I think you have to appreciate schlapschtick (original german spelling) to appreciate the physical humor of Varney. My kid loved this guy around age 8 or 9 and that's probably the youngest who should watch, although its rated G. There is not only some upsetting scenes with people being run over or clobbered, Santa going to jail, and some other stuff but it really changes the story of Santa significantly. Instead of a magical other-wordly forever Santa, he now is just a human who is endowed only until it's time to pass the job to someone else. On top of that, the new Santa barely believes. I'm just saying, through the eyes of very young kids this would be confusing if not overwhelming.
As an adult who pretty much knew what to expect, I enjoyed the story and Varney's caricatures. But there is mostly silly stuff aimed at making kids laugh with a bit of over-their-heads jokes or references adults can enjoy.
Someone said the film teaches good morals but I think that's a toss up. The main character is extremely arrogant and thinks nothing of gaslighting people to get his way and ignores their requests. Of course, that's part of the antics but I'm just saying you have to dig deep to find values here other than the wayward teen changing her mind and the children's show host not wanting to go against his morals.
I also think it makes Santa look like a foolish old man who can't find a hole in the ground, which is not really for the very young to understand.
As an adult, I apparently felt the G rating needed critiquing more than I felt another adult perspectivec was needed here. But my fav scene is when they pan back to the jail cell and Santa had the rough crowd all singing carols.
As an adult who pretty much knew what to expect, I enjoyed the story and Varney's caricatures. But there is mostly silly stuff aimed at making kids laugh with a bit of over-their-heads jokes or references adults can enjoy.
Someone said the film teaches good morals but I think that's a toss up. The main character is extremely arrogant and thinks nothing of gaslighting people to get his way and ignores their requests. Of course, that's part of the antics but I'm just saying you have to dig deep to find values here other than the wayward teen changing her mind and the children's show host not wanting to go against his morals.
I also think it makes Santa look like a foolish old man who can't find a hole in the ground, which is not really for the very young to understand.
As an adult, I apparently felt the G rating needed critiquing more than I felt another adult perspectivec was needed here. But my fav scene is when they pan back to the jail cell and Santa had the rough crowd all singing carols.