I Am Santa Claus (2014) User Reviews

Very entertaining

[ballinda2 · 8/10 · 5 November 2014]

This movie accomplished what it set out to do. And that was to show what the guys who emulate Santa at Christmas do the rest of the year. I felt this movie gave an interesting cross section of Santas. This documentary had engaged all my emotions from blinking back tears to rolling in the isles laughter. Most of all it exposed their vulnerability to life like the rest of us. I found that it did reveal the one thing they all had in common was Love for humanity expressed in living the Christmas spirit year round. The claymation figure was a nice addition to the cast and it keep things on the light side. DO NOT VIEW THIS WITH ANY YOUNG CHILDREN. ADULTS ONLY. So pull up your easy chair, get your popcorn and enjoy some truly entertaining moments.

Okay Documentary

[Christmas-Reviewer · 7/10 · 17 April 2017]

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM HONEST

The filmmakers documented an entire year in the lives of five real- bearded professional Santa Clauses to find out what the rest of the year is like for a man who perpetually looks like Jolly Saint Nick. In the process, they are shown for who they actually are, flawed, flesh and blood men who feel an overbearing responsibility to protect the integrity of the beloved Christmas Icon.

Now this documentary is well made but it seems to run all over the place and lose focus on the main topic of the film.

It starts off with 2 Children saying who they think "Santa Is" but the film never returns to them. The children should of been used more. "The Filmmakers" should of taken the route when they say "Santa Lives in the North pole" and then cut to where these "Santa's Live".

Now my heart went out to one man who is Santa. He has no family. He is alone. He has a boyfriend but they live over 700 miles apart. Later when we see them together at a zoo that are holding hands and trust me that is an act of major courage. I loved this man and wanted to see more of him. He was a very nice man and he deserves more out of life then what he is getting.

The film was made in 2012 and 5 years later I hope he is still with his boyfriend and they are living together.

I also want to point out there is one man that plays Santa who is a "Little Jerk". I won't say who it is but trust me he is.

I think if the film had a tighter focus it would of been more memorable. A better film about a man who plays "Santa" is called "Becoming Santa" and that film is great.

Ho! Ho! Ho! This Santa Claus documentary, indeed delivers! What a gifted movie!

[ironhorse_iv · 7/10 · 26 December 2015]

Started by a Kickstarter campaign & currently streaming on Netflix; 2014's documentary, 'I am Santa Claus', is worth watching! Directed by relative newcomer, Tommy Avallone, and produced by Morgan Spurlock, the man behind several hit documentaries like 2004's 'Super-Size Me'. This film documented the lives of five real-life bearded professional Santa Clauses during an entire year. Each one of them, is pretty unique in their separate way. First off, you got Santa Russell Spice, an unlucky unemployed man who walks around, probably takes his Santa gimmick, a little too serious to hold a normal job. His cantankerous outlook on life might seem a bit bleak to some viewers, but the majority, of his scenes weren't too much depressing. The claymation sequences of Russell, trying to find a job was a nice addition to the film, because it did keep things on the light side. It really help make Russell seem like a real person. By the end of the film, you really want him to find a new home and put his life back together. To some, the next Santa, Jim Stevenson, might come off as a cheap ploy to sensationalize the movie and grab attention, and it kinda was, because the fact, he's a gay Santa; however, the film does focus on other issues, he has, other than his personal gay life with his lover, Alex. Scenes like him, talking about work at the antique store, shows a little range. I just wish, the filmmakers flesh out that other side of him more, because he seem more like a gay figure head than a real-life complex person. I can understand, why some audiences find his scenes, to be a bit too uncomfortable to watch. After all, seeing an elderly man strip to his undies for a photo shoot, is kinda risqué and too bizarre for even some gay men to take. I know, some conservative viewers, dislike him; however in my opinion, Santa Claus, Rob Figley is a little more alarming to watch than mostly likable, and jolly, Jim. Like Jim, Rob's portrayal in the film also comes across as one-dimensional and cartoony; but unlike Jim and the others; Rob isn't given much screen time to showcase any other side of him; besides his wild swinging sex habits. Not only, was he first introduce, toward the middle of the film; but he was also edited out, after that point. You never see, any conclusion to his whereabouts. That's not good, at all. I didn't like, what they did with him. In my opinion, they should had, just cut his story, off, if they weren't really, wasn't going to use him, much. The only highlight about Rob's story, is seeing the west coast, laid-back, Santa Bob Gerardi and east-coast, 'Robert De Niro' like swagger, Santa Frank Pascuzzi debate on what does it take, to makes a great 'Santa Claus'. It was nice to see, two different views on life, work together to be very open and accepted to the multiple lifestyles that make up the Santa world. I love the little odd things that comes along with these two men; such as a church made out of Santa Clauses. While, each of the other Santa Clauses are very interesting in what they bring to the part. They're not the linchpin of the film, as that honors, goes to ex-pro wrestler, Mick Foley. Foley serves as the best example of an overall story arch in this film. We follow Foley from the inception of him, thinking being Santa Claus, until the end, where he indeed transform himself into Santa Claus. His journey from newbie to seasoned veteran, is some of the clearest and most understandable moments in the film. While, the other Santa Clause's stories might not seem needed for this movie; Foley's part, sure was necessary for the narrative. For the most part, seeing men from a variety of backgrounds, lifestyles, and economic circumstances have a common passion, and each pursues that passion with vitality and determination, made for a very interesting watch. While it may hold more entertainment value during the holiday season, this documentary is something that maintains a level of intrigue during any season. Just note, it might not be 'watchable' for small children, due to some shocking imagery and profanity. In my opinion, the film for the most part, does a great job at pulling down the beard and show us, the true faces of the men everyone thinks they know; because of that reason, alone, it's deserve to be watch time after time again.

An interesting insight into some interesting people....

[haphazard72 · 7/10 · 12 February 2015]

I'm always a bit fascinated by these documentary type movies which take you inside the lifestyle of real people. I've watched them about mail order brides, living with sex dolls and a raft of others.

This one.....well let's just say it's different!

We have a gay Santa, a nearly destitute Santa, a grumpy Santa, one who's even changed his name to Santa and then we have the legendary, hardcore wrestler, Mick Foley who wants to be Santa!

These guys all seem to have their hearts in the right place (not sure their mind is fully there!!!) and seem to absolutely love the whole Santa belief, to the point it's taken over their lives. The only sane one appears to Mick which is surprising given the number of blows he's taken to his head! Oh, and the other they have in common is their insane eating habits which will see them in an early grave if they don't control their urges and food intake.

An interesting insight into an interesting group of guys and their lifestyle. The highlight however is the transformation of Mick into a fantastic, and truly believable Santa.

Good for a laugh....

Heartfelt and interesting.

[mockfilmreviews · 7/10 · 24 January 2016]

I have to admit, when I decided to start the Decembextravaganza! I had a gap in the third week. Straining to find a unique offering in the endless archives of overdone Christmas films, I finally struck gold when I heard a special edition of the Hollywood Babble On Podcast where Kevin Smith interviews director Tommy Avallone and professional wrestler/Christmas enthusiast Mick Foley. What followed was a conversation that lifted me out of the holiday funk that I've carried for many years. I listened as three grown men discussed what it was like to visit Santa as a kid and the magic it instills both in ourselves but also, what it means to the men who keep that magic alive, real bearded Santas.

I Am Santa Claus (2014) takes a behind the sleigh look (mind the pun) at what it takes to become the embodiment of Christmas for wide eyed children every year. Not normally being one for documentaries, I went on nothing more than what had transpired during the interview. And I have to admit, this film is great. If there is an emotion to be felt you will feel it here. Following a one year period in the lives of five Santas as they go through the normal everyday ups and downs, I Am Santa Claus allows the viewer to grow attached to each of its greatly varied subjects on a very emotional level. Included in the festivities is Mick Foley, who decides to follow suit and walk in the big black boots himself.—

Warm, touching, emotional and funny. Excellent for the Holidays!

[Roadwarrior85846 · 10/10 · 5 November 2014]

I Am Santa Claus is a must-see documentary that follows the lives of four men that portray Ole Saint Nick during the Christmas season. It also follows WWE Legend, Mick Foley, giving himself the challenge to fill in the boots and see if he has the ability and skill to become Santa Claus himself.

Each individual has different lives. One being near homeless and jobless, living with his daughter, trying to struggle to get back on his feet again and being Santa Claus during the month of December can be a little stressful to him, yet gets a brief feeling of joy. Another man is openly gay and proud of it, visits his long distant significant other as much as he can before the busy Holiday. Third individual's dream job by opening up a BBQ business. Fourth man is a real estate agent that wants to get a break into singing Holiday tunes.

As for Mick Foley, he makes a PERFECT Santa Claus! Just like in his wrestling career, his mission is keeping others entertained and happy. It's a big transition from being a Hardcore Legend to Santa Claus, but he pulls it off very well. It's almost like it's his calling and it's in his blood.

The documentary is very straight-forward. Lots of laughs, chuckles, and also emotional scenes, especially with first two "Santas," that I just mentioned. From beginning to the end of this film, my smile never left my face. I strongly recommend to watch this film for the Christmas Season. You won't regret it!

Perhaps too much information...

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 14 December 2014]

Executive producer Morgan Spurlock (famous for "Supersize Me", "The Greatest Story Ever Sold" and other documentaries), along with the longest list of producers and associate producers I've ever seen, have brought us a film about guys who portray Santa. The film crew spent an entire year following four men who have dedicated their lives to becoming Santa Claus and one who has recently decided to become Santa. So, while these guys get paid to portray the fat man only a small portion of the year, they eat, drink, sleep and think Santa all year long. All this and much more is seen in this non- narrated film that simply lets these men talk about their craft as well as do mostly normal everyday things--such as going shopping, house hunting and spending time with friends.

I love documentaries, so when I saw this brand new film about men who dress up as Santa, I was eager to see it. However, in some ways I really wish I hadn't. While there was some really interesting content (such as a cool version of "Deck the Halls" by Twisted Sister and seeing pro wrestler Nick Foley becoming Santa), some of the film featured too much information and I felt like a bit like a voyeur or a guy who accidentally walked in and found grandpa naked! After all, as a kid or even an adult, you don't want to think about Santa's sex life or see Santa getting drunk and becoming a bit profane! But here, it's a warts and all look at five Santas! As for me, I just didn't want to think of one Santa as a swinger or another attending a Bear and Cub convention. It reminded me of my old students who were so fond of saying..."T.M.I." (too much information)! Well made, yes, but also a bit tough to watch and, at times, a tad slow.

Sweet as snow cream

[tracyhjones · 9/10 · 17 September 2015]

This film is exactly what it purports to be: the story of five men who were suddenly, inexplicably seized with the Christmas spirit and undertook the wacky, specialized work of being Santa Claus. All five Santas have various challenges -- one is coming to terms with being a gruff jerk for most of his life, one has had a good run for many years and is now poverty-stricken and living with his daughter, one, raised in the Bible Belt, is now struggling with a long-distance same-sex relationship, and another is living the seeming good life in Southern California while being wound very tight around the axle. Oh, and the fifth one is heavy metal hero and shock wrestler Mick Foley, who is perhaps the sweetest of the sweet Santas. If you are expecting something as dark as "Bad Santa," this isn't it. If you are expecting something as scrubbed up as a made-for-TV movie, this isn't it. If you are willing to suspend your disbelief (it is Christmas, after all) and go with the film, you will love it. And you'll see the Christmas spirit shining through!

Whose Lap Is My Child Sitting On?

[gavin6942 · 8/10 · 30 November 2014]

We have documented an entire year in the lives of five real-bearded professional Santa Clauses to find out what the rest of the year is like for a man who perpetually looks like Jolly Saint Nick. In the process, they are shown for who they actually are: flawed, flesh and blood men who feel an overbearing responsibility to protect the integrity of the spotless, untarnished reputation of the Red Suit.

This documentary is incredible. While most mall Santas are probably just older men from the community who want to give a little something back, this documentary sheds light on the hundreds of other Santas who take the lifestyle to a greater extreme. And the focus on just a handful of the more unconventional really makes this something to see.

We have a man struggling with making ends meet who turns to work as Santa, although he does not seem to have the heart for the job (and if this film is any indication, he has terrible eating habits). And then we have the gay Santa who poses for some questionable magazines. Oddly, although this guy sounds like someone a good Christian may not want associating with their children, he is presented as the most caring and sincere of any of the guys in this film. More than anyone else, he embodies the Santa persona.

And then there is Mick Foley. Although the name will be familiar to many, the man might not be. Seeing his kindness, his love of children is inspiring. At times things seem a little bizarre (his 12-year old son apparently still believes in Santa), but his exploration of the transformation process is incredible.