Undescribable Perfection

Better Late Then Never

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

when you believe in something or someone you love deeply enough anything is possible this is remake of a 1947 film of the same name with Richard Edinburgh playing Kris Kringle he plays his role perfectly as a being and a belief in people believing in this figure gives this man hope as he sets up a pet project as a little girl who doesn't believe in dreams and reality of Kris as 6 yr old Susan her mother lost her spirit long time ago and it rubbed off and doesn't expect any surprises on Xmas but after meeting a department store Santa who makes her believe in one so as Cole's department store is saved by a figure as he is Santa another shop decides to frame him and but Cole's out of business with Santa locked up Dylan McDermott character who is a lawyer must get the court that losing this man identity would mean the spirit of Xmas ruined forever plus he wants his step daughter a chance to love this joyous uplifting film will make us all believe as this is 1hr49mins and I give this 7/10 this is in my top 5 Xmas films of all time

Miracle on 34th Street is a movie fit for anyone who has become jaded and cynical over the years. It encompasses everything that makes the Christmas season beautiful and fun including the parade after Thanksgiving many look forward to, characters with an overflowing amount Christmas spirit, as well as the incredulous characters that are always present in Christmas movies. The film shares the plot of the 1947 classic, Miracle on 34th Street, however the director, Les Mayfield, incorporates a few differences to fit more modern times. The movie's beginning scenes take place at the Cole's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In the film, Cole's has replaced Macy's on New York's 34th Street. It opens with white-bearded Kriss Kringle scolding an intoxicated man who was hired to portray Santa Claus in the parade. When the drunk makes a complete fool of himself, the Cole's parade director, Dorey Walker, approaches Kriss Kringle and asks that he take on the role of Santa Claus, not only for the parade, but also for Cole's department store. Miracle on 34th Street conveys an important message to every viewer, that there is a hope for skeptics that have lost all hope in magic and miracles. Kriss Kringle is not just a man in a red suit sitting in the middle of a department store, he is a symbol of all that is good about Christmas.The film argues that if people no longer have any faith in Santa Claus and all he represents, then the world has become a sad, hopeless place. Dorey Walker, and her daughter Susan, are non- believers. The mother and daughter are both very practical, and to them, Santa Claus is nothing more than a myth. Susan even says talking to Santa in Cole's is, "a pointless exercise" due to her disbelief. Because of their lack of faith, the Christmas season is extremely bleak for the two of them. Bryan Bedford, a lawyer and the Walkers' neighbor, teams up with Kriss Kringle to teach the Walkers about the spirit of Christmas.One of the most memorable events throughout the whole film occurs when Kriss Kringle is declared insane after allegedly beating another man with his cane. These events tug at your heartstrings, and will have you rooting for Kriss to beat the evil guys. Kringle experiences a trial that would ultimately determine his future. Bryan Bedford fights with Kringle to prove his innocence and his true identity. During this portion of the movie, Bedford calls upon many witnesses, one of them being a child around the age of six. Bedford questions the child of Kringle's authenticity. The young witness, Daniel, then states that he believes Kriss is the one and only Santa Claus. When asked how he can be sure Daniel says, "Cause he looks like Santa Claus. Oh, and he's very nice."Although the plots between the 1947 and the 1994 versions are extremely similar, the director, Les Mayfield, made a significant change in the script in how Bedford chooses to verify Kriss' identity. In the 1947 version, Kriss Kringle is identified through the post office forwarding all of Santa's mail to Kringle's home. However, in the remake, Bedford uses brilliant logic on Kriss' behalf. He utilizes a $1 bill and the phrase "In God We Trust" to validate Kringle's identity. Bedford uses the expression "In God We Trust" to signify that it is socially acceptable to put your faith in something that you can neither see nor physically touch.Casting for 1994's Miracle on 34th Street varies from brilliant to unsatisfying. Richard Attenborough's excellent portrayal of Kriss Kringle recollects Edmund Gwenn's Oscar-winning performance without copying it. Young Mara Wilson performs as a captivating character who grabs hold of your heart and doesn't let go. However, Elizabeth Perkins and Dylan McDermott, who portray Dorey Walker and Bryan Bedford, pale in comparison to the 1947 edition's Maureen O'Hara and John Payne ("Internet Movie Database"). Les Mayfield, the director of the 1994 classic, took on an almost impossible challenge when he decided to remake the beloved 1947 film. The original had set standards for every Christmas movie created afterward. This modern update is a charming, compassionate, sweet movie that stays true to the spirit of the original. It captures the true meaning of the Christmas season, and remains an outstanding family feature even today. The movie itself is nostalgic, sweet, and manipulative, which makes it so easy to love.

This remake wasn't as magical and full of Christmas spirit as I hoped it would be. Unfortunately, the movie was kinda boring and dull instead of being sweet and fun to watch and enjoy. Elizabeth Perkins was good in it though, and was well casted in her lead role. So that's one plus to it. The little girl that stars in the flick was pretty good, not the best though. But I didn't have a real big issue with the casting overall. It was the lack of substance and weak script I took issue with here. The script and dialogue is kind of dull and lack luster in this movie. It's not a god awful film, but it's certainly not the magical Christmas ride you might expect. It is family friendly though, with the exception of a couple of bad words. So if you want a Christmas movie that's OK for the kiddos, then this might be for you. But in my opinion, this movie just wasn't that good, it had some potential, but I feel like it squandered that good potential. 4/10 for Miracle on 34th Street.

I was first introduced to the 1947 classic of the same name , when I was just eight years old. I knew nothing about Natalie wood , , New YORK or MACY's department store. Watching the original, was nothing short of a MAGICAL experience!! I feel in love with New York, Ed Gwynn , JOHN PAYNE , MAUREEN OHARA , and of course , Natalie Wood. , and MACY's !! It became a tradition , each year that followed, that MIRACLE ON 34th street , would be required viewing as son as the American thanksgiving was underway!! I've lost count of how many times I have watched this movie ( I went out and bought the DVD because for some insane reason , 3 years ago , the movie was not being shown on any channel ?!? )All that being said, I have to admit , I was a bit disappointed with the 1994 version. Yes Mara Wilson was cute as a button , and spot on as the the skeptical little girl. But I found this version lacked one key factor - MACYS !!! In this version , Macy's isn't even mentioned. For some reason, after the producers when all out to find the perfect cast , they couldn't get the real Macy's to agree to let miracle, use macys !!! This , I beili really hurt the film . What they should have done was worked harder to get the Macy's name, or not release it at all . I think not getting permission, was a game changer / deal breaker .Trust me., forget this version , and watch the original, and experience the magic!! And whatever you do stay FAR AWAY from the so called television remake that was released in the 70's that starred Sebastian Cabot , and JANE Alexander and David Hartman ewwwwww.