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Fred Claus
(PG)
Synopsis: Fred Claus
(Vince Vaughn) has lived his entire life in his brother's very large shadow.
Fred tried, but could hardly live up to the example set by the younger
Nicholas (Paul Giamatti), who was just a perfect, well, saint. True to
form, Nicholas grew up to be the model of giving, while Fred became the
polar opposite: a fast-talking repo man who's run out of luck and money.
Over Mrs. Claus' objections, Nicholas agrees to help his brother on one
condition: that he come to the North Pole and earn the money he needs by
working in Santa's Toy Shop. The trouble is that Fred isn't exactly elf
material and, with Christmas fast approaching, Fred could jeopardize the
jolliest holiday of the year.
Robert's Review
"Fred Claus" has
an interesting premise, but was ultimately not that entertaining. Vince
Vaughn should really stick to R-rated roles because having his tongue restricted
by this PG rating really sucked. As usual, he pretty much plays the exact
same
person in every movie that he does, but having to only say PG rated material
really takes the bite out of his humor and persona. Paul Giamatti did a
decent job, as did Kevin Spacey… but a lot of what was going on was never
really explained too well… like, for example, who did the efficiency expert
work for exactly? What gave him the power to shut Santa down? I think that
overall kids will enjoy it, but it's just not that fun or worthwhile for
the adults.
All in all, I'd give
this movie 2 Efficiency Experts (out of 5). Re-watch value: LOW
Brett's Review
Ok, so I think Vince
Vaughn should stick with adult comedy material, because the Christmas thing
just isn't working. I found the few funny parts of "Fred Claus" not
really enough to keep me interested, and I didn't find it all that funny.
However I liked the Christmas theme to the movie and the story was kind
of cool. I think kids will enjoy the movie and I also thought Giamatti
did a good job as well. Overall a good start to the holiday but really
just for kids.
Overall Rating: 2.5
Christmas Trees (out of 5). Re-Watch Value: Low-Moderate (a good rental
for the holidays).
Trivia: (1) Project was originally titled "Fred
Claus", but was changed due to a potential rights issue. It was then retitled
"Joe Claus." After the rights were cleared, the title returned to "Fred
Claus." (2) The wardrobe department consulted Levi's and had special 501's
created to accommodate Vince Vaughn's sizes exactly. (3) David Dobkin was
originally going to direct I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007),
but dropped out to work with 'Vince Vaughan' in 'Fred Claus'. The two originally
worked together on Clay Pigeons (1998) and again in Wedding Crashers (2005).
courtesy
www.myspace.com/thepopcornreview |
