Ho-ho-ho!
One of the last Saban Entertainment projects for the Fox Family Channel prior to Disney's acquisition of both Saban and the network was this delightful, hilarious Kringle odyssey, starring Harry Hamlin, Roy Dotrice, Stuart Pankin, Gary Coleman (in a rare post-"Diff'rent Strokes" cameo) and (get this!) William Hootkins as Santa Claus. "Like Father, Like Santa" might have been forgettable to some, but those who have seen it before (or may see it again on ABC Family, as the network calls itself these days) still consider it quite a hoot!
Tyler Madison (Hamlin) is one of L.A.'s hottest toy manufacturing executives. He has a wife and a son and one of the most notable pedigrees in corporate America today. What no one knows, however, is that Tyler Madison is also the son of Santa Claus (Hootkins) --- and has been estranged from his father for many years. But when an unprecedented crisis befalls Santa's Kingdom, and when gentle-hearted and somewhat reluctant Ambrose (Dotrice), who has spent 30 years as one of Santa's hardest-working Elves, is goaded by the jealous Snipes (Pankin) into taking over the North Pole, Claus Senior and Junior must team up to set things right and restore happiness to the Elf Compound.
Hootkins, who will always be known to Star Wars fans as Jek Porkins (and to certain Batman fans as Lieutenant Eckhardt), provides a kindness and a wisdom unexpected from a character actor of his tenure. When I first saw this film, I myself never knew how much he could bring to the role of Santa. Indeed, I had to shed a tear when I saw him interacting with the kid who portrays Tyler's son. Imagine the kid's excitement when he learns that Santa is in fact his very own grandpa! Now, what kid on Earth wouldn't want to boast that kind of family tie?
"Like Father, Like Santa" is brilliant, hilarious, and somehow poignant; and it's a shame, really, that this rare jewel of a Christmas comedy has to be ranked among the forgotten film treasure of the Season to be Jolly. Still, I heartily recommend it to anyone who has ever wanted to wish upon a star and say: "I wish Santa Claus were my grandpa." Being the so-called Elf without Jingles, I have to tell ya: I kind of feel that way too.
Ho-ho-ho! (By the way, I'm wearing my Santa Claus regalia as I write this, so I trust you'll understand why this review has a very jolly demeanor about it.) Merry Christmas to all!
