Santa Claus

Santa Claus (1959)

* (out of 4)

Insane Mexican movie has one of the worst reputations out there but I didn't find it nearly as bad as many would make it. The film has Santa Claus (Jose Elias Moreno) trying to deliver toys on Christmas Eve but he's being interrupted by a Devil but have no fear because Santa is friends with Merlin the Magician. One does need to remember that the figure of Santa is viewed differently from country to country so I think it's a tad bit unfair to criticize this movie just because he doesn't come off under the American tradition. With that said, one would really have to scratch their heads as to why the producers would think that having Santa battle the Devil would make a good holiday movie. You'd also have to wonder why on Earth K. Gordon Murray would want to buy the rights but I guess his investment paid off as this sucker did become a major staple around Christmas time for many years and today even more people are checking it out each year. The movie is certainly insane from start to finish because there's never really any explanation for what's going on. I'm still trying to figure out why Merlin and Santa are friends and why the reindeer's are fake and need to be started by cranking a key. I also have to wonder why they show Santa working out with a weight-reducing machine so that he can fit down a chimney. We also get to see the Devil make children throw some rocks at Santa but I have to admit this was pretty funny. The movie gets off to a pretty weird start as we see children from various countries singing various songs. You can tell these kids weren't actors as most of them are constantly looking around for their direction. This movie has surreal moments, creepy moments, funny moments and some rather smart moments (the magic key) and this is what makes this movie so watchable even though the production is quite horrid.