Call Me Claus

Call Me Claus from 2001 is a delightfully heartwarming film centred around the magic of Christmas and the power of belief. The film stars the iconic and pioneering actor, Whoopi Goldberg, in a captivating performance that seamlessly blend humour and warmth for the holiday season. Acclaimed actor Nigel Hawthorne, and talented Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, complete the ensemble cast, bringing their exceptional acting skills to the table and adding depth and charisma to this festive offering.

The film begins with a young girl named Lucy, who encounters Santa Claus on a particularly memorable Christmas Eve. Santa tells Lucy that she is destined to take over his duties in the future, a proposition that she finds unbelievable. Little did she know that this lighthearted exchange would come to shape her destiny.

Fast forward, and now Lucy Cullins (Whoopi Goldberg), is a no-nonsense, grinchy, hard-nosed producer at a home shopping network. Living a life that has left her pretty jaded and detached from the essence of Christmas, she appears to have forgotten about that special encounter which occurred several years ago. However, fate or rather, Christmas forces her to reconsider her beliefs.

Enter Nigel Hawthorne, who portrays Santa Claus and is on the verge of retirement himself. As per the Christmas folklore in this film’s universe, Santa Claus must pass on his duties every 200 years to a chosen successor. The person chosen for the role is now, adult Lucy Cullins. Santa lands a job at Lucy's Shopping Network, ingeniously disguising himself as a toy salesman called Nick. From here, he works to remind Lucy of her Christmas magic and prepares her for her destined role.

The arrival of Nick forces Lucy to confront her disbelief and reignite her Christmas spirit. The interactions between Lucy and Nick form the crux of the movie, leading to many funny, poignant, and heart-tugging moments that are sure to put the viewer in the Christmas spirit. Hawthorne’s classic interpretation of Santa Claus or Nick, with his jolly demeanour, pleasantly contrasts with Goldberg’s grumpy Lucy, creating a dynamic that is comedic and, at times, deeply touching. More than a few scenes capture the essence of Christmas, the joy of giving, the importance of family and the magic of believing.

Brian Stokes Mitchell takes on the role of charming love-interest Cameron and adds a romantic subplot to the movie. His character brings in more warmth and depth, creating more opportunities for Lucy’s character development throughout the movie. In this role, Mitchell demonstrates his versatility as an actor, keeping up effortlessly with the titanic talents of his fellow cast members.

What seems like a simple, light-hearted holiday film at the surface has layers of more profound meaning under its jolly exterior. Call Me Claus essentially is about rediscovering lost innocence, faith, and joy—especially one associated with Christmas. The movie tackles these themes with grace and joviality, making it an enjoyable watch for audiences of all age groups.

Director Peter Werner’s command over the storytelling shines through in this film. He smoothly transitions between the humorous and sentimental scenes, striking a balance between comedy and drama that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The movie’s writing is also commendable. It maintains a consistent flow, creating a perfect rhythm for a festive movie while blending lightheartedness with some emotional depth.

The movie's production value is high, with convincing sets that bring out the holiday spirit, heartening music score that perfectly suits the joyful atmosphere, and costuming that adds authenticity to the characters, notably to Hawthorne's vibrant Santa outfits.

Call Me Claus is an uplifting film that works hard to bring the Christmas spirit into the hearts of its viewers. Whether it's Goldberg's hilarious antics as Lucy, Hawthorne's lovable portrayal of Santa aka Nick, or Mitchell's captivating charm as Cameron, there's a little something for everyone in this delightful Christmas movie. The film leaves the audience with the warm, fuzzy feelings that one often seeks in holiday films, making it perfect viewing for a snug evening by the Christmas tree. The movie will remind you that it's never too late to believe in the magic of Christmas again.