"Fred Claus" is a new twist on St. Nick

The Hollywood Reporter ^ | 24 October 2007 | Martin A. Grove

[napscoordinator]

Dobkin discussion: After so many years of making holiday season comedies you'd think Hollywood's exhausted the storytelling possibilities involving Santa Claus, but think again.

[napscoordinator]

OK FREEPERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here we have a film that is what all families have been asking for. This is a family film that is pretty good. I saw it yesturday. Let's see if we give Hollywood reason to continue making family films by buying tickets or do they continue to make movies that have filth which sells tickets. I am telling you guys that if we don't see good wholesome films like this than we have no reason complaining about lack of good films. You decide!!!

[Caipirabob]

Paul Giamatti as Nicholas

I've seen him in a few roles, but they've as several unique characters. I think Paul Giamatti is a very good entertainer. I'd like to see how he plays this role.

There's the mark of a great actor. You look forward to seeing what he's going to do with a character and can't peg him to a single consistent stereotype.

[ari-freedom]

any movie with Fred has to be good

[uncitizen]

There's the mark of a great actor. You look forward to seeing what he's going to do with a character and can't peg him to a single consistent stereotype.

Like Johnny Depp, for instance.

Unlike Tom Cruise.

Or Tom Hanks.....(imho, but ARMOR ON anyway)

[Terpfen]

Or Tom Hanks.....(imho, but ARMOR ON anyway)

Hope you've got an underground shelter to go with that armor.

[ShadowDancer]

You’re right. And there is no correlation between one’s politics and one’s acting ability. If you’re a good actor, you’re a good actor. And I think Depp and Hanks both qualify.

[dawn53]

I’ll agree on the Tom Hanks remark. He is a great actor...don’t like his politics, but he is never type cast and changes his personna to meet the demands of the role.

From Forrest Gump to Castaway, Sleepless in Seattle, The Terminal, Private Ryan, Apollo 13, The Green Mile...the guy has made some great movies to watch, but they’re been some duds in there too.

[perez24]

Pretty good movie...wife and kids liked it. I fell asleep during part of it, which is no reflection on what I thought of the movie it’s just something I do. The part I saw was good.

Paul Giamatti was outstanding and Vince Vaughn plays Vince Vaughn-type characters better than anyone.

[napscoordinator]

I fall asleep during movies too sometimes. I didn’t during this one because my family went to the 2 o’clock showing.

[I-ambush]

I would disagree about Hanks; he is more like John Wayne or Jimmy Stewart in that he has the same persona—that of the everyman—and the interest in his movies derives from seeing him adapt to the situation.

[randog]

I’ll agree on the Tom Hanks remark. He is a great actor...don’t like his politics...

What are his politics? I thought he was a big supporter of vets...?

[dawn53]

He’s a big time Dem contributor and supporter...that’s all I meant. To his credit, he is not as vocal about his politics as some other celebs.

[uncitizen]

Hope you've got an underground shelter to go with that armor.

uhhh. yeaaahh. i got one the them too.

[randog]

He’s a big time Dem contributor and supporter...

I didn't know that about him. Inneresting...

[perez24]

We went to the 2:15 showing. I fell asleep half way through my Diet Coke.

[Rb ver. 2.0]

Tell us the truth. You’re hot for both of them!

[Grizzled Bear]

...the guy has made some great movies to watch, but they’re been some duds in there too.

---

Return with honor was pretty good.

[tioga]

I cannot wait to see this one. I am planning to go soon.

[napscoordinator]

Great! You will enjoy it but remember it will not win an oscar but it is a nice family movie.

[ShadowDancer]

Nope, only one.