THE MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

REVIEWED BY CHARITY BISHOP

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Because of: mild language, thematic elements

Rated:

It's Thanksgiving day in New York City, and the annual Cole's Christmas Parade is only moments away from beginning its long and cheering event. Dorey Walker (Elizabeth Perkins), a single mother in charge of the parade this year, is dismayed to discover a strange, whiskered old man trying to teach "her" Santa Clause how to look convincing. However, Toni doesn't appreciate the help. In fact, he's inebriated! Dismayed and knowing they must have someone to fill in the position, Dorey convinces the passerby, a man by name of Kris, to sign up with Cole's. He makes such a convincing Santa that he's immediately hired for the 34th Street Store... much to the dismay of Victor Lamberg, Cole's sworn enemy and the owner of Shopper's Express across the street. He undertakes a devious plan to make Cole's look bad and get rid of the jolly old Kris Kringle (Richard Attenbourgh) in the Kid's Corner.

Bryan Bedford (Dylan McDermott) is a well-known, successful lawyer living in Dorey's apartment building. Having set his cap for Dorey long ago but knowing he can't pressure her into a relationship, instead he befriends her little girl Susan (Mara Wilson). Wise beyond her years, the child (who talks like she's 64 years old") doesn't believe in Santa Clause. Hoping to instill a little childish Christmas cheer into her heart, Bryan takes her to see Kris at Cole's without her mother's permission. Dorey is far from pleased. Meanwhile, Kris has gotten wind of this little problem and is determined to convince Susan that Santa is as real as he is. Curious about the man's past, Dorey peeks into his cliental file and then wonders if he's completely off his nut. His papers list the names of Santa's reindeer as next of kin. His birth place is "the north pole." His age is several figures. He earnestly believes himself to be the real Santa Clause!

This could prove a problem for Cole's if Victor Lamberg's two stooges, Alberta and Jack, get wind of the problem, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. What will commence will only change the lives of everyone involved forever and get across the real meaning... of Santa Clause. The Miracle on 34th Street is one of my family's favorite Christmas movies. With well-developed characters, a delightful storyline, and engaging moments, it's a crowd-pleaser every time! Several plot lines go at once and tie nicely together in the end. Dorey and Bryan's struggle for the upper hand in their working -- and personal -- relationship. Kris defining the meaning of Christmas Cheer, and Victor Lamberg's nasty little plot for revenge. The costuming and sets are all well done and the film was marvelously acted by top-paid entertainers. Mara Wilson in particular as Susan is charming, whether she's "limiting her intake of sugar" or shouting out defense of her favorite grandfatherly figure in court. 

Rated PG for mild thematic elements and language, there's really nothing to worry about. Tony baits Kris several times by saying derogatory things about the older gentlemen and the children, once provoking him to use his cane threateningly. He implies Santa's twinkle comes from the teenage elf working for him in the store. There's a couple uses of "hell," and one of "Oh, my God!" There's a limited amount of drinking, never by the main characters and always cast in a bad light. Tony is fired for being drunk at the parade. He shows his "crack" slightly when trying to climb into the sleigh, giving several little girls cause to scream. Whether you approve of "Santa" or no, this is one family flick destined to pull heartstrings.