ironhorse_iv Review of Santa's Little Helper

Santa's Little Helper (2015 Video)

Santa Little Helper wasn't much help. This Direct to Video Film was pretty mediocre.

[5/10 · 29 December 2015]

I would rather want a lump of coal; then watch this movie, again. At least, the lump of coal, would warm me up, a bit, this holiday season. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't say, the movie is horrible; it's far from that, but I wouldn't quote the Miz catchphrase, and say, this movie was awesome. It was a low-budget run-of-the-mill film, that doesn't hasn't much, replay value. The unfunny jokes really fall flat. The action scenes were generic as hell. Then, there is the story; it was too childish, clichés, predictable, somewhat confusing and bland for me; & I'm a huge pro-wrestling fan! These WWE Studios films, as of late, are really scrapping the bottom of the barrel, when it comes to frequently mix well-known actors and actresses in roles with WWE wrestlers. I wouldn't say, Mike "The Miz" Mizanin is a bad wrestler, but he's nowhere near the level of the superstardom that other WWE superstars turn movie actors, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Stone Cold Steve Austin or 'The Animal' Dave Bautista has. This is the 4th Direct to Video film that feature the Miz, as the main lead in 2nd years and barely anybody knows about it. It's getting really tiresome to see his stupid mug in these type of films. After all, these films are not doing him, any favors. The reason why, is because he's always playing a character, similar to his wrestling persona. Seeing him, play a slick, fast-talking action star businessman named Dax, here, isn't improving his acting chops. If anything, it's limiting him, from better roles. Directed by Gil Junger, this Christmas movie has Dax AKA the Miz being thrown into a rigorous elf competition to become Santa's next second-in-command; competing against another aspiring elf, Eleanor (Wrestler, Saraya-Jade Bevis AKA Paige) who is also hoping to become Santa's Little Helper. Like his wrestling persona, The Miz's character, is pretty unlikeable. The greedy, materialistic corporate hatchet-man is far too unpleasant to care for his character redemption arch. I would think, the movie would have, work, better if, he didn't start out of mean-spirit jerk. The reason why, is, because it's hard to believe that Santa Claus (Eric Keenleyside) would choose him, over any of the other elves, that into the Christmas season and willing to help. It really seem like Billie (AnnaLynn McCord) would makes a better Second in Command, than Dax. I really don't understand, why she wasn't given, the role by Santa. It's really make no sense! After all, she was pretty much, taking care of Santa Claus, before this competition. Anyways, AnnaLynn McCord, is by far, is the best thing, about this film. She's gives enough lovable innocent, and charm, that you wish, she was given more to do, than become the main lead, love interest and eye candy. One thing, I really couldn't believe, about the actress performance, is the chemistry with the Miz. Both, barely show any interest with each other. In my opinion, it seem forced. They have, nothing in common with each other. Another problem with the film is the villain. Eleanor doesn't seem, too bad. I really don't know, why everybody felt like she doesn't deserve the job. Yes, she's a bit mean, but it still doesn't make sense. After all, she's the most-train, she's has more of the Christmas spirited than Dax, and she's a real elf. If anything, I felt more pity for Eleanor, than the heroes, in this film. That's a really bad sign. Paige was alright for the most part, both in look and in character. One character, that I really have a problem with, is Santa Claus. Santa Claus in this film, looks and acts like a drunk Hobo dwarf than anything else. He always, walking about in ugly looking pajamas; looks confuse, and doesn't understand, his own rules. Not only is the character, horrible written, but Eric Keenleyside doesn't have any drive to deliver lines in a jolly-looking fashion in this film. In my opinion, not only, did he not pull the part off in looks, and comes across as the worst actor in this film, by not, even trying to act. His acting is really fake, like the movie low budget real-life locations sets. One of the worst locations, they use, is the Santa's workshop location. It looks like a Best Western in Los Angeles golf course, trying to past off, as the workshop at North Pole. It was unrealistic and distracting. It really took me out of the film, a bit. At least, this Christmas film better than the previous, WWE holiday film; 2013's Christmas Bounty. Now, that's a Miz film, that's a bit unwatchable. Overall: This film isn't close to being that. If anything, this movie isn't anything new or special. Just passable for the most watch, and that's alright for the general movie audience, but for me, it's way below average. It will be forgotten, before this year is out, and done.