North Pole cold

Fred Claus chills an otherwise heartwarming premise | Megan Basham

A few years ago Saturday Night Live alum Will Ferrell surprised moviegoers by starring in a sweet, charming, and genuinely hilarious Christmas movie. Elf became a new holiday favorite—appropriate and, more important, enjoyable for viewers of all ages.

Trailers for Fred Claus suggested that Vince Vaughn, fellow member of Hollywood's infamous "frat pack," was going to follow in those footsteps. The premise was promising enough. To earn bail and seed-money for a get-rich-quick venture, Fred (Vaughn), the conniving, underachieving brother of Santa (Paul Giamatti), agrees to work in the toy factory at the North Pole until Christmas. In the process he tampers with the "naughty" list, attempts to spark an elf riot, and comes to grips with the sibling rivalry that has plagued him since his brother's birth.

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November 17, 2007, Vol. 22, No. 42

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