My Santa (2013 TV Movie) User Reviews (19)

Predictable but enjoyable

[lisafordeay · 6/10 · 20 December 2018]

My Santa is a TV romantic fantasy and stars Samoire Armstrong from Just My Luck and Matthew Lawrence from Mrs Doubtfire and tells the story of a single mother played by Armstrong who brings her son to the local mall and meets up with a young man named Chris who is dressed up as Santa Clause. Both Chris and Jen become smitten as they keep bumping into each other but Chris is hiding a secret. His really the son of St Nick and has till midnight to find someone ...a significant other but will he find someone to fall in love with him and believe in Christmas.

Overall I enjoyed this film. The two main charcthers are likeable as I grew up watching Matthew Lawrence in Mrs Doubtfire as the 2nd eldest kid Chris Hillard(surprisingly his called Chris in this too which made me smile) to becoming a very handsome man. The overall film itself was predictable as I knew what was going to happen from the get go.

If you enjoyed The Santa Clause 2 and Steve Guttenberg's Single Santa seeks Mrs Clause then you will enjoy this.

6/10

My moderately cute Santa

[TheLittleSongbird · 5/10 · 31 August 2021]

The last quarter of 2019 saw me starting to watch and review many relatively recent Christmas films. As part of a quest to see as many as possible that had not already been seen and still favourites. A quest that still is being undertaken nearly two years on. It did turn out to an interesting experience, took me time to get through it though and am still watching and reviewing, but like all completest quests it proved to be a very variable one with a mix good, bad and in between films.

'My Santa' is one of the in between ones. It is not a great film, and at times not even particularly good, but it was watchable, well intended and sweet. A pleasant enough diversion as long as one doesn't expect too much, that does a fair share of things right. Even if the traps that festive films can fall into, and frequently have done, are not completely avoided. Other festive films have fared far worse in what 'My Santa' has wrong with it though, which is actually quite a lot.

Am going to start off mentioning the flaws. The story is formulaic and doesn't really have anything new or special to it to make it stand out, also not always being completely focused. Many Christmas films end too tidily and that is the case with 'My Santa', as well as it being resolved too quick. The dialogue doesn't always sound natural and could have done with more flow and less cheese and sugar, some scenes do contain howlers for lines.

Do agree that the family in need and explanation for not liking Christmas scenes are embarrassing. With one exception, the supporting cast is pretty terrible. Especially in the family in need scene.

Luckily the two leads are a lot better. Samaire Armstrong is an immensely engaging lead and really charms the viewer. Matthew Lawrence isn't as consistent, he could have toned down the smile in use and how it came across, but he also has a lot of appeal. The chemistry between them is easy-going and genuine, developing at a realistic rate. Julie Brown is a joy in the best friend role and the only good supporting cast member.

The production values are pleasing on the eye, the scenery has an authentic Christmassy feel and the photography doesn't try to do too much while not being claustrophobic. The soundtrack is also suitably festive without being overpowering in volume or over-utilised. Enough parts are amusingly light-hearted and there are some heart-warming and charming moments without being too saccharine.

Overall, watchable but not great. 5/10.

"I fell in love with him, Suzie!!!"

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 30 November 2015]

Single mom Samaire Armstrong, who has lost her Christmas spirit, finds herself drawn to nice, kind department store Santa/Christmas tree lot owner Matthew Lawrence, who also happens to be the son of the real Santa. In addition to their (very) slowly bubbling romance, we have subplots involving Samaire's son wanting some toy for Christmas she can't find, her hunky co-worker expressing an interest in her romantically and professionally, and Matthew's deadline to find a wife by Christmas so he can take over for dad. All this plus Julie Brown stealing every scene she's in as Samaire's horny friend. Horny in a wholesome TV movie sort of way, that is.

This is a pretty silly movie I admit. If you go into it with your serious face on, you'll almost surely think it's crap and turn it off quickly. But it's actually not a bad watch if you give it a shot. Even its weaknesses work in its favor. For example, the highlight of the movie for me were these two unintentionally hilarious back-to-back scenes just over an hour in (with commercials). The first has Samaire accompanying Matthew as he goes to visit a family in need. This family is very corny and whitebread in every way you can imagine. The dad is this stiff-backed, sweater-wearing creepo with a monotone voice who talks about being out of work, his kids going without Christmas presents, and relying on Church charity to get by with a weird smile on his face. He comes across like he might be a serial killer. The kids are two of the worst little actors you'll ever see. The mom burns the turkey and the actress plays the scene like an Emmy win was a foregone conclusion. They appear to have filmed the scene in someone's actual house so the whole thing looks and feels cheap. This is followed by a howler of a scene where Samaire recounts why she isn't big on Christmas. You see, her husband left her on Christmas Eve. I won't spoil why but let's just say don't drink anything while you're watching this scene or you'll spit it out for sure. The guy playing her husband is like a gay Andy Capp! He's really a terrible actor. I defy anyone to watch this without laughing your tail off. Speaking of bad actors, the guy playing the other potential love interest for our heroine looks like a model and acts like a mannequin.

These two scenes are really bad but also so much fun to watch. So yeah there are a lot of moments in this that are unintentionally funny, and the rest of it is very dumb if you take it at face value. But it's got heart and the two leads have a likability about them that helps them rise above the material and their limited acting talents. That ending is unbelievably corny, too, but damned if it didn't make me smile. The biggest negative I would have against this is that it's criminal how wasted Paul Dooley is in a minor supporting role.

I love the bonding of love!

[gricarm · 18 September 2017]

When I first watch this movie, I thought that this is just another Christmas movie... But I was wrong. I found that it catch my interest when Jen who doesn't believe in Christmas (because of past trauma) met someone that revive her Christmas spirit. I just like the scene when Chris offer job to Mr. Johnson and it seems like we can feel how excited he is when he get a job to support his family in the eve of Christmas. The happiness... The united family... I believe that whoever read my review may think that I just too 'imagine' about this while it may be just a fantasy that may not be true in real life. But when we look back at this movie, I feel that it give a signal that we should be close to family, no matter hardship that we have to go through, or maybe when we feel disappointed, do not give up. There's always thing that will make you happy someday. Maybe most of the reviewers might said that this is type of cliché movie, same storyline or whatever, but whatever it is, this movie has its own value that I salute!

The Worse Christmas Movie I Have seen This Year

[Christmas-Reviewer · 1/10 · 20 August 2017]

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.

A single mother (Samaire Armstrong) falls for a man (Matthew Lawrence) who plays Santa Claus in the mall, but she doesn't realize that he is the son of Kris Kringle.

There is many things wrong in this film. For starters lets start with the casting Gabe O'Mara in the role of Erica. He is only to be six years old but he looks like he is 10 which makes the character creepy. He doesn't come across as 6. He comes across like he is Chucky from "Child's Play"

Then there is the casting all the two leads. They are Samaire Armstrong and Matthew Lawrence. In real life they are the same age but she looks older than him by 10 years.

In this film Sanaire plays a reporter for a small town newspaper. However the home she lives in would cost $1,000,000 and I highly doubt she could afford that home. Also the producers of the film screw up the address. When you look at the curb its one address. When see the address on the house you see a different number!

Now this film would of have been better had they cast different people in almost every role. Then it might have worked.

I highly doubt anybody will be entertained watching this!

Not great but definitely not "the worst"

[Jackbv123 · 6/10 · 14 November 2020]

This story is based on Kris actually being Kris Kringle, Jr., the future Santa Claus. He needs to find the "right one" for a wife before Christmas. Once we establish this for a premise, judging the movie in terms of any sense of reality is moot. In addition, the movie leans a bit toward appealing to kids, so juvenile themes will probably be a part of it.

Jen was deeply wounded by something from a Christmas Eve years ago. We learn what it was toward the latter half, so I won't specify. Jen is going to be slow to trust, slow to believe and slow to have the Christmas spirit. Yet after spending time with Kris, well that's not hard to predict. I thought Samaire Armstrong and Matthew Lawrence had chemistry even if it developed pretty suddenly.

There is definitely some inconsistency in the acting, even among the leads. Trouble is that it is kind of like comparing TV acting to stage acting , or in this case an adult rom/com to one aimed at younger ages. Acting for younger audiences tends to be more exaggerated at times. Same thing applies to the story and there were numerous plot holes. It's not hard to predict what's going to create the conflict or what's going to resolve it. Since the story is about a single mom, obviously the kid plays a part in a 3 way relationship.

There's a rival, but I never really took him seriously as that. I would have preferred that the time spent on that sub-plot would have been added to screen time for Armstrong and Lawrence together.

Basically it's a cute Santa Jr story with a sweet romance.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

[adamjohns-42575 · 5/10 · 26 October 2022]

My Santa (2013) -

It's a sweet story, but it's very treacly and some of the actors were far too over the top. It contained some cute moments and had a nice Christmas vibe to it, although it did suggest that only seeing was believing, which we all know isn't how Father Christmas works.

'Mrs Doubtfire's' (1993) son (Matthew Lawrence) grew up to be a very handsome young chap, playing the lead male in this film, Chris, although it was hard to believe him as a mall Santa, because he was still so young and baby faced. However, he did have a spark about him that could make you believe in magic.

Samaire Armstrong, as Jen however, was just a bit whiney and not the best Mum if I'm honest, although the kid seemed to like her, jumping up every time she walked in the room and hugging her.

I personally thought that Chris could do better.

It wasn't one of those with that special something that makes me want to watch it every year, but I wouldn't turn it off. It did what it set out to do and wasn't offensive in any way.

5.5/10.

So....very White Christmas.

[MHall0311 · 5/10 · 21 July 2020]

I would of given this more stars, but I'm deducting for the sheer and blatant lack of diversity. Do better next time. Shameful.

Very bad movie

[milanalalovic · 1/10 · 15 December 2018]

Bas acting, bad plot, a lot of mistakes and nonsences.

A wonderful christmas romance

[Sweetigal85 · 9/10 · 9 December 2018]

This is a simply delightful movie. It has love, it has Christmas and it has arguably the most attractive Lawrence brother as Santa Claus's hot, charming son.

I found this movie on hulu and I knew I would love it. The plot may seem a little simple but it is very nicely done. You could really feel for Jen trying to be the perfect single mom and juggle her career and personal life at the same time. It is a very cute twist that Chris falls for a woman who hates christmas and he is determined to change her mind and heart.

The one scene that really bothered me was the flashback to Jen's husband leaving. She was clearly like 25 when he left so why would they choose a man who looks like he could be her alcoholic father to play this role? Honestly I feared for her life while watching this scene. I have never seen someone be so randomly, hatefully cruel toward someone.

Lucky for her, Santa Claus's son sets his sights on her and won't give up until he makes her the next Mrs. Claus. I found it a little unbelievable at first that she just rushed off and left her entire life behind but I guess if Chris Claus seriously picked you to be his immortal wife and live in love and happiness with him forever, why would you even look back? LOL

Heartwarming and worth watching despite my rating of four stars

[chshopping · 4/10 · 7 September 2023]

While the acting wasn't the best, hence only four star, I still found the movie heartwarming with a sweetness that was a bit unique. Enough so that it's the second time I've watched it.

Possible Spoiler but nothing major

Matthew Lawrence plays Chris, the son of Kris Kringle. Part of me feels he's well casted and part of me feels they could have done better. He is pretty believable in his being naive about what the real world is like. Also about his feelings of the magic starting to take place when he's around Jen Robbins (played by Samaire Armstrong) his love interest.

What I didn't feel was any real chemistry between them. That could be part of why I didn't feel either were very good at their parts.

Who I I did like is Gabe O'Mara as Eric Robbins who played Jen Robbins son. I felt more chemistry between him and the main characters than the main characters themselves.

It would probably help others if more people would give their opinion on the movie and if it's worth the watch.

Delightful

[rebekahrox · 8/10 · 15 January 2021]

I loved Samaire Armstrong in Heavenly Match in which she played an Episcopal Priest and she did not disappoint in this one. She was adorable and a nice match with Mathew Lawrence, who was also well cast in this movie. I usually do not like Santa's offspring themed movies, but this one was the exception to the rule. I loved Mathew's sweet innocence as Santa's son who has to find a wife by Christmas. Yes, it's pretty formulaic as all these are, but the slow burn romance was sweet, and the scene where Jen, our single mother heroine was finally convinced he was on the level was touching.

I don't know what fuse this movie lit under Christmas "I Have no agenda" Reviewer, but to call this the worst Christmas movie this year?? To nitpick address numbers and the expensive homes the characters live in? I've never seen a Hallmarkesque movie that the homes weren't way too much for the probable income of the occupants. I challenge anyone to offer an example where the home matched their income level. To say that cute Samaire Armstrong looks 10 years older than Mathew Lawrence when she is almost a year younger in real life? Come on. Since Lawrence looks about 18 in this movie there are very few adult actresses who wouldn't look older .Except this actress doesn't in my opinion. To call the little kid actor, who was perfectly competent "creepy" and like "Chucky? " Steady the machete. Pick on someone your own size, lady.

Looking forward to a remake

[miller-ted · 8/10 · 18 November 2018]

I enjoyed this movie and watched it a couple of times last year. This year it was the only Hallmark type of Christmas movie I was looking for on Netflix. Honestly it's not a great movie. Some scenes seem unrehearsed, some conversations start with an awkward pause like everyone is waiting for the director to yell Action. But there is so much potential in the story, and the two leads have the chemistry the movie needs. With a few tweaks, a remake could be amazing.

Excellent Christmas Movie

[bzjm-859-92395 · 10/10 · 1 December 2013]

This movie is moving and at times made my cry, very touching. At first, going by the title of the movie, thought it was going to be one of those empty, sappy movies, but I was wrong, glad I was, too!

It really gets you into the Christmas spirit.

I saved the movie on disk as it was that good. I don't usually save movies, but made an exception with this one. It's so special.

ION TV always has the best Christmas movies, I look forward to them every year!

I recommend this movie for the family to watch. It's a real feel-good Christmas movie.

little more than nice

[Kirpianuscus · 24 November 2016]

one of many films about Christmas. same atmosphere, same pledge, same clichés, same air of love. and a difference. because it is not only charming or remind of family values but it represents a delicate explanation of the meaning of purposes, hopes and chances. and maybe not the script does it real seductive but the actors. Matthew Lawrence as profound different Santa, Samaire Armstrong as the single mother looking the best partner and, sure, Julie Brown as the great Suzie. sure, it is not unfair to see it as a film for the Christmas movies fans. but it is not enough. something does it not only nice but almost charming. something real important. maybe the social theme, maybe the air of events and problems from the every day life. so, humor, gifts, problems and cinnamon air.

Loved this movie

[slmacche-03890 · 10/10 · 16 December 2018]

I loved this movie. I'm a romantic at heart. Of course it's predictable, but what romantic Christmas movie isn't?

This is the best/worst Christmas movie of all time and I watch it every year!

[amymcgurk-41236 · 10/10 · 24 December 2023]

Although the holiday rom com is pretty standard, the premise this movie uses to get there amazes me with its sheer lunacy every time I watch it. To be clear, I am a fan of cheesy holiday movies, the kind that are so bad they're actually good.

Jen is a single mom who hates Christmas because that's when her husband left years ago. Her son is a true believer. Her neighbor/best friend Suzie is played by MTV's Julie Brown. NOT Downtown Julie Brown, the other one. Kris is a mall Santa played by Matthew Lawrence but spoiler alert (this is revealed in the first few minutes of the movie), he's actually Kris Jr, as in, the son of Santa, sent on a mission with his sidekick (Jim Heir from Parks and Recreation) to find a wife who's a believer in Christmas magic to presumably become the next Mrs. Claus. Yes.

There's another attractive suitor who's a distraction, and a subplot about a needy family and also a Christmas tree stand that are intertwined and it's a LOT. The ending is super dramatic and also laughable, but it's why I watch this movie every year without fail.

Christmas spirit

[Vincentiu · 22 December 2014]

the Christmas spirit saves all. the mediocre films, the social relations, the holidays. and that film who could be a lovely fairy- tale, not special but enough nice for a comfortable evening. love, miracle, a child and a change. good ingredients for an adventures without great ambitions. a film about family and that could not be a surprise. interesting, maybe seductive for the fans of Samaire Armstrong and Matthew Lawrence - not the best choice for the lead character but that is only a detail. film for a holiday, it has all sins and virtues of genre. soup for soul, pink poetry, common and not brilliant. but useful for celebrate, in a not great manner, the joy of the Birth of Jesus.

Adorable, not great

[vchimpanzee · 10 December 2023]

Once again, I have seen a Christmas romcom where the lead female is cynical and the supporting cast is better than the leads. I'm not familiar with Samaire Armstrong but she is quite pretty and does a good job, even if she is sometimes too serious. I like her enough, and she has one really good moment as an actor, even if it is an unpleasant scene for the audience. I do wonder how a single mom in an ordinary job can have such a nice house.

The standout actors are Julie Brown (when has she ever not stood out?) and Jim O'Heir as the man you think should be Santa Claus, if he just added the suit and a beard. Julie is the quirky best friend with an attitude, but a more positive attitude than her friend has. O'Heir is the voice of reason when his Santa Claus isn't being logical.

Paul Dooley is the curmudgeon of a boss, but someone we can like in spite of that. Channing Chase is his potential romantic partner, and while intelligent, too quick to be what he wants her to be.

Matthew Lawrence I know as one of the Lawrence brothers. Maybe I'm remembering incorrectly, but I don't think they're known for their talent. Matthew has a nice smile and is likable enough, but he's not that good. He has some good scenes, mainly when he's not happy. The writing for his character is good but better than he is. And he seems like a teenager, a little young to be in the role or a possible romantic interest for Jen.

Gabe O'Mara is quite likable as the 7-year-old son, even if he looks a little old to still believe.

Ben Gavin is the stereotypical ideal man, but do we really want him to win? Likable enough, I suppose, but too ideal.

The photos of the kids with Santa early in the movie are great.

One positive message involves a family which is having a hard time. Like the Whos who had their holiday stolen by The Grinch, they choose to be happy anyway, because the holiday isn't just about things.

The ending is impossible, but when there is a Santa Claus, why not?

I want to say this is a great movie for kids, but there is one scene that is really concerning. Michael Waite is quite convincing in a flashback as the angry husband and father who has had it with whatever is going on. He isn't exactly violent, but it is disturbing to watch him and maybe something like this was unnecessary. He could have been written as a more sympathetic character, who just couldn't make his marriage work.

Other than that, I would say this is a good movie for kids.

There isn't a mention of the Christian meaning of Christmas, but the family with problems did have a church food bank, and familiar Christmas hymns are included in the background instrumental music. On the subject of music, I wasn't that happy with it, especially with the closing credits music which at least was short.

I would say this is pretty good.