The Santa Clause 2

The Santa Clause 2 is a mildly entertaining bit of holiday cheer that ultimately suffers from sequelitis. You cant help but notice that, despite their best efforts, everyone involved seems to be going through the motions. Tim Allen returns as Scott Calvin, the man who became Santa eight years earlier when the former Santa fell off his roof. As the story begins, its eight years later and the elves are happy, the toys are being produced at a record pace and all is well in the North Pole almost. For one thing, it seems as if Scotts son Charlie (Eric Lloyd) has gotten himself on the naughty list. Add to that the fact that Scott learns he must find a wife by Christmas or he loses the right to be Santa, and it makes for a sticky dilemma for our white-bearded hero. How can Scott fix his own problems and still make sure that Christmas goes off without a hitch?An ambitious elf named Curtis comes up with the idea of making a Santa clone and leaving him in charge, while Scott tries to reconnect with his son and find a wife in the process. The film then proceeds to split off into two completely separate stories. On one hand, you get a dull romance between Scott and Charlies feisty principal (Elizabeth Mitchell). Its the kind of subplot that sends kids scrambling for the Gummy Bears at the concession stands. On the other hand, the films other subplot deals with the fake Santa (Allen in a duel role) turning into a Hitleresque dictator intent on doing everything by the book even if it means everyone gets coal in their stockings. I really enjoyed the evil Santa subplot. It was a role capable of showing Allens comedic skills and one that parents as well as the older kids can enjoy. I think the movie would have been much better if this had been given more screen time. Its too bad that Ken Daurio and Ed Dectors screenplay seems more intent on the romance and the father-son relationship. Dont get me wrong, Im no Grinch, but I just couldnt get into a part of the story that feels so tired and rehashed. Allen and Mitchell try to create chemistry, it just never clicks the way the film intends it to. Then there are the obvious questions with the script that Im sure no child will care about, yet they perplexed me just the same. Why did it take so long for Santa to find out about the Mrs. Clause? If Charlie is on the naughty list, cant Scott just put him on the nice list anyway, since he gets final decision? And if you were dating a man and found out youd have to move to the North Pole and socialize with a bunch of elves, would you go through with the marriage?The fact is, no matter how hard Santa Clause 2 tries, it cant shake the fact that its just another in a long line of sequels that lacks a purpose. Yes, it might serve as mild entertainment, but its very mild at best. Youd better not shout, youd better not cry, youd better not pout, were telling you why because Micheal gets irritated when hes watching a movie and his concentration is shattered by some whiny kid. If you share those sentiments, or if just want to comment on the review, email Micheal at mcompton@bgdailynews.com. Hell listen.