The year without Santa Claus is a remake of the old Rankin and Bass animated classic with the same name. This live-action remake features some relatively well-known names including John Goodman, Delta Burke, Chris Kattan, and Eddie Griffin. There are also a few special appearances by Michael McKean and Carol Kane.

Unfortunately, if you are looking for a new Christmas classic this probably will not be the movie you are looking to raise to cult status. While interesting, comical, and occasionally heart-warming, The Year without Santa Claus is a fun but forgettable movie when stacked against other Holiday fare.

This new version is slightly different than the original classic. In this version, Santa Claus (John Goodman) is faced with the (probably true) fact that he just isn’t needed anymore. The head Elf, Sparky tries to get Santa to understand that he needs to get hip and with the times.

We learn how behind the times he is when we visit an Expo for upcoming Christmas toys. Santa is visiting the Expo to learn about the new possibilities for the good little boys and girls in the world.

At the Expo we are introduced to action figures that are meant to kill one another and Goth dolls (think Bratz) that come in child size and baby size, with dogs for all sizes, clothing, and plenty of other accessories. Needless to say the B-Goths are not Santa’s cup of tea and he begins to wonder why anyone even notices if he’s been there once the presents have been dropped off. Every year Santa gives more and every year the kids want more. Naturally, his trust in the children has waned over the years as the kids have continued to get greedier.

Despite Sparky’s suggestions, Santa is old school. He’s a simple guy who doesn’t want to change. He just wants to know that he is needed. Unfortunately, Santa doesn’t see that and for this reason he decides to call off Christmas.

Mrs. Claus (Delta Burke) sets out to prove Santa wrong though she does not do the job she had hoped she would. In fact, she only further convinces Santa that calling off Christmas is the right thing to do. When she cannot help him, Jingle (Eddie Griffin) and Jangle (Ethan Suplee)  steal a sleigh and head off to find someone who can help show Santa that Christmas will never be the same without him.

Meanwhile, Sparky is still attempting to make Santa more popular. As the CEO and head Elf of Santa Corp. it is his job to bring Santa into the mainstream. Sparky comes up with the best possible plan, for him, Super Santa. Super Santa comes with muscles, a cape, and a very ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’ look. Whatever he is, he definitely isn’t Santa.

However, the following questions remain…

  • Will Santa be proven wrong and go on his Christmas run?
  • Will Super Santa go out this year in Santa’s absence?
  • Will Jingle and Jangle even make it home?

The Year without Santa Claus had some worthwhile actors and some funny scenes. Scenes by Carol Kane and Michael McKean add small bits to the story, though their parts are not too long. The acting is good though parts of the movie have a rushed feeling to them. There are parts that could be omitted or shortened and other scenes would have done better if they were expanded.

John Goodman and Delta Burke both put in excellent performances. Chris Kattan also did a wonderful job as the annoying and hyper Elf, Sparky. The majority of the cast members were worth casting and it shows when watching this movie.

Bottom Line: The Year without Santa Claus is a cute movie that works well while on in the background during the Holidays. However, it might not catch the attention of the entire family like such notable classics as A Christmas Story or Miracle on 34th Street. If you are interested in seeing something new this Christmas, you might want to check this out. However, if you are looking for the next Christmas Classic you might be sadly disappointed.

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