The Case for Christmas

This updated version of MIRACLE ON THIRTY-FOURTH STREET has Santa facing a class-action suit for disappointing children at Christmas. He hires lawyer Dean Cain, a widower in emotional lockdown over the death of his wife.

I was expecting something very treacly, but it's a pretty good flick. George Buza makes a perfect Santa, Rachel Blanchard is excellent as the girl who loves Dean Cain.Cain is good. I do find the elves annoying rather than funny, but I am sure they will appeal to the majority of the audience of this Hallmark movie.

The whimsy this movie demands is tough to maintain. George Seaton managed MIRACLE ON 34TH Street by working from his own script in which he always took every plot point seriously -- he was one of the rare writer-directors of the era. THE CASE FOR SANTA CLAUS occasionally tries to get silly and occasionally serious. When this movie is at its best, it is because it takes real, small issues seriously. Wait for those moments and you'll not be disappointed.