The Santa Clause 2

Released 2002
Stars Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, Eric Lloyd, David Krumholtz, Spencer Breslin, Wendy Crewson, Judge Reinhold
Directed by Michael Lembeck

The Santa Clause 2 picks up several years after the first, with Tim Allen reprising his role as Scott Carlin, a divorced dad who ends up becoming Santa Claus. After a few successful years filling the very large pants of St. Nick at the North Pole, the elves discover a loop hole in Santa’s contract: The Mrs. Clause. Santa has 28 days to find a wife, or he’ll lose his powers and his girth forever. With son Charlie causing teenage trouble at home and school, Santa heads back to the real world to check in on his wayward teen and hopefully stumble over a suitable Santa-wife.

Summary from http://www.filmhobbit.com

I liked this sequel much more than the original, even though I liked the concept of the first one better. The sequel has a better tone, however, and Tim Allen plays less of a sitcom character. My favorite moment is the meeting of the legendary characters, and I liked the Tooth Fairy's insecurity with his name and image. I could have used more scenes with that wit, but overall the movie is good family entertainment. It's completely appropriate for all ages, and there are some nostalgic, sentimental moments that work. I could have done without the subplot of the toy Santa taking over the North Pole, though, because it was too reminiscent of "Toys." I also have to complain a bit about the atrocious special effects. Tim Allen always looked good, and his de-santification process was handled very well, but this is the best they could do with the reindeer? The budget was sixty million dollars, for crying out loud. There's also the moment when Carol (Elizabeth Mitchell) gazes into Charlie's snowglobe. This is supposed to be the emotional climax when she becomes a believer, but nothing happens. Everything from that moment on is a letdown, but I think overall the movie is a solid Christmas film for the family. We don't get too many G-rated live-action films that are fun for both adults and kids. -- Bill Alward, November 22, 2003