Fred Claus: Review By Rufio

Yet another "family" movie made for adults.

(1) What's up with Elizabeth Bank's ("Santa's Little Helper" - yes, her official title) short skirt and excessive cleavage? No explanation is ever given so the only logical explanation is that the director lacks confidence and feels the sure fire way to get men to his movie is exploit a woman.

(2) This film never seems to have a consistent vision. Is it for kids? Adults? The jokes, writing, setting, and action (to include the very goofy fight scenes) fluctuate so much that you never settle into the film. Goofy moments ruin the tender moments, the adult jokes are seriously out of place in light of the silliness, etc.

(3) Language in a family film - I have no idea how it ever benefits a family film.

In terms of worldview, there are a few items worth discussing:

(1) One of the major messages offered in the film is that there is no such thing as a "naughty" child. While I disagree with the "there is no such thing as 'bad'" (example: you never have to teach a kid to lie, but you do have to work hard to teach them truth and integrity), I appreciate the take this film has on the topic.

(2) It is one of the first family films that I've seen that portrays the main character as a hero for stepping up with his girlfriend and... moving in with her (vs. marrying her). What a clever way to craft a "family film" - by deconstructing the family in a major climactic moment of the film (yes, sarcasm was intended).

I really wanted to like this movie, but all hope was lost in its utter failure to deliver as a family film. "Family Film" does not mean "please, insert some adult jokes, language and sexually charged dialogue and/or sequences into a goofy children's movie." Unfortunately, that's what this film does, drowning out its few shining moments.