Santa's Little Helper (2015 Video) User Reviews

Xmas Fluff

[scythertitus · 6/10 · 16 February 2016]

There are a lot of negatives you could bring up about this movie; it's cheesy, the acting and plot are questionable, it drags in the middle, and the humour is way too basic. However it does qualify as a reasonably good Christmas movie and since that is what it is supposed to be then you can generally ignore most of those points.

There is a little something for everyone and it is certainly a tale about heavy-handed morals centred around the season of giving. Yes, you could watch Die Hard at Christmas if you are a twenty-something hipster with no children like me, but if you have a family and 'traditional values', then this is a pretty fun watch for kids and grown ups alike. The only thing that might put some people off is the small amount of male-female violence that is present, as well as the assertion that men and women should be treated equally both physically and mentally. Personally I think that makes this film stand out, but it might offend some others (although a lot of the positive steps the film takes in this area is undercut by the lead female character being so taken aback by the main's insistence that she is pretty, because you know, that is all women want out of life.)

Overall this is just a fun Christmas movie that can be enjoyed by families and wrestling fans, and if you are both then you will probably love it. If you are neither then it has some kitsch value but nothing too great, just watch and enjoy as some holiday filler.

Good little family film

[wycherleyp-960-470658 · 6/10 · 27 November 2015]

Wwe have actually done well with this festival film because your kids will enjoy it and lets face it the main ingredient to a Christmas film is that your kids are distracted by watching a film and not running around screaming. The miz (wwe superstar) is a evil salesman until he gets fired then loses his flash car and home and it down on his luck until santa gives him a chance to change. Ex wwe divas champion paige makes her film debut and does really well playing a bad elf, this is a enjoyable and very easy to follow story that has all the ingredients to make a Christmas film for the family and with a run time of 90 minutes its more than enough to satisfy. A light hearted Comedy with a nice story and a great message to kids....santas little helper is one to add to your Christmas letter to santa.

Santa Little Helper wasn't much help. This Direct to Video Film was pretty mediocre.

[ironhorse_iv · 5/10 · 29 December 2015]

I would rather want a lump of coal; then watch this movie, again. At least, the lump of coal, would warm me up, a bit, this holiday season. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't say, the movie is horrible; it's far from that, but I wouldn't quote the Miz catchphrase, and say, this movie was awesome. It was a low-budget run-of-the-mill film, that doesn't hasn't much, replay value. The unfunny jokes really fall flat. The action scenes were generic as hell. Then, there is the story; it was too childish, clichés, predictable, somewhat confusing and bland for me; & I'm a huge pro-wrestling fan! These WWE Studios films, as of late, are really scrapping the bottom of the barrel, when it comes to frequently mix well-known actors and actresses in roles with WWE wrestlers. I wouldn't say, Mike "The Miz" Mizanin is a bad wrestler, but he's nowhere near the level of the superstardom that other WWE superstars turn movie actors, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Stone Cold Steve Austin or 'The Animal' Dave Bautista has. This is the 4th Direct to Video film that feature the Miz, as the main lead in 2nd years and barely anybody knows about it. It's getting really tiresome to see his stupid mug in these type of films. After all, these films are not doing him, any favors. The reason why, is because he's always playing a character, similar to his wrestling persona. Seeing him, play a slick, fast-talking action star businessman named Dax, here, isn't improving his acting chops. If anything, it's limiting him, from better roles. Directed by Gil Junger, this Christmas movie has Dax AKA the Miz being thrown into a rigorous elf competition to become Santa's next second-in-command; competing against another aspiring elf, Eleanor (Wrestler, Saraya-Jade Bevis AKA Paige) who is also hoping to become Santa's Little Helper. Like his wrestling persona, The Miz's character, is pretty unlikeable. The greedy, materialistic corporate hatchet-man is far too unpleasant to care for his character redemption arch. I would think, the movie would have, work, better if, he didn't start out of mean-spirit jerk. The reason why, is, because it's hard to believe that Santa Claus (Eric Keenleyside) would choose him, over any of the other elves, that into the Christmas season and willing to help. It really seem like Billie (AnnaLynn McCord) would makes a better Second in Command, than Dax. I really don't understand, why she wasn't given, the role by Santa. It's really make no sense! After all, she was pretty much, taking care of Santa Claus, before this competition. Anyways, AnnaLynn McCord, is by far, is the best thing, about this film. She's gives enough lovable innocent, and charm, that you wish, she was given more to do, than become the main lead, love interest and eye candy. One thing, I really couldn't believe, about the actress performance, is the chemistry with the Miz. Both, barely show any interest with each other. In my opinion, it seem forced. They have, nothing in common with each other. Another problem with the film is the villain. Eleanor doesn't seem, too bad. I really don't know, why everybody felt like she doesn't deserve the job. Yes, she's a bit mean, but it still doesn't make sense. After all, she's the most-train, she's has more of the Christmas spirited than Dax, and she's a real elf. If anything, I felt more pity for Eleanor, than the heroes, in this film. That's a really bad sign. Paige was alright for the most part, both in look and in character. One character, that I really have a problem with, is Santa Claus. Santa Claus in this film, looks and acts like a drunk Hobo dwarf than anything else. He always, walking about in ugly looking pajamas; looks confuse, and doesn't understand, his own rules. Not only is the character, horrible written, but Eric Keenleyside doesn't have any drive to deliver lines in a jolly-looking fashion in this film. In my opinion, not only, did he not pull the part off in looks, and comes across as the worst actor in this film, by not, even trying to act. His acting is really fake, like the movie low budget real-life locations sets. One of the worst locations, they use, is the Santa's workshop location. It looks like a Best Western in Los Angeles golf course, trying to past off, as the workshop at North Pole. It was unrealistic and distracting. It really took me out of the film, a bit. At least, this Christmas film better than the previous, WWE holiday film; 2013's Christmas Bounty. Now, that's a Miz film, that's a bit unwatchable. Overall: This film isn't close to being that. If anything, this movie isn't anything new or special. Just passable for the most watch, and that's alright for the general movie audience, but for me, it's way below average. It will be forgotten, before this year is out, and done.

Good for the kids

[Christmas-Reviewer · 5/10 · 16 January 2017]

BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY REVIEWED ONE FILM & GIVE IT A RAVE. THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 Christmas MOVIES. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I JUST ENJOY Christmas FILMS.

This film is strictly for children. It is however a mess of a film if your over 12. Some of the sets are very pretty but the acting is terrible. The lead should of been someone else. However there is a few male camel-toe shots that me think the director new how campy this film was and want to give some audience members some cheese

Now in this film Dax (Mike "The Miz" Mizanin), a recently fired businessman, is thrown into a competition to become Santa's second in command. Put into a series of training exercises, Dax and another aspiring elf have to go head-to-head to win the job

In general its films like this that give family films a bad name.

Santa's Little Helper, a gift no one wants...

[sesmith70 · 5/10 · 24 November 2015]

Again, the WWE thinks they can write movies, and they think their wrestlers can act. Wrong! This story is a lot like A Christmas Carol meets It's A Wonderful Life. The Miz is not a horrible actor, but he is too full of himself to be taken seriously as an actor. Saraya-Jade Bevis (known as Paige in the credits and in the ring) is actually very good in this, and in my opinion, is the reason the movie is even watchable. Miz's real life wife Maryse also appears in this movie as Melody, the bartender. I said it before, but WWE needs to stop with movies and stick with wrestling (which they are barely passing muster as well). The movie is cute and the younger fans of Miz and Paige will enjoy it. This would be a good movie for the kids to watch while the grown ups are fixing the Holiday meals. Put this in their stocking, but older kids may think it's so-so, but give it a chance.

Santa's Little Helper

[kiwibeeper-1 · 2/10 · 3 January 2017]

Santa's Little Helper uncovers the seedier side of working at the North Pole. While it is expected to be a place of working together in love and harmony to bring joy to children around the world, this film shows what Santa doesn't want us to see. Paige as Eleanor gave us a clear look at how working at the North Pole has become competitive and political. And, in case you were thinking that's just the bad guys, this showed 'the good guys' (Santa and Mrs. Claus with their darling chosen misfit and the other elite staff), cheering Dax in fighting dirty as well, then kicked out Eleanor for unsportsmanlike conduct. Clearly, they only saw infractions to the rules when it suited them. Oh, and if you're looking for a family movie little kids can enjoy without supervision, what would it be without a wrestler lying around and welcoming people into his home wearing just his gonch? My mistake, he did have a robe covering his shoulders. Dax'es character arch didn't seem sufficient to me to get the job--he needed continued training before locking that in. However, he did show his selflessness in using magic to return a swindler wearing only Speedos to stand in front of a crowd of teens to be brought to justice and save the community centre.

I was working my way through many Netflix Christmas romance movies trying to catch some Christmas spirit. Soon, I found I was looking for which movie would be the actual worst one on there. I almost went with anything with Haylie Duff in it, but then I came across two that topped her. Santa's Little Helper did not take the trophy, but came in as a close second. The winner was Small Town Santa starring Dean Cain. The highlight of that one was the decal on the back of his computer, "Real heroes don't wear capes." I'm sure there are others worse than this, but I lost my motivation to find it.

It is never too late to become the person you should be

[nogodnomasters · 6/10 · 17 January 2018]

Dax the Ax (Mike "the Miz") has just foreclosed on the Hope Springs Youth Center in Santa Monica...perhaps a pun intended. In an act of irony, Dax the Ax gets the ax at work and must leave his house in an unrealistic time frame. In a subplot, Santa's Little Helper retires and he must fill the position. He wants to give the job to Dax the Ax, a "normie" (muggle already taken) who he believes has the qualities to do the job...deep down. He tasks Billy (AnnaLynne McCord) a round eared mutant elf to test his qualities for the position. Meanwhile Eleanor (Saraya-Jade Bevis/ Paige) believes she deserves the job because her father had the job. She is portrayed as being a mean person complete with a British accent. Her role is minimal.

If you have ever seen a film before, you have a good idea how this ends up. The path is slightly less predictable. The film is for kids. There is a bar room fight, although no one really gets hurt, but fists and objects fly. Certainly not worse than a Three Stooges episode. There is the use of the word "freakin'" as a substitute for a cuss word. Otherwise very kid friendly. AnnaLynne McCord provides eye candy for dad, and The Miz takes off his shirt for mom.

Not a bad film. Don't expect it to be an annual iconic classic.

Very pleasant, despite not knowing the main actors

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 25 January 2019]

Dax (Mike The Miz Mizcanin) is a hotshot banking associate with a seeming cold heart. He has just delivered bad news to a children's home; WE ARE SHUTTING YOU DOWN! But, no sooner does he get back to the office but he gets his own terrible message. You're fired, Dax. He goes home in a daze, where his lovely girlfriend packs her bags at the news. Yet, someone has been observing Dax from afar. Its Santa Claus and, up in the North Pole, he is making plans. His main elf lady, Billie (AnnaLynne McCord), who is a freak with normal ears, is astonished to hear that he wants her to visit earth, offer Dax a job from a secret employer and get him to go through a series of tests for the job. But, she does it. Once there, Dax loves her beautiful looks and sweet manner and agrees to do the trail so he can land a good job. But, what kind of tests involve apologizing to tough bikers in a bar and being a monkey mascot for a kids' party business? This cute, pleasant movie is a romcom which will delight the genre's many fans. The main actors are very attractive and the costumes, sets, and funny script will charm most everyone. Need a little help in the cheering-up department? Choose this helper!

LOved acting of The Miz

[jeaarsalan · 10/10 · 25 November 2015]

The movie was about Christmas and how its important to care about others feelings and controlling your personal anger and feeling about anyone or anything or any situation u r in, no matter how handsome or good looking or rich u r. Loved the acting of Mike and I think he must try some more movies like some romantic or suspense thriller other than a family or action movie. I really appreciate and like that he has joined Hollywood. Keep it up. UR a handsome man and a very good actor thus u have all the rights to be an actor and the audience would love to see u in some different roles than u have been doing lately.This movie targeted youngsters. I hope you are gonna make some more movies targeting the middle aged people and with a totally different role though your look rocks. Best of luck to U and your wife for this movie and for the future.

NOT Just For Kids

[sarine_voltage · 7/10 · 25 December 2023]

Okay, so I found this DVD and slipped it in my player just because of what day it is--my cat was about to open a present and it seemed like the thing to do (plus it's the only holiday DVD I have). I fully expected it to suck. But guess what? It didn't! It was not only watchable, but I'd go so far as to say even interesting and enjoyable.

I've got a million better things to do with my time right now, but I signed in to refute the "featured" review here for people who might be about to watch the flick. I don't know why IMDB featured that particular review and I don't know why the person who wrote it thought so little of it (btw, I've got zero ties to anything or anyone in the movie... I'm just a girl and 'tis the season). As far as "Christmas movies" go, it was much better than expected.

Imperfect and uneven, but duly enjoyable with a good cast

[I_Ailurophile · 7/10 · 18 December 2021]

I suppose everyone deserves a chance at redemption - but, boy howdy, protagonist Dax is so immediately and thoroughly unlikable that I'd rather Krampus just took him away right off the bat and let us be done with it. (Further demerit for being a major stain on the name of one of my beloved cats.) Adjoin that redemption arc to themes of utmost capitalist criminality, greed, and malfeasance, and variations on story ideas made popular with older popular Christmas movies, and we have all the exposition we need as 'Santa's little helper' begins, and indeed as the plot proceeds.

The element of romance that's introduced is less than credible and wholly contrived - an unfortunate blemish given what is broadly a fairly solid screenplay. However, otherwise the narrative is reasonably strong and mildly compelling, if vaguely familiar, just as scene writing is built on increasing touches of engaging heart and comedy as the story progresses - thankfully far outweighing the unabashed cruelty that initially greets us. Though dialogue is inconsistent, there's some cleverness and earnestness peppered throughout. In a like fashion, 'Santa's little helper' is a bit uneven generally: early scenes are overbearing, and the second act to no small extent seems to work overtime to try to make up for a dubious first impression. Gratifyingly, the third act is pretty robust - successfully counterbalancing previous deficiencies, and building to a strong finish.

The cast is quite good, each actor inhabiting their respective roles with spirit and personality. Among the supporting cast, that includes Saraya Jade-Bevis as hard-nosed, competitive Eleanor; Eric Keenleyside as Santa, smart and playfully whimsical; and Kathryn Kirkpatrick, warm and convivial as Mrs. Claus. All due credit to star Michael Mizanin as Dax - not the best of all performances, rather lacking nuance that would make the redemption arc feel more believable, but nonetheless ably rolling with the shifting attitudes and demands of the character. Still, though ostensibly only second fiddle, I think that among the assembled actors it's AnnaLynne McCord who actually does the most to boost 'Santa's little helper.' She brings notable range and strength of personality to her part as cheerful, resolute Billie, and lights up the screen with each scene in which she appears. Hats off to the casting director - McCord leans into the cheese, and her involvement is a boon for the feature.

True, elements of the plot can certainly be chalked up to movie magic, working only because sturdy suspension of belief allows them to. As protagonist Dax's part in the story is contested by Eleanor, setting them at odds, it's a little regrettable that Mizanin and Jade-Bevis aren't given more opportunity to play off one another - in those scenes that allow them to do so, we see potential that wasn't truly pursued. And in a wider sense, again, quality and engagement fluctuates throughout the runtime, as some passing moments of the film are written or executed better than others. None of this is to say that 'Santa's little helper' is bad - by no means do I think it is - but it's far from perfect.

For a lot of reasons, ham-handedness most of all, this isn't going to be for everyone. I even kind of think that there's enough of an adult sensibility to the lead character, and to some of the scenes along the way, that the title is a hard "PG" stopping just shy of deserving a "PG-13" rating. Even viewers receptive to the camp of holiday-themed features will likely be divided here. Yet for any flaws or indelicacies that do trouble the movie, more so than not it's suitably entertaining, and done well enough in all various aspects to be modestly worthwhile. One needn't go out of their way to watch it, but if you're open to the type of film 'Santa's little helper' represents, then it's a decent way to spend 90 minutes.

Not bad!

Perfect movie just in time for the holidays!

[itsactuallyamanda · 9/10 · 27 November 2015]

Santas little helper is a great serving of comedy, action and some romance. I think this is the 1st family movie made by WWE studios in a while. I liked the acting by The Miz but was even more impressed by the acting by Paige (Saraya- Jade Belvis) I mean for her film debut she did amazing! Kudos to Paige! I also think Annaleyne McCord did a wonderful job as well playing Billie! I think that Santas Little Helper is a perfect holiday movie for all ages and there are some damn good funny scenes (not gonna say them. You have to watch the movie for yourself! This is the 2nd WWE Studios film I watched (the first being 12 Rounds 3: Lockdown starring Dean Ambrose) but I loved it so much that I said to myself after I watched it I'm gonna watch it again! It is a very sweet movie and I hope you love watching it as much as I did watching it! It is very amazing!