Santa Who?

Leslie Nielsen was the best part of the movie! He was perfect as Santa, better than in "All I want for Christmas," albeit that was more a cameo role. He played an amnesiac Santa with just the right amount of confusion and sympathy. The part where he (re)learned the Christmas Carols was one of the most original parts. Overall a very enjoyable holiday movie.

The afternoon TV schedules seem to clog up from mid-November on with usually made- for-TV Christmas movies. This one I found a pleasant enough watch, even if Leslie Nielsen in switching from an airplane to a sleigh, isn't the first person I'd think of to play Santa Clause. The story's formulaic enough, with an orphan kid growing up to be a festive curmudgeon, even in his day job as a roving TV reporter on the look out for happy, "and we end tonight with..." stories. Because Santa apparently ignored his childhood letter asking him for a family, he won't commit to his pretty co-worker single-parent girl-friend and her young son.

However when old Santa falls out of his sleigh right on top of his car, gaining amnesia in the process, from there you can pretty much predict the minor twists and turns in the plot before the expected happy ending shows up. There's a sub-plot of a fairly eccentric bunch of elves trying to track down their boss in time for the Christmas deliveries, but the main fun is how humbug Peter re-connects with his inner child and in so doing makes things right in his private life.

The lead boy and girl are nice enough in their lovey-dovey parts and even the kid playing the young son holds back the sentimental-come-smart-aleck routine so commonplace with child actors in films like this. Neilson tries reasonably hard but with little in the way of comedic lines to deliver, comes across almost anonymously, especially hidden under a bulked up Santa costume and of course snow-white beard. You almost think it's a contract stipulation when he loses his beard for a time late on just so you can see it's really him.

The effects are okay and there are lots of nice Christmas decorations in the background to push home the festive feel-good factor.

Like I said, the film was pleasant, undemanding seasonal entertainment. Half way through there's a mini roll-call of Christmas classics like "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street". "Santa Who" is well below the quality of those two evergreens, but its heart is in the right place and from where I was sitting filled up this particular spot in the schedule well enough.

I love the TV-movie "Santa Who?" It is such a classic. One reason is Leslie Nielsen, who plays the one-and-only Santa Claus.

Peter Albright (Steven Eckholdt) is another highlight.

Everything is to love about this film. That is why I enjoy it.

I recently watched Santa Who? (2000) on Tubi with my daughter. The plot follows Santa, who falls out of his sleigh and develops amnesia just before the holidays. Convinced he's the real Santa Claus, some kids try to help him regain his memory.

Directed by William Dear (Harry and the Henderson) and starring Leslie Nielsen (The Naked Gun), Steven Eckholdt (The Wraith), Robyn Lively (Karate Kid III), Tommy Davidson (In Living Color), and Max Morrow (The Russell Girl).

The movie is overall is straightforward and predictable. However, watching Leslie Nielsen is always enjoyable, and Davidson delivers a tremendous supporting performance. The film includes a few entertaining comedic sequences and one-liners, with the security guard scene being particularly hilarious.

In conclusion, Santa Who? Is a fun comedic addition to the Christmas genre that I highly recommend. I'd give it a score of 6/10.

It looks like Disney is starting to understand that animation is not the only entertainment people desire! This is a pretty good little flick! I can not say this movie is outstanding, but it is enjoyable (in fact it is pretty funny).