Miracle on 34th Street
Rating: G
Recommended for: All ages
Miracle on 34th Street is an irresistible fable that has, for many years, become synonymous with celebrating Christmas. And now this three-time Oscar-winning tale is as colorful and resplendent as the holiday itself in an all-new colorized version that's sure to delight fans old and new!
The holiday season is full swing when a cultured gentleman with twinkling eyes, an ample belly, and a snowy beard (Edmund Gwenn) is hired as Macy's department store Santa. He claims his name is Kris Kringle, and soon fills everyone with Christmas spirit...except for his boss, Doris Walker (Maureen O'Hara), who's raising her daughter (Natalie Wood) to not believe in Santa. But when Kringle is declared insane, and put on trial, everyone's faith is put to the test as young and old alike face the age-old question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?
We like to watch this movie around Thanksgiving because it starts out with Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. This movie has some funny parts and the way that they resolve everything is clever.
Technical: 4/5
Some of the acting is stiff or doesn't seem quite authentic but the majority of it is done well. The quality of the film isn't as clear as Blu-ray but it is not terrible. There really isn't anything in the way of special effects.
Setting: 4/5
The story is set in New York City and was a modern story when it was made. I have never been to New York City but nothing seemed to be out of place. The main places are Macy's, Doris's apartment, and the courtroom. The settings all fit the story very well.
Plot: 3/5
The story follows Kris Kringle and the difference he makes at Macy's. Kris hates the commercialism of Christmas and is unwilling to push certain toys just because too many were bought. What he does is turned into a new policy which the rival store also does. After an incident, in which one person involved twists the facts, Kris ends up in a hearing on his sanity. His lawyer says that he is going to prove that Kris really is Santa Clause. As far as Santa stories go, it doesn't make sense. He lives in New York and not the North Pole, and although he mentions being busy on Christmas Eve, he also tells parents where the best places to buy the toys that their children want are.
Characters: 4/5
There are many characters, like Kris who is nice and friendly. Doris is practical and while she likes Kris, she thinks that he is just a nice old man. Her daughter Susan, who doesn't know any fairy tales, is puzzled by Kris. Kris teaches her how to play make believe and tries to teach her how to use her imagination. Albert also hates commercialism and likes to play Santa and to see children's faces light up when they get presents. There is a doctor, whose name I forgot, that doesn't like Kris and wants to get him fired.
The story is a lot about believing in Santa, which I never have, but it is still a good story and I would recommend it.
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