Santa Who?

Of all the entries into what is by now a firmly entrenched late-20th century film genre -- the Santa Claus Identity Crisis genre -- Santa Who? is a harmless enough offering with a smattering of bona fide giggles and an appropriate sense of wonder. This is one of those films that the grown-ups can watch with children of just about any age and find mutual amusement. Veteran children's farce director William Dear (Angels in the Outfield, etc.) keeps the melodrama -- an amnesiac Santa Claus (Leslie Nielsen) helps a bitter TV news reporter (Steven Eckholdt) overcome his lifelong Christmas-phobia -- from dissipating into emotionally contrived folderol by letting Nielsen ham it up when scenes call for a light touch (such as when Santa has to learn to sing carols). The streetwise elves lend spice and the special effects involving flying reindeer are modestly impressive. Add this unsuspecting charmer to your list of holiday perennials, alongside The Santa Claus and the original Miracle on 34th Street. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide