Rating: 
Summary: This movie had me "laughing all the way...."
Review: At least, that's the way the song goes. I like this movie because everything fits like a puzzle. Lucy has tried to hide her pain all these years because her father, who fought in Vietnam, came home--but not alive. Instead of blaming God, she gets mad at Santa because she doesn't get her wish exactly. I also like what he said to her,"I may be able to do a lot of things but I am not God."I also like the multi-cultural aspect of this movie. In all the original movies I've seen like Miracle on 34th Street and Dicken's Christmas Carol, I have never seen a black person in a major role like I did in this one. The song her niece sings in the church is done very well as are the songs Garth Brooks sings. Ok, the parts that made me laugh are: (1)when all those santas come to try out for Kristmas Korner. (a)I like what Lucy said when one of the unkept santas turned around, bent over, and had his rear hanging out of the back of his pants. Lucy said, "I got up early this morning just to see this?" (b)Then there was the other santa wanna be that tried to turn santa into Shakespeare's "Hamlet" with that long-winded big-word speech that made no sense. Her assistant had to hold her back. (2)The part where she meets the elves was funny too, *except for the one who has the glandular problem.(a)Of course, with Lucy's dredlocks, there had to change the style of the traditional santa suit, she wouldn't wear the mustache beard or belt, because she wasn't a man. (b)Her assistant was the most profane person on the planet, he was greedy and lusted after Lucy. When she saw his true nature, she screamed. One of the things that stood out in this movie was Lucy's willingness to change. She said thank you to the girl who bought her a vanilla cappochino, she is kinder to santa, and she accepts her role as his replacement and realizes what The "Or Else Factor" is. That was a unique twist, tying Armegeddon in as a consquence to not having the next santa in place by midnight on Christmas Eve. I definitely plan to buy this movie when it is released on video. It is destined to become a holiday classic.
Rating:
Summary: This movie had me "laughing all the way...."
Review: At least, that's the way the song goes. I like this movie because everything fits like a puzzle. Lucy has tried to hide her pain all these years because her father, who fought in Vietnam, came home--but not alive. Instead of blaming God, she gets mad at Santa because she doesn't get her wish exactly. I also like what he said to her,"I may be able to do a lot of things but I am not God." I also like the multi-cultural aspect of this movie. In all the original movies I've seen like Miracle on 34th Street and Dicken's Christmas Carol, I have never seen a black person in a major role like I did in this one. The song her niece sings in the church is done very well as are the songs Garth Brooks sings. Ok, the parts that made me laugh are: (1)when all those santas come to try out for Kristmas Korner. (a)I like what Lucy said when one of the unkept santas turned around, bent over, and had his rear hanging out of the back of his pants. Lucy said, "I got up early this morning just to see this?" (b)Then there was the other santa wanna be that tried to turn santa into Shakespeare's "Hamlet" with that long-winded big-word speech that made no sense. Her assistant had to hold her back. (2)The part where she meets the elves was funny too, *except for the one who has the glandular problem.(a)Of course, with Lucy's dredlocks, there had to change the style of the traditional santa suit, she wouldn't wear the mustache beard or belt, because she wasn't a man. (b)Her assistant was the most profane person on the planet, he was greedy and lusted after Lucy. When she saw his true nature, she screamed. One of the things that stood out in this movie was Lucy's willingness to change. She said thank you to the girl who bought her a vanilla cappochino, she is kinder to santa, and she accepts her role as his replacement and realizes what The "Or Else Factor" is. That was a unique twist, tying Armegeddon in as a consquence to not having the next santa in place by midnight on Christmas Eve. I definitely plan to buy this movie when it is released on video. It is destined to become a holiday classic.
Rating: 
Summary: Whoopi Gives You A Reason To See Christmas Is In All
Review: CALL ME CLAUS was directed by Peter Werner (The 70's, That Substitute Wife) and written by Paul Mooney (Good Times, The Richard Prior Show) and Sara Berstein (Trial and Error, One Day In Dallas) and is the story of an over zelous TV Producer of a "Home-Shopping Club-Type network that needs to relearn the value of Christmas again. This TV Executive is played hysterically by Whoopi Goldberg (Sister Act, The Color Purple, Rat Race) and needs to do the one job you would think everyone on the planet would never turn down - BEING - yes BEING - Santa Clause. She is funny and has a flavor all her own. Santa's 200 year term is almost up and its time to find his replacement. Due to a magical Christmas hat - he finds her in Whoopi. The two then go on a hysterical journey of adventure and heart. Santa is masterfully portrayed by Nigel Hawthrorne (Tarzan, Amistad) and the chemistry they have together is sensitive and real. The movie has some clever visuals with the "magic" Santa Hat as well as some pretty convincing elves. Color and family and the importnace of being with your family durring the Holidays. Some other outstanding performances are those of Santa's pain-in-the-neck sidekick Ralph played by Taylor Negron (Stuart Little, Spy Hard) and Mr. Victor Garbor (Cinderella-TV, Titanic, Annie-TV) as Whoopi's assistant. The movie is charming and has a heart. It gives you the persepctive of understnading Santa Clause has no boundries, color, shapes, orgins or beliefs - Christmas is the spirit of Love, Giving and there is a little bit of Santa in us all! A good DVD to have for the Holidays. (12-10-03)
Rating:
Summary: A Holiday Delight destined to be a New Christmas Tradition!
Review: I have watched this movie over and over again. That's how good it is. I love holidays films in general, but this one tops my list. It is a great mixture of fantasy and reality. Some holiday films get a bit saccarine and syrupy, but with Whoopi's portrayal of the crusty Lucy Cummings keeps the story more down-to-earth and prevents the film from drifting into the maudlin. There's some touching and sad moments as well, which makes for a well-balanced story, along with great humor. This movie definitely will be an annual holiday tradition in my home.
Rating:
Summary: Modern Christmas classic
Review: I only discovered this movie for the first time recently and I'm so glad I did. Generally I have a fondness for the older Christmas themed movies but stumbling across this one I found a delightful little contemporary story that will become part of my annual Christmas viewing. Being a big Whoopi Goldberg fan I was prepared to like the combination of her with Christmas anyway but what unfolded was a delightful story that made me laugh and shed a little tear along the way. Goldberg is an extremely talented actress who I feel has been shamefully neglected by Hollywood over the years. As seen in her terrific work in "The Colour Purple", "Ghost", and "Sister Act" she is a performer with a huge range, a natural in comedy and also uniquely gifted to put across a performance of great sensitivity. In "Call Me Claus" Whoopi has a field day in a VERY present day tale of commercialised Christmas, home internet shopping and a lack of belief in anything that doesn't have a $ sign attached to it. She plays Lucy Cullins a cranky, cynical producer of a terribly crass home shopping network that is hosting the annual "Kristmas Korner". While hating everything about Christmas she hires a Santa for the festive season promotion of their christmas products that contain such essential items as sock warmers and Santa poker machines! What she fails to realise is that she has got the real Santa (the late great Nigel Hawthorne in a delightful performance) and he proceeds to not only turn Lucy's life unside with the news that she must be his successor as his 200 year contract for the job of Santa is expiring, but also manages to teach her a bit about forgiveness, caring, and appreciation of others in the process. What unfolds in "Call Me Claus" is an amusing tale filled with many funny situations. Whoopi's natural comedy timing comes to the fore in particular in the hilarious Santa audition scenes and once she has become the new Santa in white dreadlocks and Santa suit (minus the belt!) trying to get the hang of the correct way to slide down a chinmey. They and other scenes will have you laughing out loud and her crusty character gives a different edge to your usual holiday movie. Whoopi really makes this film however equally as great is Nigel Hawthorne as "Nick" in his last performance prior to his death in 2001. I couldn't think of a better role for Hawthorne to go out on than his portrayal of Santa Claus. He is at times warm and sentimental , funny, and suprisingly up to date in his thinking and indeed the whole performance is a delight. Victor Garber as the TV show producer and Brian Mitchell as the fast talking ideas man also score well in their assorted roles. But without a doubt it is Whoopi's and Hawthorne's show all the way. It's a refreshing change to have a contemporary Christmas film that really explores alot about what Christmas has become to alot of us, the crass commercialism, lack of belief in the holiday and the true meaning of Christmas. "Call Me Claus" while a light hearted romp does look into all these issues and really makes you think about how we actually do spend the holiday season and what should really be important to us. While no great Yuletide classic this film is highly recommended viewing during the season. It's a part of my Christmas collection now and to see two superb talents like Whoopi Goldberg and Nigel Hawthorne together doing what they do best is definately a holiday treat not to be missed.
Rating:
Summary: Whoopi Goldberg was fantastic as ever
Review: The movie Call Me Claus was just great for young and old. If you appreciate the wonderful actress, Whoopi Goldberg then you will really love the movie. Ms Goldberg gives a great performance as usual.
Rating:
Summary: Whoopie made me laugh all the way...
Review: This is a must see. Lucy (played by Whoopie) blames Santa for not getting her wish, which is bringing her father back. Santa Claus is looking for his successor and Lucy is the one. I loved the fact that for the first time a black person plays the major role as Santa's succesor. The songs that are in the movie, will get you in the spirit of christmas. The songs that Lucy's niece sings in the church will move you. I recommend the CD for this movie by Garth Brooks as well. Buy It.
Rating:
Summary: gets u in the holiday spirt
Review: this was a great movie it realy gets you in the true spirt of christmas. a must see for the whole family to get into the spirt of christmas, was very fun to watch. makes you warm all over a feel good kinda show
Rating:
Summary: A touching legacy
Review: This was Sir Nigel Hawthorne's last film role before he passed away on December 26, 2001 - the day after Christmas Day. His performance as Santa was truly beautiful, as always. Subtle, fun, compassionate and full of life, Nigel's Santa will always remain the Santa of my imagination. He and Whoopi worked wonderfully together, the story was engaging, poignant and fun and the underlying message of hope and new beginnings was apt for a season that has been so commercialized in recent modern history (as the film so brilliantly shows). I loved this film. I laughed and I cried and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who dares to still believe in the magic of Santa Claus.
Rating: 
Summary: Call Me Claus
Review: Total schmaltz - EXTREMELY BAD ACTING, DIRECTING and DIALOG.
An embarrassment for Whoopi.
It's amazing when actors can't discern what is sub-intelligent any longer... or, more probably, it's just a sellout for the big bucks.
Get out your vomit bags and prepare to be transported back to kindergarten, kiddies!
| 
