Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street is a 1994 film that reinterprets the beloved 1947 classic. This American Christmas film was directed by Les Mayfield and starred Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle. Elizabeth Perkins and Dylan McDermott form the other leads in this heart-warming film. Set in New York during the holiday season, the film is filled with widely recognized elements of Christmas- the shopping season, Santa Claus, faith, and of course, miracles.

The story opens at the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade organized by the department store Cole's in New York City. Dorey Walker, played by Elizabeth Perkins, is overseeing the parade. Dorey is a smart, independent woman, a single mother to a six-year-old daughter, Susan, and the head of the department at Cole's, the city's largest department store.

As fate would have it, the man meant to play Santa Claus in the parade is unfit to perform, and this is when Kris Kringle, spryly portrayed by Richard Attenborough, enters the scene. Dorey is compelled to ask Kris to play Santa, and he does a splendid job, winning over both the public and store executives with his genuine charm and convincing demeanor. Kris's charismatic and warm portrayal of Santa earns him a permanent spot as Cole's in-house Santa for the holiday season.

Mara Wilson shines as six-year-old Susan Walker, an intelligent and no-nonsense girl who doesn't believe in Santa Claus because she has been raised by her Mother, Dorey, who endorses a more practical and realistic outlook towards life. However, when Susan meets Kris, his compelling aura and the way he carries himself as Santa Claus make her wonder if he might be the real deal after all.

The male lead, Dylan McDermott, plays Brian Bedford, a lawyer and friend of Dorey, who takes on the job of proving Kris is the real Santa Claus. Brian is kind, sympathetic, smart, and doesn’t want to take away the joy of Christmas from the lives of people, children and adults alike, by letting them believe that Santa doesn’t exist.

Richard Attenborough’s portrayal of Kris Kringle truly steals the show. His performance is sincere and nuanced, and his dynamic with young Mara Wilson is touching to witness on screen. Together, they weave a magical tale that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and cuts through the consumerism that often plagues the holiday season. He embodies Santa Claus so convincingly that he leaves you questioning whether Santa Claus might indeed be real.

As the story unfolds, you are drawn into a classic Christmas tale that stirs up the magical and festive spirit of the holiday season. The solid ensemble cast's performances convey a poignant narrative about the power of faith, hope, and believing in the good in the world. This film will stir your feelings, invoke nostalgia and leave you in a warm and fuzzy holiday mood.

Beautifully captured, the film also happens to showcase New York in all its festive glory during the Christmas season. The cinematography provides a visually delightful experience, with the city's snow-covered streets, decked-up stores, bright Christmas lights, and of course, 34th Street, bringing alive a fairytale-like charm that makes the viewing even more enjoyable.

Miracle on 34th Street is a wholesome family film, radiating warmth, laughter, and a good deal of holiday spirit. Although the film stays true to the original storyline, it is delivered in a way that allows it to carve out its identity, despite being a remake of a cherished classic.

This film is about preserving childhood innocence, miracles, and the importance of retaining hope and belief even in adulthood. Its narrative is simple yet powerful, drawing on the universal themes of love, faith, and the magic of Christmas.

The final verdict? Miracle on 34th Street is indeed a miracle of a movie, a feel-good holiday favorite with powerful performances and a touching storyline, promising to put you and your family in the perfect holiday spirit. After watching this, you might just find yourself believing in Santa Claus like never before. The film is a charming reminder of the magic and wonder that the Christmas season brings, making it a must-watch for the holiday season.