Do you believe in Santa? (Miracle On 34th Street (DVD))

Member Name: Sarah_Louise

Product:	Miracle On 34th Street (DVD)
Date:	13/12/03 (81 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gets you in the festive spirit!, Raises some important issues about our society

Disadvantages: None that I can think of

skip this first bit to be able to read the review with capital letters intact. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a. a.
<
br>

= = = BACKGROUND WAFFLE = = =

Considering we're now well into December and the weather is still rather mild and has been rather nice lately I've not really been feeling particularly festive. Even with the onslaught of Christmas adverts on the telly and all the tree's and decorations in the shops, without some freezing cold weather this time of year (and ideally some snow!) it just doesn't feel like Christmas does it?

I saw, by some miracle in itself, "Miracle on 34th Street" in the TV guide the other week. I say its a miracle in itself simply because I rarely bother looking in the TV guide these days. I generally only watch TV one night a week, that being Tuesday on Living TV when Most Haunted and Jane Goldman Investigates is on. (Which have both sadly finished this week) :-(

Anyway, on flicking through the TV guide I noticed "Miracle on 34th Street" advertised, to be shown on Channel 5 just a few days ago. I was quite pleased about this because I knew it'd get me feeling a little more festive. Or at least I was hoping for that affect!



= = = THE FILM = = =

Thats enough of the waffle. I have to make a conscious effort to halt with the waffle or else this entire opinion would consist of waffle and waffle alone! And I'm starting to waffle again now, so, back on track....

This film is a remake of a 1947 film of the same name.

It is essentially a childrens film with a rating of PG. It isn't really too childish though, or I don't think it is. Its far from being all fantasy and fairy tales in this film, despite it being about Santa Claus predominantly. Unlike many other films revolving around Santa, this film isn't all happy-cheary Santa stories about him flying around the world in one night, eating mince pies and drinking sherry. This is in fact a film about belief.

Dorey, working for Cole's department
store on New York's 34th Street, decides to employ a man called Kriss Kringle to play the part of Santa in the store over the Christmas season. Dorey doesn't believe in Santa and has consequently instilled this scepticism in her young daughter, Susan.

For them, Santa Claus is a myth passed down from parents to children. This lack of faith leeches away the magic of the season for them. That is until Bryan Bedford comes along (Dorey's neighbour and boyfriend). Bryan feels sorrt for both Dorey and Susan, especially Susan. No child should have Christmas spoiled for them by such scepticism. Believing in Santa is a natural thing for any 21st century child. Isn't it?

So, with the help of Kriss they set about persuading them *both* that there is such a thing as Santa.

The twist in the tale is that Kriss Kringle really *is* Santa! (Much to Bryan's surprise as much as Dorey and Susans'!)

It all sounds a bit far fetched I'm sure, and I have only summed up the very basics of the film above. There is obviously far more to it.

All in all this film encompasses a range of stories. In part its a childrens film, in other parts its a love story. However, throughout the whole film the issue of belief is raised.

For example. An important part of the film is that near the end when a Judge declares Kriss Kringle as the real Santa. Claiming that if the US Government can have "In God we trust" printed on all their bank notes then why should the general public not believe in Santa?



= = = GOOD POINTS = = =

There are a number of good things about this film.

~ Gets you in the festive mood.

~ Overall its a "feel good" film. Nothing to get your upset unduly. And, as with most films, it all turns out fine in the end.

~ Its not just a silly childrens film. (Although on the surface it may appear to be so). Stic
k with it though, you'll have to trust me on this one!

~ Raises some important issues about our society. Why aren't we free to believe what we want? Of course some are lucky enough to escape with their beliefs but there are so many other, less fortunate people, who have to hide their beliefs from others for one reason or another. Of course this film is about belief in Santa, which is an important part to any childhood I believe. However, the underlying issue in this film is that of belief in general.



= = = BAD POINTS = = =

I honestly can't think of any regarding this film to be honest.

The only flaw I have with the viewing I sat though the other night was that it was on Channel 5 and, for some reason or another, the film was being played quite quietly which meant I had to turn the volume up, only to be deafened every time the adverts started!



= = = CONCLUSION = = =

I have now seen this film about 4 or 5 times and I've enjoyed it on each viewing. I don't know, maybe I'm a sucker for Christmas "feel-good" films? I do recommend this film highly though. Give it a go. You may enjoy it too!



= = = COMPLIMENTARY BORING BITS = = =

Feel free to skip this bit but a film op just isn't a film op with the boring bits!


~ Set in: United States, 1994

~ Release Date: 1 1/18/94

~ Running Length: 1:53

~ Rating: PG (Nothing offensive)

~ Cast:
Richard Attenborough,
Elizabeth Perkins,
Dylan McDermott,
Mara Wilson,
J T Walsh,
James Remar,
Robert Prosky,
Joss Ackland

~ Director: Les Mayfield

~ Producer: John Hughes

~ U.S. Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox


= = = FINISHING NOTE = = =

In case this is the last op I get around to until the big day I'd just like to take a moment to wish all
you in dooyoo land a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

}:o

(That's Rudolph, in case you were wondering!)

Summary: