If you are looking for a light hearted film to get the family into the holiday spirit, you might want to think twice about sitting through Vince Vaughn’s latest release “Fred Claus”.
Young Fred turns on his brother Nick for cutting down his favorite fir tree. Jolly Nick grows up to be Santa Claus and Fred grows up to be bitter and estranged from his family. He and his girlfriend are also feuding (Rachel Weisz). Fred lands in jail and in desperation calls his brother.
Fred comes to the North Pole to work with Nick and the elves during the week before Christmas in order to repay the $5,000 bail money and earn $50 grand that he needs to finance a gambling parlor. Fred’s job is to determine which kids are naughty and which are nice. He throws a wrench into things when he stamps every kids personal folder NICE. This causes panic because there aren’t enough toys for every child .
We see glimpses of holiday delight when Fred leads the elves in a rocking dance fest in the toy factory. We also see mind numbing scenes of a staged family intervention and Fred attending a Siblings Anonymous meeting. We have cameo appearances by Steven Baldwin and Roger Clinton – Bill’s brother.
Fred ends up taking over for Santa, who has a bad back, and must drive the sleigh on Christmas Eve.
There are occasional glimpses of merriment but the film is too bogged down with adult themes – and way more angst than any kid should have to witness. If you must see it – leave the kids home. Even the tweens and teens will be hard pressed to find much appeal.
What: Fred Claus
Directed by: David Dobkin
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Rachel Weisz, Kevin Spacey, Miranda Richardson
Rated: PG
Should you go? No, no, no.
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