I BELIEVE! (Miracle On 34th Street (DVD))

Member Name: mrsbump1

Product:	Miracle On 34th Street (DVD)
Date:	09/12/08 (65 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Heartwarming Christmas fare for all the family.

Disadvantages: Nothing, this film is perfect

If you have read any of my other reviews, you may get the feeling that I am a sucker for Christmas movies and this one, quite frankly is one of the best. Miracle on 34th Street is the ultimate charming, feelgood festive film.

Susan Walker (the fabulous Mara Wilson) is a serious, intelligent and very switched on 6 year old. She has a mother that loves her very much but she doesn't have a father and because her mum, Dorey (played by Elizabeth Perkins), doesn't want to lie to her she has been told that Santa Claus isn't real.

Dorey Walker is an executive at the struggling Coles department store, which is responsible for putting on the annual thanksgiving parade. She is close friends with Bryan Bedford (Dylan McDermott) a lawyer, but scared of she and Susan being hurt she holds their friendship/relationship moving forward, despite Bryan clearly caring deeply for them both.

Just before the parade an old gentleman called Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough) is horrified when he realises Coles' usual Santa is drunk and when he then also disgraces himself infront of the assembled crowds, Dorey convinces a slightly bemused Mr Kringle to take over as Coles' Santa. Kringle proves to be a huge success and by far the most authentic Santa. He seems to believe himself to be Santa (his employment records even stating the North Pole as his home address). Bryan, wanting to try and instill a little magic into Susan's life takes her to see Mr Kringle at Coles. This calls her to question whether her mother was correct when she said Santa wasn't real. When she puts this to Dorey, her Mum suggests that Susan asks Mr Kringle for something that she would never ask her for and if on Christmas morning her wish is granted then she was right to believe in Santa and Dorey will accept it also. Later Susan asks Mr Kringle for a father, a baby brother and a big house. Quite a tall order even for Santa!

Set against all this, are the machinations of a rival department store. Hoping that Coles will have a bad christmas and he will be able to buy out the store in the new year, Victor Landbergh (Joss Ackland) sends his executives out to discredit Mr Kringle and Coles.

When Kris is set up and arrested on an assault charge, Dorey rouses the ranks of Coles behind him in support and asks Bryan to represent him. The court case suddenly become less to do with the original assault and more to do with Mr Kringles state of mind and whether Santa actually exists.

Now I won't spoil the ending but it is a Christmas movie so I am sure you can guess most of what happens. The predictability of this movie takes nothing away from its appeal. It is full of warmth and humour. Richard Attenborough was perfectly cast as Kris Kringle. He is such a believable Santa full of charm and wit. We, as viewers, understand how much the character genuinely cares for the children and wants to spread the generosity of spirit sometimes only evident at Christmas time.
Mara Wilson is also perfectly cast as Susan; she can be so serious and yet has such an open and expressive face. Her cheekiness is irrepressable and you really want all Susan's christmas wishes to come true.

Possibly one of my favourite parts of this movie is the scene at Coles when Santa is visited by a young deaf girl. Her mother has a quick word with Mr Kringle and assures him he doesn't need to talk because her daughter won't be able to hear him and the fact that she will have spent time with him will be enough. Kris smiles, turns to the little girl and signs to her as he talks, asking her her name and what she would like for Christmas and then singing Jingle Bells with her. The look of sheer joy on the little girl's face as she realises she can atlast fully experience this festive tradition, the desperate thanks of her emotional mother and the look of wonder on Susan's face as she watches this unfold is pure gold and never fails to bring a tear to my eye or lump to my throat.

Christmas for me starts once I have seen this movie, it is a definate staple of festive season and a film that frankly I will never grow tired of.

Do YOU believe in Santa?

Summary: Santa comes to town to spread some Christmas magic.