to say the Clauses did have a lovely ski lodge house.
This was just painful. Though i should rate this a 1 or 2, I'm giving it a 3, because it's Christmas and I'm feeling generous.
My husband and I decided that Jesse Hutch looks like the love child of Seth McFarland and Christopher Knight. Laura Bell Bundy? I just kept waiting for her to yell "Boats! Boats! Boats!". I do have to say the Clauses did have a lovely ski lodge house.
This was just painful. Though i should rate this a 1 or 2, I'm giving it a 3, because it's Christmas and I'm feeling generous.
Antiquated sexist plot with terrible acting.
alexnovakan15 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Most Christmas movie are cheesy with bad acting but this took it to the next level. Just when you think the story might redeem itself with the female lead stepping up and taking control, she gets put back into the kitchen. Jack Frost is beyond creepy and sleezy.
I'm not sure who their target audience is but not suitable for kids or anyone with intelligence.
I'm not sure who their target audience is but not suitable for kids or anyone with intelligence.
Lots of fantasy fun if stilted
Dunham1630 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is a fun family movie about trouble at the north pole when the daughter of Santa Claus brings her unaware muggle boyfriend home to meet mom and dad. He is soon chilled out by Jack Frost who thinks he is next in line for both the daughter and for Santa. Well done with four leads - Jesse Hutch, Kristen Bell, Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter- Birney superb the rest of the cast merely adding to the family fun. A bit stitled in terms of the boyfriend's weird toy factory employer back in the real world but certainly works well.
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