This film is the ultimate Christmas film and granted to put you deep into the Christmas spirit, as you ask yourself whether or not you believe in Santa Clause. The story-line deals with the belief in Santa Claus, but it is handled very well, so there is no danger that your kids will stop believing in Santa Claus after watching this movie, I would say just the opposite. It is so well written that the story is believable without the need for magic or hocus pocus. It is a remake of the classic film but with brilliant actors such as Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle. When Dorey Walker (Elizabeth Perkins) hires a seemingly insignificant elderly gentleman (Kris Kringle) to be their Cole's Santa she has no idea of the success it would bring Cole's. Just as every thing in life is peachy, Cole's rivals decide to discredit Santa by framing him. When it goes to court to decide weather Kris Kringle is a nut case as he believes he is Santa it is up to the judge to decide if Santa Clause is real, challenging all that is good and pure about Christmas.There are scenes that make you laugh, and scenes where tissues are needed. Romantic sparks also fly across the screen, which is an added bonus. I know the acting is contrived and the actors merely walk-through the film, but that doesn't matter. I think the director wanted the film to resemble a remake of the original with the idea of the classic American feel. The guy is far too good looking and the woman always glamorously made up, which adds this massive dollop of American schmaltz to the proceedings. The only things that stood out were an Elizabeth Perkins's performance, she was great in the role of a mother, and Richard Attenborough plays the part of Chris Kringle so well, it's like he was made for the part! Overall, though a great story-line based on the original film, lots of magical moments. A great family film.Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

This latest installment of the beloved holiday film tried to succeed, but alas, all of it's efforts failed, particularly in comparison with the two previous versions. In my opinion, once you're seen the 1947 version with Maureen O'Hara and John Payne, this failure becomes obviously and painfully apparent. There is more heat in a winter snow storm than in the odd pairing of Dylan McDermott and Elizabeth Perkins. It just seems to be "trying to hard" to be the equal of the original, updating the events to make it more au current, all the while the characters and performances seeming forced and stereotypical, without the true spirit of the B&W classic (with the sole exception of an always superb Richard Attenborough in the leading role). It appears that in a desperate attempt to come up with a truly good Christmas movie, all they've managed to do is reheat last night's Christmas dinner.

for the presence of Richard Attenborough. or for charming performance of Robert Prosky. but not more. because it is difficult to do a good remake to a masterpiece. because the actualization of story is not really inspired. but, if you do not know the original, this is one of touching films. humor and Christmas spirit are perfect options for entertainment and for a evening with family.correct - the reference to Saint Nicholas is a good point -it has not magic of original. is it a sin ? not but the hope is always a virtue.. a love story, a girl and Santa in his entire splendor. same story about spirit of holiday, faith and miracle. a nice film, yes, it is a nice film. with few drops of deep beauty grace of extraordinary mister Attenborough

Dylan McDermott (Mr. Gailey), Richard Attenborough (Kris Kringle), and Mara Wilson (the girl) are fine, but Elizabeth Perkins is miserable as Mrs. Walker, the girl's mom. She mumbles her lines with no intensity or feeling. Also, in the original there were some dramatic twists that were interesting and advanced the plot; here, all the twists are planned ahead of time and telegraphed to the audience. I liked the Walker girl watching the parade out of Mr. Gailey's window -- all the floats were (in color!) right there. And, Dylan McDermott does his best to be an engaging boyfriend wannabe, and Richard Attenborough tries to be a charismatic Santa, but the movie really falls flat with poor writing, poor acting by Elizabeth Perkins, and probably poor pacing, staging, and dramatic narrative by the director. Take a pass on this faux remake and go back to the original with great actors like Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara, and Natalie Wood, and a narrative that was actually dramati, real, and interesting.