Miracle on 34th Street
Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street

1994Movie114 minEnglish

Six-year-old Susan Walker has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle—Santa Claus. Her mother told her the secret about Santa a long time ago, but, after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all—something to believe in.

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Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes52%
Metacritic51/100
Google Users72%
Director: Les MayfieldGenres: Family, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

Plot Summary

A kind, elderly man is hired to play Santa Claus at a New York department store. When he claims to be the real Santa Claus, his sanity is questioned, and a lawyer must defend him in court. As the trial unfolds, it becomes a test of faith for the city and a young girl who has lost her belief in Christmas magic. The man's conviction and the public's response ultimately determine whether he can prove his identity.

Critical Reception

The 1994 remake of 'Miracle on 34th Street' received a generally mixed to positive reception from critics and audiences. While many appreciated its faithful adaptation of the original story and the heartwarming performances, particularly from Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle, some found it lacked the unique charm and timeless appeal of the 1947 classic. It was generally seen as a solid family-friendly holiday film, though not as impactful as its predecessor.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Richard Attenborough's gentle portrayal of Santa Claus.
  • Some critics found it a competent but ultimately unnecessary remake.
  • Appreciated for its family-friendly themes and holiday spirit.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a charming and enjoyable holiday movie, with many appreciating its faithful retelling of the beloved story and the performances of the cast. Some viewers felt it didn't quite capture the magic of the original but still considered it a worthwhile watch for families during the Christmas season.

Fun Fact

Richard Attenborough, who plays Santa Claus, was originally considered for the role in the 1947 film but was deemed too young at the time.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I'm not sure that this really needed reimagining, but Sir Richard Attenborough was probably the best man at giving it a go when it was remade. He is "Kris Kringle", recruited by a struggling toy store to take part in their Christmas parade ...