content rating:

PG

parental discretion advised

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Miracle on 34^th Street (1994)

Movie Facts

Release Year:

1994

Runtime:

113 minutes

Cast:

Richard Attenborough

Elizabeth Perkins

Dylan McDermott

J. T. Walsh

James Remar

Mara Wilson

Robert Prosky

Director:

Les Mayfield

Producer:

John Hughes

Basic Plot

When the Macy's Santa becomes inebriated prior to his appearance in their annual Christmas parade, white-whiskered Kris Kringle is hired on the spot to take his place.  He's an immediate hit with the crowd so he's offered the seasonal job in the toy department of Macy's store located on 34th Street.  The children accept the kindly old man as "the real thing" right away; the only problem is that Kris believes it too.  In fact, he's quite confident of it.  But he is challenged by the skepticism of those around him.  Most of all he's concerned about Susan, the young daughter of the no-nonsense parade organizer who raised her on a diet of reality.  Susan has no imagination...and no belief in Santa Claus.  When a competitor store tries to ruin Kris' reputation by involving him in an unsavory news story, Kris feels betrayed and allows himself to be committed.  However, his lawyer friend is determined to defend Kris in a public court and prove he is the one and only Santa Claus.

Review

Granted, this movie should be reviewed on its own merits, but it's impossible for us to watch this version of the 1947 Academy Award winner and not compare it.  The storyline is familiar even though many new twists have been added.  Most of the cast is forgettable and the warmth of the 40's is absent.  Instead, the greedy coldness of the 90's is used as the backdrop for this revisited theme.  The one shining light is not the child as most would think, but Richard Attenborough.  As usual, he gives a wonderful performance in a mediocre film.  If you're desperate for a new DVD to add to your Christmas collection, this may be a good choice...but don't expect it to be of the same caliber as the original.

Overall rating

     (out of a possible 5 bubble lights)