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Santa Gets Retried After Almost 50 Years

Posted in General Comments, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, tagged Bryan Bedford, Christmas, Cole’s Department Store, Dorey Walker, Dylan McDermott, Elizabeth Perkins, General Comments, J.T. Walsh, John Hughes, Judge Henry Harper, Kris Kringle, Mara Wilson, Miracle on 34th Street (1994) – movie review, Moderate Movie Recommendation, Movie Reviews, New York City, Reviews, Richard Attenborough, Robert Prosky, Santa Claus, Saturn Award Nomination, Susan Walker, Valentine Davies, Victor Landberg on December 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) – movie review
Today’s review is for the holiday remake “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994), starring Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle (a kindly old man who insists he is Santa Claus), Elizabeth Perkins as Dorey Walker (a pragmatic single mother and PR director for Cole’s Department Store), Dylan McDermott as Bryan Bedford (the Walker’s neighbor and a warm-hearted lawyer who becomes both Kris’ defender and Dorey’s romantic interest), Mara Wilson as Susan Walker (Dorey’s skeptical daughter whose belief in miracles is put to the test), J.T. Walsh as Victor Landberg (a corporate rival intent on undermining Cole’s), and Robert Prosky as Judge Henry Harper (whose courtroom becomes the unlikely stage for Santa’s fate).

Background: This is my first viewing of this version, although I had seen it advertised and available for several years on VUDU. I have the DVD of the original 1947 version, (but not a streaming version) and this version came out in a bundle with the original for $8. As my price point is normally $5, this meant I could watch and review both versions for only an additional $3. I decided to go for it as you never can tell why you might find a diamond amongst the coal. Released in November 1994, this remake sought to reintroduce Valentine Davies’ classic story to a new generation. Produced by John Hughes, it follows the 1947 original loosely but comes across with a modern and far more cynical tone than the original – particularly when viewed in proximity (sequentially). While the original won three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Edmund Gwenn, this version did not achieve similar acceptance / accolades. It did, however, earn Richard Attenborough a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Historically, the film is probably notable as one of a few major remakes of a “holiday” classic that attempted to balance nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities. Of course, there is almost nothing new under the sun which having once been a hit, Hollywood did not try to recycle in a remake, but there are relatively few holiday hits that have been successfully remade. On researching this review, I found the original was remade for TV three times, but I can’t honestly admit to having seen any of those versions, let alone liked them.

Plot: Set in modern-day New York, the story begins when Kris Kringle is hired as Santa Claus at Cole’s Department Store. His warmth and authenticity win over customers, but his insistence that he is the real Santa leads to skepticism, legal challenges, and a courtroom showdown. Dorey, initially wary, finds herself defending Kris alongside Bryan, while young Susan struggles between disbelief and wonder. The climax hinges on whether faith, tradition, and the spirit of Christmas can triumph over cynicism and corporate greed.

So, is this movie any good? How’s the acting? The filming / FX? Any problems? And, did I enjoy the film? Short answers: So-so; heartfelt; polished; a few; so-so — but warmly.

Any good? So-so. “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) is a sincere attempt at reformatting and retelling that emphasizes faith and tradition, but it severely lacks the historic and emotional impact of the 1947 original. It does, however, by following the original story-line, remain a “pleasant / charming” holiday film that blends sentiment with courtroom drama.

Acting: Richard Attenborough brings gravitas and twinkle to Kris Kringle, embodying both warmth and authority. Mara Wilson, as Susan, delivers a somewhat precocious performance that balances skepticism with childlike wonder. Elizabeth Perkins grounds the film with pragmatic realism, while Dylan McDermott adds romantic sincerity. J.T. Walsh provides corporate menace, and Robert Prosky lends dignity to the courtroom scenes. The ensemble is strong, though Attenborough’s Kris is the standout. In fairness to the film, I admit to not being a big fan of McDermott’s. I feel, he’s a bit too, Hollywood “pretty-boy” to carry off this particular role. (IMHO) In fairness to him, I couldn’t recall another role I’ve ever seen him in – until I looked him up. He does have over thirty film credits, but I’ve only seen a handful of them.

Filming / FX: Julio Macat’s cinematography captures New York in festive hues, with department store displays and courtroom interiors rendered in polished detail. The film avoids flashy effects, and tries to rely instead on atmosphere and seasonal imagery. It mostly works “as a film”, though it never achieves the iconic humor, spirit, or emotional resonance of the original’s simplicity.

Problems: A few. The remake struggles mightily under the shadow of its predecessor, with inevitable comparisons diminishing this films originality. Some courtroom sequences (particularly the “strange” ending decision) feel overly sentimental. The pace drags – particularly in the buildup to the trial. Removing the issues of courtroom version(s) comparison, the biggest issues this version has are a lack of chemistry between the two leads, between the mother and daughter, and the confusion around the compressed timeline that the entire story happens between Thanksgiving and Christmas (and a few days after). The time frame just doesn’t make sense in this version. Finally, the corporate competition sub-plot / backstory / arc, just doesn’t work and distracts from the flow of the film instead of creating the raison d’être for the competency hearing.

Did I enjoy the film? Yes (so-so) — warmly. While not groundbreaking, the film succeeds as a holiday story of belief and tradition as long as it’s considered on its own and not in direct comparison with the original. Attenborough’s Kris IS delightful (but much more aggressive than Gwenn from the original), and Susan’s journey from doubt to faith remains touching.

Final Recommendation: Moderate Recommendation. “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994) is a heartfelt remake which tries to honor its source material while offering a polished, modern (and colorized) retelling. The Saturn Award nomination for Attenborough reflects the strength of its central performance. Historically, it stands as a rare attempt to reframe a holiday classic for contemporary audiences. Watch it for Attenborough’s Kris, for Mara Wilson’s precocious charm, but given the option, the original is a much better movie and choice to spend your time. (IMHO) This version is not a “bad” movie. It’s just not a very good one, either. Oh, well…

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Click here (7 December) to see the posts of prior years. I started this blog in late 2009. Daily posting began in late January 2011. Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.