Back in the old days when survival of the fittest truly meant just that, sibling rivalry was a big deal. After all, those who didn't push their way to the front of the line to be fed and cared for by mom and/or dad often met an untimely demise. Nowadays, such brotherly or sisterly emulation usually isn't a matter of life or death, but it can be traumatic for some individuals who feel they live in the constant shadow of one or more siblings.
That very subject is detailed throughout the holiday comedy "Fred Claus," but particularly in one scene. That's when a number of somewhat famous celebrities -- with the last names of Stallone, Clinton and Baldwin -- complain about their better-known brothers.
The point of the otherwise peculiar, oddly placed, and only briefly amusing moment is for the titular character to realize he's not alone in his jealousy predicament, and that he should accept his brother for who and what he is as well as both of their places in the world.
That feel good revelation as well as the identity of his brother won't likely surprise anyone in this lame comedy that's not only poorly executed, but also feels late to the holiday movie game, what with three "Santa Clause" flicks already beating it to the North Pole punch and then some.
Here, Fred's jealousy has led him to become a repo man who wants to open an off-track betting parlor, but he doesn't have the down payment money to secure his location. Since he only looks out for himself, that not only means he quickly drives away his girlfriend (Rachel Weisz, mysteriously appearing in a film like this, but also, for reasons never capitalized on, playing a meter maid), but also asks his famous bro for the cash.
Since Santa has a heart of gold, he can't say no, but the caveat of the deal is that Fred must put in some hours working at the North Pole. Accordingly, we're then treated to shot after shot of that locale's elaborate production design (shown off as if this is the first time we've ever seen it presented that way, which obviously isn't the case), as well as the Christmas-hating protagonist who ends up - natch - upsetting the balance of things there.
Throw in an evil efficiency expert with childhood issues, various performers (including John Michael Higgins and Ludacris) whose heads have digitally been placed onto little people's bodies, and enough Christmas songs to fill a soundtrack or two, and the stage is supposed to be set for a fun time for all (frivolity, slapstick, and heart-warming moments included).
The only problem is that it isn't particularly interesting or entertaining, the attempted humor is forced, and the emotional moments are about as artificial as they come. While little kids might enjoy some parts of the film (mostly the zany action and goofy moments), older ones and especially adults will likely equate it to the proverbial lump of coal in the old stocking.
All of which might surprise fans of "Wedding Crashers," since this movie reunites its director, David Dobkin, with one of its stars, Vince Vaughn. One of the film's issues is that the actor is coasting here, adding little to the character type he played in that and various other pics. Throw in the fact that he isn't likable (despite inhabiting the Scrooge type character we know will have a change of heart by the film's end), and the result is a bland to unpleasant experience.
Another problem is the waste of a notable array of performers, some of which are miscast and/or simply are unable to do anything with their characters. Beyond Weisz, that includes Paul Giamatti as Saint Nick, Kevin Spacey doing the one-note villain thing as the man desirous of shutting down Christmas, Kathy Bates as the boys' mother, and Miranda Richardson as her daughter-in-law.
Hampered by a lame script -- courtesy of Dan Fogelman -- that offers few if any surprises or novelty, the cast members simply go through the motions. As a result, neither they nor the crew manage to generate the magic needed to make a genre flick like this deliver the goods. Trying to be both a dark comedy and family friendly holiday offering, the pic simply doesn't work on either, or most any other level for that matter. More No-No-No than Ho-Ho-Ho, "Fred Claus" rates as just a 3 out of 10.
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