Get Santa (2014)

Papamichael gives the film a positive assessment as a Christmas tale with a rougher edge but plenty of goodwill. She praises Rafe Spall’s touching, dry-witted performance as an ex-con trying to reconnect with his son.

Kermode finds the film a moderately likable, sweet-natured Christmas comedy, though not a classic. He particularly praises Jim Broadbent’s performance and the film’s spirited comic energy.

Gant finds the comedy amiable and well suited to family holiday viewing, despite a plot that bogs down midway. He praises Jim Broadbent’s committed performance as Santa, while noting that the visual effects look under-resourced.

The review finds that Christopher Smith gives the Christmas film some welcome grit, though the humor is often feeble. It praises Jim Broadbent’s warmly playful performance as Santa and the action and grotesquerie that temper the sentimentality.

The critic's verdict is unavailable because the article text is behind a paywall. No specific praise or complaint is visible in the accessible page.

Felperin finds the film uneven but ultimately enjoyable, with enough charm to offset its weaker stretches. She praises the cast and especially the funny prison scenes, while criticizing the drawn-out escape and chase sequences.

The page's three-out-of-five rating suggests a middling verdict. The available metadata gives the premise but does not reveal what Johnston praised or criticized.

The review finds the film short on cheer, despite Jim Broadbent’s twinkly performance. It criticizes the cheap-looking effects and copious reindeer farting.

Pape calls the film an enchanting, accomplished Christmas movie that works for children and parents alike. He particularly praises the sincere performances and the way the familiar London setting makes Santa’s adventure feel believable.

The critic calls it a warm, witty family caper and ultimately a Christmas classic. Broadbent’s performance as Santa is singled out as a delight, especially as he wins over the cynical prison inmates.

The review finds Get Santa a very good crime caper for kids, though its jokes often miss and its pacing is frantic. It praises the live-action production and care put into the sets, script, and real reindeer.

The review finds the film muddled and dull, despite its festive potential. It praises Jim Broadbent for saving the film with a convincing performance as Santa.