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A BRIEF REVIEW
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(I will warn readers when the full review starts so that some of the suspense is not lost from seeing the film for the first time.)

Director John Shepphird's ISMKSC, released in 2001, is much more than one would expect from a typical film made for TV. The film explores such issues as the psychological impact of traditional beliefs, like Santa Claus, on young children, the effect of divorce also on young minds, bringing up a family, the elderly and the finest traditional Christmas music, to name a few.

A simple fantasy between parents, Stephanie(Connie Sellecca) and David Carver(Corbin Bernsen), perplexes a young boy so much that he behaves chaotically, until the inevitable happens. One night, during the Christmas season, Justin Carver(Cole Sprouse), sees his mother(Connie) kissing Santa Claus, in the living room of their house. A second grader like Justin, does not realize Santa is being enacted by his father(Corbin). He begins his response, a reign of extreme mischief, in contrast to the song; “Santa Claus is coming to town”. to keep Santa away from his house. All this because he believed that his mother and father were going to separate just like his best friend's parents had. Will Justin's actions such as throwing snowballs at street corner Santas land him in serious trouble?

The OST has some classic Christmas songs. The film is set in a snowy winter that makes even viewers living in non snowing regions feel the white Christmas. Justin's mischief is indeed, as original as Kevin, from “Home Alone”, and keeps one on the edge of the seat. The actors have rendered convincing performances. ISMKSC is definitely a classic that can be viewed again, and again with family. I found that, Connie Selleca an intensely attractive brunette, is opportune as a working housewife, the forbidden fruit, for most moral men. I heard they are recruiting for a new film ISMK the Easter Bunny. Simply classic! Now, I know I have a bunny suit in the attic somewhere...

FULL REVIEW:
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(Readers may stop reading at this point so that some of the suspense is not lost from seeing the movie for the first time),

CAST OF CHARACTERS
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Cole Sprouse ........................ Justin Carver
Connie Sellecca .....................Stephanie Carver
Corbin Bernsen.......................David Carver

INTRODUCTION
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(PLEASE READ PARA1; IN *A BRIEF REVIEW* EARLIER)

FAMILY AND FRIENDS
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The film begins at a thanksgiving dinner at the Carver's residence. Justin, Stephanie and David are a family of three, Stephanie's father, Stephanie's friend, her husband and their son, who is also Justin's friend, neighbour and classmate. The children want a Christmas gift of a certain action figure from a popular TV show as advertised on TV. The shock for the children starts when Connie's friend announces that both of them are becoming separated, at the awkward moment, of saying Grace.

STEPHANIE'S NEW JOB
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Stephanie's friend tells her about her new job and offers her an opportunity to work for her, which she readily accepts. Her husband, a building contractor has a new project that keeps him away from home for days. One night, after returning late, he dresses up as Santa, and believing that Justin is asleep in bed, Connie calls him Santa and they kiss in the living room. Justin who has just awoken, does not know about adult fantasies and believes that Santa is a bad person who is going to cause his parents to divorce just like his best friend's parents had. He takes an instant picture of them kissing, without their knowledge.

THE REMEDY
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Justin's friend, a character of contrast to the angelic personality that is Justin, suggests that the only way to prevent his parent's divorce is to behave in complete contrast to the song; "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". Now, by embarking on an expedition of pranks, he hopes that Santa will be unable to visit his house. He sets of his school fire alarm, throws snowballs at the street corner Santa on the way to school, throws a pie at a department store Santa, etc.

THE SHOPPING MALL
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One day, shortly before Christmas, his mom leaves him in the care of his grandfather. They decide to visit the local shopping mall. At the department store, his grandfather leaves him at the counter of a store after requesting the counter clerk to keep an eye on him for a few minutes . Justin notices Santa talking to the children and giving out gifts. Justin approaches this area and shouts out how bad Santa is. In his rage, he throws a pie at Santa. This elderly person, who plays this Santa, is also the character who endures the cruelest of Justin's wrath. The chase begins, Santa, and the store security chase Justin through the stores. Here Justin meets his favourite TV show character who shows him that he is just a guy wearing a costume. After barely escaping, his grandpa and he leave the store.

FATEFUL PHONE CALL
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After one such prank, Stephanie is summoned to school and confronts Justin. Stephanie's cell phone rings at this instant and she speaks to Justin's dad, "Oh, it's you Santa", she says, and agrees to David's suggestion about coming home. This disturbs Justin. He posts the photo of mom kissing Santa to Mrs. Claus, in the North Pole, one of the many letters he wrote to Mrs. Claus.

THE BLIZZARD
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David, a construction contractor, has taken a job in a nearby city and will be delayed until Christmas eve. On the morning of Christmas eve, as David returns home, he encounters a road block and the police order him to turn back or take the long route around the blizzard. David returns by the long detour, while Justin sets a trap to capture Santa, using a system of weights and counter weights.

CONCLUSION
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I found the Christmas special very entertaining, but, less lively than the mega-budget Christmas productions, like "The Santa Claus", stg., Tim Allen. It is suitable for any season and for all ages, as was the “Home Alone” series. I would however, suggest that people explain to their very young toddlers that Santa Claus is actually being played by someone before they see the film, the honest approach. Santa Claus, in the eyes of children, is part of the magic of Christmas and thereby does "The Santa Claus", shine brighter, since Santa is real in the latter. I must add that children's preferences will vary from geek to to geek to the average person. I feel ISMKSC is definitely one for your video or VCD or DVD library that can be viewed again, and again with family or friends.

Connie Selleca, an intensely attractive brunette, is opportune as a working housewife, the forbidden fruit, for most moral men. The diverse issues, I mentioned earlier have been subtly integrated. Some people cannot help end their marriage, but perhaps there are many more who would find themselves facing some of the situations in the movie. The Christmas music alone more than makes up for a theme that is somewhat scanty in special effects. I heard they are recruiting for a new film ISMK the Easter Bunny. That will be another classic! Now, I know I have a bunny suit in the attic somewhere...


Recommended: Yes

Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8