Fred Claus

The reuniting of Wedding Crashers star Vince Vaughn and director David Dobkin should have been a real gift, but this mediocre comedy is more like a cinematic lump of coal. Vaughn plays Santa's little-known older brother Fred, an ethically-challenged underachiever resentful of his beloved younger sibling. When financial problems prevent him from capitalizing on a business opportunity, Fred puts the bite on his good-natured brother Nick (Paul Giamatti), who practices “tough love” by forcing the ne'er-do-well to work for his money at the North Pole during the holiday season. This year Nick's under added pressure: a Scrooge-like efficiency expert (Kevin Spacey) has threatened to shut down Santa's shop and lay off all the elves unless the gift-making process starts to run more smoothly. Some kids may appreciate Fred Claus, but adults—who, after all, comprise Vaughn's major fan base—will be disappointed that the star doesn't wring more laughs out of the promising premise. Of course, Giamatti is an asset, but he doesn't have many comedic opportunities, and Elizabeth Banks is completely wasted in a bland, thankless role as Santa's secretary. Not recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director David Dobkin, 26 minutes of deleted scenes, and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are the behind-the-scenes featurette “Meet the Other Claus” (13 min.), a “Sibling Rivalry” featurette with star Vince Vaughn, Stephen Baldwin, Roger Clinton, and Frank Stallone (10 min.), a “Pause for Claus: Elves Tell All” humorous featurette (9 min.), “Vince and Paul's Fireside Chats” interviews with costars Vaughn and Paul Giamatti (4 min.), a “Ludacrismas” music video with costar Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, and a bonus “Fred Claus: Race to Save Christmas” game. Also included is a bonus digital copy of the film. Bottom line: the Blu-ray is the better stocking stuffer; too bad it's not a better film.] (E. Hulse)