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 Reel Life with Jane!Get the latest scoop on family-friendly movies at the theatre and on DVD! FRED CLAUS
Reel Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Reels Cast: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, John Michael Higgins, Miranda Richardson, Rachel Weisz, Kathy Bates, Elizabeth Banks, Kevin Spacey. PLOT SYNOPSIS: Vince Vaughn plays Fred Claus, the older, less-saintly brother of Nick, who comes out of the womb uttering the words “ho ho ho.” But living in the shadow of his fat, jolly brother doesn’t sit well with Fred, who grows up to be a self-absorbed repo man. Profanity: “Ass,” “crap,” “hell,” colorful phrases like “shove it.” Sex/ Nudity: A female character wears a disturbingly low-cut Santa outfit, Fred comments about “naughty” girls, some flirting and kissing between characters. Violence/Gore: Slapstick violence includes Fred getting chased by a pack of Salvation Army Santas, attacked by Ninja elves, and into a snowball fight/wrestling match with Nick. Which Kids Will Like It? Ages 7 to 14 who like holiday movies, physical comedy, and/or edgy humor. Will Parents Like It? Probably. This movie includes some unnecessary sexual overtones and drinking (Fred goes to an elf-hangout bar at the North Pole). But it also has some good thoughts about family harmony and working through problems. REVIEW: Every year about this time, you can expect a movie that falls into the “stupid Christmas movie” category. This movie almost falls into that category, but it’s saved by Vince Vaughn’s edgy humor, a wealth of acting talent, and a few positive messages thrown in for good measure. The Claus boys were born long ago in a cabin in the woods. Apparently, the entire family of a saint gets to a certain age and then never gets any older. The parents (Kathy Bates and Trevor Peacock) are stuck in their 60’s, while the boys are in their mid to late 40’s. While Nick grows up to build a huge empire of elves and goodness at the North Pole – including marrying the lovely Annette (Miranda Richardson) – Fred grows up to be a self-involved repo man with a knack for getting into trouble. When Fred lands in jail right before Christmas, Nick agrees to bail him out, but only if he comes to the North Pole and works off his debt. You can see where this is headed. Fred arrives at the North Pole and immediately causes havoc, replacing the workshop D.J.’s (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) traditional “Here Comes Santa Claus” with Elvis Presley’s “Rubberneckin’.” The best scene in this movie is the one where Fred rocks it out with the elves in the workshop. Unfortunately, the elves’ work goes by the wayside and they get behind on their toy building duties. Enter Clyde (Kevin Spacey), an uptight efficiency expert who lurks around watching for mistakes and a reason to shut down the North Pole for good. Subplots involve a lovelorn elf, Willie (John Michael Higgins), who’s sweet on workshop manager Charlene (Elizabeth Banks); Fred’s girlfriend Wanda (Rachel Weisz); and an orphaned kid named Slam (Bobb’e J. Thompson). Ok, so this movie probably won’t turn into a holiday classic, but it’s fun for kids and has just enough edgy humor to make it fun for adults. One funny scene involves Fred attending a group therapy session with other forgotten brothers, including Frank Stallone, Roger Clinton, and Stephen Baldwin. Yes, they’re really in the movie. I bet you’ll leave the theater smiling, and that’s always a good thing. JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM : One Reel: Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it. Two Reels: Tolerable. Coulda been a contender. Three Reels: Something to talk about. Four Reels: You want the truth? Great flick! Five Reels: Wow! The stuff dreams are made of. Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries. Visit her online at www.ReelLifeWithJane.com or email jboursaw@charter.net
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by Jane Louise Boursaw
Vaughn plays Fred Claus, the older brother of Nick (Paul Giamatti), who comes out of the womb uttering the words “ho ho ho.” Fred’s a good kid, but let’s face it, he’s no saint. That’s a lot to live up to, especially when your mom keeps saying, “I wish you were more like your brother.” Geez, Mom. Wait to instill a big, fat complex in a kid.