Sweet and enduring (Miracle On 34th Street [1994] (DVD))

Member Name: spooney

Product:	Miracle On 34th Street [1994] (DVD)
Date:	10/10/08 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Surefire way to entertain the kids

Disadvantages: Overplayed during the holiday season

There are some movies that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and this feelgood Christmas film is certainly one of those. Featuring the wonderfully talented Richard Attenborough in the lead role, this remake of the 1947 classic asks an age old question- Does Santa Claus really exist?

The movie centres around Attenborough in the role of Kris Kringle, an elderly gentleman plucked from obscurity and thrust into the limelight when he is hired as the newest Santa Claus for New York's oldest department store, Cole's. Elizabeth Perkins co-stars as Dorey Walker, a single mother responsible for discovering Kringle's talent.

Dorey has taught Susan, her young daughter, from an early age that Santa Claus does not exist. Independent and cautious, Dorey is pursued by her friend and neighbour, Bryan Bedford, played by Dylan McDermott. The will-they, won't-they romance between Dorey and Bryan provides a sweet sub-plot to the main storyline.

Scenes between Attenborough and Mara Wilson, who plays Susan, are rather extraordinary in the sense that Wilson seems to fit perfectly with this iconic actor. As Mr. Kringle shows Susan that believing in magic can bring her greatest wishes to life, she in turn shares the secret of what she truly wants for Christmas- a family. It is this tentative friendship that helps Kringle with his greatest battle- proving that he is not crazy, that he really is Santa Claus.

A great family film, Miracle on 34th Street comes highly recommended!

Summary: If you believe in Santa Claus, he may just make your dreams come true!