The Santa Trap (2002)

A community has mixed feelings over Santa's permanent residence in their small town.

Director:

John Shepphird

Writers:

Steve Jankowski, John Shepphird

Stars:

Shelley Long, Robert Hays, Stacy Keach

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Shelley Long	...	Molly Emerson
Robert Hays	...	Bill Emerson
Stacy Keach	...	Biker Max
Corbin Bernsen	...	Chief Spivak
Dick Van Patten	...	Santa Claus
Amanda Pays	...	Doris Spivak
Adrienne Barbeau	...	Alice (Homeless Woman)
Sierra Abel	...	Judy Emerson
Brandon de Paul	...	Mike Emerson (as Brandon Michael DePaul)
Sonny Carl Davis	...	Officer Buckley
Steve Monroe	...	Officer Calhoun
Alana Austin	...	Carla
Paul Butcher	...	Brian Spivak
Talbot Perry Simons	...	Clifford (as Woolf Simovitch)
Cork Hubbert	...	Elf One

Storyline

Recently uprooted from New England, the Emerson family (Shelley Long, Robert Hays) have moved to the balmy desert southwest and the discouraged Molly claims "it doesn't feel like Christmas." Crestfallen at the thought that Santa is just a myth, young daughter Judy sets an elaborate trap and successfully snares Santa Claus. The parents call the police to report this strange but jolly intruder. Santa (Dick Van Patten) tries to prove his identity, but is arrested. Judy pleads with her father explaining that millions of kids will go without presents. Santa is placed in jail with Max (Stacy Keach), a ne'er-do-well biker. Back at the Emerson house, Bill is awakened by strange noises and surprised to see live reindeer on the roof. Now a believer, Bill goes to the police station and free Santa Claus. But the bumbling police mistake Max for Santa, and release Max the biker instead. Comic complications ensue, and Christmas hangs in the balance.

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Plot Keywords:

christmas

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Taglines:

A blunder has landed Santa in the slammer. Can the family who put him there spring him in time to save Christmas?

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Drama | Family

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 December 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

Capcana pentru mos Craciun

Filming Locations:

La Quinta, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Tag Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Elf 1 breaks Santa out of jail, he attacks the officers with a water gun and Silly String cans. The officers shirts are wet and covered with string. But each time they are shown outside, their shirts are dry and pressed, but when shown inside they are wet and have silly string on them.

User Reviews

a really nice film

I must admit that the first time I saw this film I didn't think much of it but having seen it many times now I realise that it is a really nice film. Two characters Officer Calhoon and Officer Buckley are really good as are Shelley Long and Corbin Bernsen. Its a children's Christmas story so if you are looking for Gone with the wind or a Godfather type film this definitely is not the film for you but if you are looking for good family entertainment you might like this because I did. No rudeness no swearing no violence just an enjoyable film. The story has already been set out but any film with Shelley Long with children in it is always going to be a good family film