I was skeptical about this film, especially when during the trailor they said "from the makers of The Wedding Crashers", but thankfully it all turned out ok.

If you think Santa, being a Saint n'all, would be immune from having a dysfunctional family, you're just plain wrong. It turns out that his brother, Fred, disgruntled at how good Nick was, decided to get attention another way - by being bad.

Due to the little known fact that sainthood makes both the saint and the saint's immediate family stop aging, Fred is still alive and well - though cut off from the rest of his family. Due to financial trouble he is forced to call his brother and agrees reluctantly to do a few days work for him in exchange for a rediculously large amount of money.

Unfortunately for all involved, an auditor has turned up and threatens to cancel Santa's service contract if there are any mistakes - and seeing the opportunity the auditor makes sure there are plenty.

Although this isn't the best Christmas movie I've ever seen, it is so much better than it could have been I can't help but be satisfied. It was cheesy and yet also good family entertainment - with plenty for adults to chuckle at, whilst still totally suitable for the kids in much the same way Shrek was.

see also:
Elf, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, The Simpsons Movie, Around the world in 80 days

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photo © Warner Bros.