The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Tags: satire

Plot synopsis:
Carol/Mrs. Claus is teaching a class of young elves and begins telling them a story of her life with Scott Calvin/Santa Claus. The couple are expecting their first child as Christmas Eve approached. Scott invites his in-laws, Sylvia and Bud Newman, to the North Pole, along with Scott's former wife, Laura, her husband, Neil, and their daughter, Lucy. Meanwhile, he is summoned to a meeting of the Council of Legendary Figures, consisting of Mother Nature, Father Time, the Easter Bunny, Cupid, the Tooth Fairy, and the Sandman. Jack Frost also arrives, jealous that he has no holiday or special occasion in his honor. Because he has been promoting himself during the Christmas season, Mother Nature suggests sanctions against him. When Santa says he is dealing with how to get the in-laws to come without revealing that he is Santa, Jack Frost negotiates a light sentence of community service at the North Pole, helping Santa and the elves put up various Canadian-themed paraphernalia, as Carol's parents believe Scott is a toymaker in Canada.
However, Frost's ultimate goal is to trick Santa into renouncing his position. When elf Curtis inadvertently reveals the Escape Clause, Frost sneaks into Santa's hall of snow globes and steals one containing Scott as Santa. If Scott holds the globe and says, "I wish I'd never been Santa at all," he will go back in time and undo his career as Santa. When Lucy discovers this, Frost freezes her parents and locks her in a closet. He then orchestrates situations that make Scott think he must resign to make things better.
Frost tricks Scott into invoking the Escape Clause and both are sent to Scott's front yard in 1994, when Scott caused the original Santa to fall off of his roof and had to replace him. Frost causes the original Santa to fall off the roof and grabs Santa's coat before Scott can, making Frost the new Santa. Scott is sent back to the present day, where he has been CEO of his old company for the last 12 years and business takes priority over family. Laura treats him coldly and explains she and Neil divorced, revealing that the new timeline has affected other people as well. Scott also learns he and Carol never married and Carol moved away years ago.
Scott goes to find Lucy and Neil, who are vacationing at the North Pole, which Frost has turned into a touristy resort. Christmas is now "Frostmas", the elves are miserable, and the reindeer are confined to a petting zoo. When Scott finds Lucy and Neil, Neil expresses his resentment for Scott's causing the separation between Neil and Laura. Scott confronts Frost as Santa Claus and tricks Jack Frost into recording his voice stating the Escape Clause. Scott has Lucy steal Frost's snow globe and bring it to him; when Frost finds out and takes the globe back, Scott plays the recording of Frost saying, "I wish I'd never been Santa at all", invoking the Escape Clause and causing Scott and Frost to be sent back again to 1994. Scott restrains Jack long enough to let the Scott Calvin of 1994 get the coat, making him Santa Claus again and taking him back to the North Pole in the present and the family where no time has passed.
Scott as Santa reconciles with his family and Jack is arrested by elf police. He reveals he cannot unfreeze his victims unless he is unfrozen himself. Scott convinces Lucy via a snow globe he had given her earlier of her warmly hugging a snowman, to give Frost a "magic hug" to unfreeze and reform him. The "Canada" ruse is dropped and Scott appears as Santa to Carol's parents. With two hours remaining before Santa must leave for his Christmas deliveries, Carol goes into labor.
Back to the present time, while Carol is telling the tale to her students, Scott walks in to reveals his baby boy, Buddy Claus.

Review: All and all, a good way to kick off the holiday movie season.Other notes of interest: The actress playing Mrs. Clause is on the T.V. show Lost now.
The story is fine, a nice pleasant easy to follow plot with help from some nice additions to the cast, especially Alan Arkin as Santa's father-in-law.Tim Allen continues to impress as the big man himself and Martin Short is great as Jack Frost.
I strongly recommend this one as a holiday pleaser and whilst a number of adults will sigh at the films relatively corny ending I strongly recommend staying around for the bloopers during the final credits.Overall I would definitely say that this is a movie worth seeing, ignore the critics and make your own mind up on this one, you wont be disappointed..
The absence of David Krumholtz was unmoving, for he provided a lot of stability to the plot lines in the other movies.I did however, enjoyed Martin Short as Jack Frost.
And of course Tim Allen....he is superb as Santa Clause.Overall, the movie was so, so.
If anyone want to see a good Christmas movie, I would recommend Home Alone 1,2, Miracle on 34th Street, and The Santa Clause 1,2..
Strained, forced, uninteresting and poorly conceived.Tim Allen created a great character in the first film - the 2nd was pushing it - this 3rd outing was simply vengeful.The idea was bad; its execution is worse - to subject movie audiences to this type of tripe should be illegal, if not unconstitutional.
Tim Allen wasn't funny, Martin Short was REALLY annoying as usual, and the head elf this time around is a little nervous guy with a lisp.
Spencer Breslin as Curtis, has grown into his role (and gotten a deeper voice in the 4 years since part 2), but he just doesn't have the same screen presence as Kromholtz.The film moves along at a quick pace, and Martin Short steals every scene that he's in as the devilish Jack Frost, who learns a valuable lesson about himself by the end of the movie.
Eric Lloyd is underused as Scott Calvin's son, but Judge Reinhold and Wendy Crewson are delightful once again in their original roles.I'm not going to ruin any plot twists in the film, but there is an interesting homage to "It's a Wonderful Life", that provides a revealing look at a parallel reality that could have occurred if events had not transpired as they do in the first film.I'll close by saying that this is a fun family film, and definitely one that the kids will enjoy.
Also Jack Frost (Martin Short) wants to take over Xmas so he plots to have Santa wiped out of Scott Calvin's history.
Santa Clause 3 all looks rather false and phony.Actors like Alan Arkin, Judge Reinhold and Wendy Crewson are wasted with this kind of material and really should have been allowed to have more freedom with their limited roles.At the very least it rounds-off a neat little family Xmas trilogy.
So Santa (Tim Allen) decides to bring her parents (Ann-Margret, Alan Arkin) to the North Pole along with Santa's ex and her family (Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Liliana Mumy).
Scott Calvin/Santa Claus is preparing for another Christmas at the North Pole when a mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short) has plans to take over his place as the head of Christmas.
Curtis the Elf is more annoying than he was in the second film, the little girl Lucy (who has really taken over Charlie's role as the "cute kid") is really irritating at times, and Jack Frost himself is a very blah villain who really just adds nothing to the movie.I was a teenager when I watched Santa Clause 3 the first time, and during it I was wondering what I would've thought of it as a young child.
Basically Santas wife Mrs Clause is about to have a baby yadda yadda yadda Jack Frost comes into the picture there's a horrible It's A Wonderful Life ripoff where he sees what it would be like if he was not Santa Claus.The entire movie was abysmal boring like getting your teeth drilled without the novocaine basically.
I understand that Christmas movies are normally heart-warming sweet and touching.But seriously this movie was TOO sweet it made me gag through most of it it was like being bombarded by gumdrops and cotton candy as it devoured me.The acting was awful everyone involved the ending was as stupid and cutesy as it could possibly get .Ugh even writing about this travesty of a Christmas movie makes me gag .I had such high expectations for the third one too and it let me down big time.My entire family was bored to death my mom even fell asleep during it so did my dad.Tim Allen looked angry bitter and bored throughout the entire movie the kids were extremely grating and couldn't act at all especially that red haired girl who played his niece in the film.It stinks I can't give this less then 1-star but since I can't this will have to do even though it deserves a -10.Oh and pay attention throughout the movie there is absolutely no chemistry with anyone just forced unfunny stale boring deliveries over and over again.
I wish that this were not the end of the Santa Clause franchise because these films provide good holiday entertainment.
I'm now going to summarize the whole film in a few words, there is a bored Tim Allen, Canadian jokes, an annoying, over the top Martin Short, flatulating reindeer, pratfalls, and bad acting.
Basically, Jack Frost wants to take over the holiday season because he feels he doesn't get enough attention, and then the Mrs. Clause's in-laws come to visit, so the entire factory goes undercover as a Canadian toy making factory.
It has great plot, great acting, awesome ending, Personally I think it was the best Santa Clause movie so far!
The first film Tim Allen did in this series, "The Santa Clause" was not a great movie by any stretch, but it was an entertaining film and one of the more imaginative and clever Christmas movies ever made.
I saw this film not too long after it was released last year, and I can say without a doubt, it deserves better than a three star rating.Tim Allen stars as Santa once again, this time regretting ever taking the job, hence the title "The Escape Clause." It was also a treat to see Martin Short playing Jack Frost, who envies Santa and wants his job.
Don't they know that kids watching this movie actually believe Tim Allen could be Santa Claus?
But for us parents who like to hold on to the idea of Santa Claus in our children's eyes as long as we can, this movie sure as hell didn't help!.
Now I don't mean the whole Santa Clause thing, I love that idea about the movies, like the Polar Express, I love making kids believe or still believe because it brings the cheer into Christmas.
The 3rd North Pole adventure has to deal with Jack Frost trying to take over Christmas, and of course, Santa coming to the rescue.
I mean at the end of the day the movie is a good Christmas film and does what it has to do.
My family and two little girls have watched the entire trilogy of Santa Clause movies every year since they were born.
And when each child has seen the first movie when Tim Allen first becomes Santa, and the second movie, when he find his Mrs. Clause, they are excited to see that they are going to have a baby and anxious for Frost not to mess anything up.
Our family has enjoyed watching this trilogy for 12 years and I hope others will see them for the fun and magical Christmas movies that they are!.
I'm happy that it spent most of it at the north pole unlike number 2 it had more humor and added a few new characters like jack frost and Alan Arkin who made this film extra special
now the plot isn't anything knew and you can guess whats coming in the first 15 to 20 min but it has a great meaning when the end comes now The and Lucy made me smile every time she came on to the screen really the best part of the movie and now one ot anyone could ever have played santa like Tim AllenI recommend this to anyone who loves the santa calus you wont be dissapointed.
"The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause" is one of the most patchy, disjointed and all around messy family films to have come out in recent years, and that fact that it's excused all too often because it's "just a silly movie for kids" is just disconcerting and worrying.
Now stuck in an alternate time-line where Frost has assumed the role of Santa Clause and has turned the North Pole and Christmas at large into a kitschy way to make money and attain fame, Scott must figure out a way to make things right once again and restore Christmas to its former glory.To give credit where it is due, there are a few charming elements at play that keep the film from imploding into a complete train-wreck.
Santa Tim. i really enjoyed this,, sure it's not as good as the first two,, I get that,, but lot's of good laughs,, good heartfelt story,, plus the idea of putting Jack Frost into the storyline was pretty cool.
Tim Allen as usual does a wonderful job as Santa,, really can't think of anyone else that I would want to be playing Santa Clause in the movie,, storyline wasn't too bad,, maybe not quite as good as the other 2 ,, but you have to love the relationship that he has with his boy,, there is some sadness is the movie..
My favorite happens to be "The Santa Clause 2," because of the romance aspect, plus young Lucy is adorable and it was neat to see Charlie 8 years later.Martin Short is great as Jack Frost, it's a real treat to see Ann-Margret and Alan Arkin as Carol's parents and it's great seeing all the originals from the first two films back for the third (a rare feat in Hollywood).The overall trilogy is absolutely great and fun for the entire family to watch, plus all the extras on the DVDs are a lot of fun, too..
It's occasional burst of energy aside, there's not much more to anticipate, just another endless slew of gimmicks to keep the audience attending.As in the previous SANTA CLAUSE movies, this third adventure follows another loophole in Scott Calvin's (Tim Allen) commitment as the Jolly Ol' Saint Nick.
Santa Clause 3 not only turns the series into a little-kid Christmas tale movie, but shows how unafraid Tim Allen is of ruining his reputation for money.
As a matter of fact it's more for 9 year olds since the best character in the film is Jack Frost played by Martin Short.
The only worthwhile thing that happens with Jack as Santa is he turns the North Pole into an amusement park.The movie is just plain boring and not funny and would only fascinate a 9 year old.FINAL VERDICT: Definitely a sequel to miss..
Furthermore, Martin Short was great as Jack Frost, he stole the show.Gotta admit, all those kids and the returning figures from the previous movies are kinda annoying (except for Judge Reinhold, that guy is hilariously bad, and therefor..good) OK so it's nothing really special, but it's nice to see on the holidays...and that's why it's made in the first place, right?.
All the while Jack Frost is going about the North Pole silently scheming a way to get Scott to use the Escape Clause so he may then become Santa, which he inevitably does.
I feel that Bernard just added a kick of flavor to both the Santa Clause 1 and 2 and without him it appears to me the magic just sort of vanished mostly because Tim and David made an excellent team of comedy and now that David is gone and there's no Bernard the funny seems to fade away.The bloopers were not that funny either and about 10 minutes into the movie my cousin started asking me "Is this over yet?" and "Wheres Bernard?" As a matter of fact a lot of kids and parents were saying it wasn't the same without him.So if you and your kids can handle it without Bernard in it and Bernard is not your kids favorite character then go see it,But if your kids or you LOVE Bernard and he is everyones favorite then don't go because you will miss him..
thank god for martin short he really suites been the bad guy and should do a lot more maybe he could do a serial killer in his next role, Tim Allen again pulls off being the big guy.he has a warmth about him being Santa, but the rest of the cast let the film down,but maybe you can only work with whats put in front of you.the best thing in the film is jack's hair.i'm getting my hair like that its cool, ice cool!!!!!
Mrs. Claus is having a baby, her parents visit the North Pole and while Santa's juggling all that, Jack Frost is out to steal Christmas away too.
I always like their north pole set and I think it's sweet that the elves are played by kids in these movies.
I think it adds a nice touch for kids to enjoy and think "Hey, I could help out Santa!" There are enough jokes for adults to have a good chuckle at and Martin Short, Alan Arkin, and Ann-Margaret are all great in their roles (Alan Arkin alone made me laugh just be sort of reacting to the North Pole).
I ejoyed Mrs. Claus (her name escapes me but I could probably just look it up on here) and I always think Tim Allen is good Santa..
It is lighthearted, amusing (found ourselves chuckling many times) and just good fun.We did miss Bernard and wonder why he wasn't in this movie - Martin Short was outstanding, as always.If you are looking for something a little silly but fun for everyone, I would recommend.
I loved all three of The Santa Claus movies, they were all really good!
this movie is not that great.i found the story too banal(ordinary).there's not much originality here.it's a combination of many other movies.it's equal parts a Christmas Carol,It's a Wonderful Life,How the Grinch Stole Christmas,and Even The Cat in the Hat movie.the movie isn't very funny,but there is a bit of slapstick that works.this movie is,i felt,overly sentimental and preachy.in fact,i felt like i was watching a 90 minute commercial on how important family is.now,don't get me wrong.family is very important.i just find that subtlety works best with these movies.this was just way too heavy handed for me.but there is some good news.the movie has a great visual style.i mean,it looks fantastically magical.and Martin Short is terrific as Jack Frost,the baddie of the piece.he's not really scary,more mildly disconcerting than anything,and even a bit sad.i also like the look they gave him.this movie is also a bit of a tearjerker.anyway,this is a case of style over substance.and while it's not nearly as mean spirited or creepy as part 2,i still don't think it was as good.the negatives just outweigh the positives.for me,The Santa Clause 3 is a 4/10.
The only Character that was worth watching - and only part of the time - was Martin Short who plays Jack frost.
With so many possible story lines available on a Christmas theme, whoever came up with idea of Jack Frost trying to steal the Santa title needs to look for another job.
The first Santa Claus: It was a new, original and entertaining movie, full of funny jokes that will make the whole family laugh their sides off.
Overall, the movie fed us well, even if the food consisted of eye candy, ear candy, and tear candy.The plot basically consists of Santa Allen juggling his expecting wife, her bemused parents (Ann-Margaret and Alan Arkin) who complain of insufficient family time, and the machinations of the devious original Cold Miser himself, Jack Frost (Martin Short).
I think it would have been nice if Bernard the Elf, had been able to leave his "Numbers" chalk board long enough to give Santa a much needed hand in the Supporting Best Guy Friend role.The problem with the film for me, was that this time out I felt the script writers dumbed the movie down far too much.
The trailers were set out for the whole movie to be about Tim Allen to figure out a way to become Santa Claus again.
The Santa Clause 3 is a good movie for anyone to get into the Christmas spirit.
Tim Allen and co return for one final outing as the modern day Santa and his extended family have to put up with Jack Frost trying to take over Christmas.After the first two films in the series this third instalment was always going to have high standards to beat and although this is a good attempt it fails to do this.
The film overall felt a little rushed and a little slapped together like perhaps they didn't really want to do another but were forced to.Tim Allen is still the perfect Santa Clause.
Jack Frost played by Martin Short is desperate to get it and in doing so destroys the workshop and goes back into Scotts Past and alters it so he can be Santa.While not as good as the first 2 entries this is still a film that I still recommend it because it is funny and a very good story but is really cliché when it comes to the ending.