This was way better than I expected. I’d even go so far as to call it The Santa Clause 2.0! Callum (Dwayne Johnson), Jack (Chris Evans), and Nick (J.K. Simmons) maintain such a serious demeanor throughout the movie that at times it feels like you’re watching Air Force One—and it works brilliantly. The characters’ unwavering commitment to their mission is a testament to the creators’ ability to perfectly strike the balance with contrasting elements: namely being serious and funny all at once.
Also, can we talk about Santa? I can’t think of another movie where we see a shredded Saint Nick. J.K. Simmons as an athletic, muscular Santa is a first—and it’s awesome! Sure, The Rise of the Guardians gave us North, a strong-man Santa, but he wasn’t rocking this level of fitness. Kudos to Simmons for redefining the look of Ol’ Saint Nick.
That said, this film might not be the best pick for very young kids, as the word ‘sh$t’ makes frequent appearances. But credit goes to the writers—it’s never overdone. Like the porridge Goldilocks’ finally eats (not too hot, not too cold), the language is just right, always used to perfectly accentuate the moment.
Finally, beyond the humor and action, Callum’s journey to rediscover the good in people embodies the Christmas spirit in a way that feels refreshingly relevant. In today’s climate, wouldn’t we all benefit from seeing the inner child in those around us? To focus on their potential for good rather than their most recent mistakes? This movie delivers laughs, heart, and, believe it or not, a much-needed message for the season.
