The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/santaclause3/index.html
**1/2

Directed by Michael Lembeck
Written by Ed Decter and John J. Strauss

With Tim Allen, Ann Margaret, Alan Alda, Spencer Breslin, Martin Short, Elizabeth
Mitchell

I have always been a fan of Tim Allen even if I have not always liked everything I have seen him do. When I watched the first The Santa Clause, I thought it really had a lot of great stuff in it. The second one, while a little weaker, still had a very good story, and some great characters.
This one however, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause really lacked something. I don't know if it was Bernard, the Elf who could not leave "Numbers" during filming or if it was the addition of Martin Short. On the other hand, maybe it was a "Grinch" ending with a cute kid that left me cold. I don't know.
The supporting cast of Alan Alda, Ann Margaret, and added work for Spencer Breslin as Curtis was excellent. Heck, who am I kidding? You put Ann Margaret in a film and it automatically becomes a better movie to me.
Truth to tell, I liked the film. I would have paid for it, and felt that I got my money's worth. Nevertheless, I think the fact that it seemed somewhat less intelligently written really got to me on some points.
I mean, how many times are we going to have to be told that the moral of the Christmas story is not just a way for stores to make money, but actually for Families? The film came off preachy and left you wondering if we have not learned it by now, will we ever understand the importance of the day?
The addition of the "cute, gee whiz, isn't she just adorable?" little girl made me want to gag. As soon as I saw her, I knew how the film had to end. And the whole 'family fights' but still loves each other is getting sort of old, especially in a Holiday film. I think we know that by now, and most families accept that this is the case. Even folks who come from broken homes (I always wondered about that phrase) are aware of this, even if they never experienced "Love" during or after the fighting.
Martin Short as "Jack Frost" was adequate. He filled the role, trying to ham it up in all his scenes, but instead coming off as a spoiled actor who does not always get his way. Seems he is jealous of the success of Santa Clause, and wants to get either his own holiday (Frostmas, Thanksfrost) or figure out a way to replace Santa. In this, he actually reminds me of a second rate comedian who is jealous of a bigger named Comedian, who had his own successful TV show, and two very successful movies…. Uhm, well yeah. I guess that makes sense.
Anyway, Frost discovers a way to cause Scott Calvin (Santa) to travel back in time and not get the Santa suit. Instead, Frost puts it on first, changing Calvin's history for the next twelve years.
This combination of "Back to the Future" and "It's a Wonderful Life" was completely transparent from the moment you knew the plot. Calvin discovers that he has made a mess of his family life, his son's life and even his own to a point. In addition, that fancy apartments, a big job and a nifty sports car are not the most important things in the world. Of course, I know that. I just wish I had a chance to prove that millions of dollars would not spoil me.
While the movie had several good points, it still felt like the day after Christmas, when all the presents have been opened, the children have already broken most of them; there is nothing to eat but leftovers, and only crappy TV to watch.
Even though the excitement of the day before is still there, it is dying down. That is how The Santa Clause 3 felt; you were still excited by the characters, but the story just felt like it was getting tired. Unless they have a truly great story, I hope this is the last of the Santa Clause films.
Lets end this by saying this is a fun family film, and one that the kids will enjoy. It is a great way to keep them busy while Mommy and Daddy help Santa get their gifts. And it is not necessary to have seen the other two films, but even that wouldn't hurt if you have the time. I just rewatched the DVD's this past week to get ready for everything. Stay during the end credits, there are a few good outtakes. I hope that the DVD will include ALL of the outtakes and goofs of the film.
And seeing Ann Margaret get hit on by the Easter Bunny was priceless.