Review

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Common Sense Media says

Not better than the original, but still smiley holiday fare.
Age
6
Quality
 
  • Educational value1
    The courtroom scenes provide a few historical lessons on the origins of the Santa Claus story.
  • Positive messages2
    Explicitly positive messages around faith in things we can't prove, an appreciation for magic and mystery, the importance of fantasy in children's lives, and the value of helping loved ones. Some mixed messages here because Santa talks a lot about how Christmas
    is about faith and generosity, but is squarely focused on what gifts
    children want.
  • Positive role models3
    Kringle is a model of generosity and kindness, though he's a bit hotheaded in this film. The young girl acts intellectually older than her age, but also uses her own judgment to decide her beliefs about Santa. The mother is guarded, but her heart warms near the end.
  • Violence & scariness2
    Kringle gets very angry with a fake Santa and in one scene knocks him down with his cane after the man baits him by suggesting he is a pedophile.
  • Sexy stuff2
    The romantic relationship between the mother and her friend the lawyer is a strong thread throughout the film. They kiss several times. He proposes marriage. And at the end the film suggests she's pregnant.
  • Language2
    Several angry arguments occur through the film, some which include language like "fool," "big fat fake," and "cripple."
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    Fake Santa drinks from a liquor bottle before he gets into the holiday parade sleigh. One brief scene shows a room full of men dressed as Santas drinking beer and acting drunk.
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this treacly holiday film introduces the idea that Santa Claus might not be real, and comes to the conclusion that he is indeed real. The film includes several mild physical altercations between Santa Claus and another man, including one where Santa knocks the man down with his cane. A fake Santa is seen drinking alcohol and one brief scene shows a bar full of men dressed as Santas drinking beer and some acting drunk. A fake Santa's pants slip down a bit as he climbs a ladder, revealing the top of his rear end. A bit of mild language and yelling pops up.

This review of Miracle on 34th Street (1994) was written by

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Teen, 15 years old
January 7, 2011
7
OK for kids & up
 
M.P.
i really love this movie.......i have watched this movie......and its a really good movie.........
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Helped me decide (16) | Had useful details (12) | Read my mind (15)
Teen, 13 years old
December 13, 2009
7
OK for kids & up
 
P.G.
I love this movie! I would soo let anyone watch this movie!
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Helped me decide (13) | Had useful details (13) | Read my mind (11)
Kid, 10 years old
December 6, 2009
5
OK for kids & up
 
A good movie.
Its a good movie. Kris Kringle whacks a fake santa with a cane in one scene, but thats the only violent part. In fact he doesnt even really whack him, it was a fake. Theres a relationship between the mom and the lawyer, and talks a little about pregnancy. The fake santa says "kiss my @!#" in a scene. Theres also a scene with tons of drunk fake santas and a guy smoking. Its pretty good though.
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Helped me decide (11) | Had useful details (15) | Read my mind (11)
Kid, 12 years old
December 19, 2011
9
OK for kids & up
 
Best Movie Ever!
OMG! This is the best movie ever! It was so good that my bffl I stayed up until midnight to finish it. This movie is so sweet and happy, especially at the end!
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Helped me decide (10) | Had useful details (8) | Read my mind (5)
Parent
December 14, 2012
4
OK for kids & up
 
Miracle on 34th Street (1994) Review
Watching this movie makes for a wonderful Christmas, if you can look past the stereotypical cheesynesss of a commercial Christmas. While the movie is definitely darker than the original, the movies flashing lights and bright costumes will enchant any children around this time of year. The only moment to be ware of for real youngster is the "drunken Santa" scene in a smoky club, and the mild cuss at one point. Some of the adult actors can be a little wooden at times, but Mara Wilson (Susan) will strike a chord with the kids, and the jolly Richard Attenborough (Kris) inspires a real Santa in all ages. This film will enchant a whole family, while leaving you with important moral about belief in Christmas, but beware that it might make the little ones ask questions on whether the red guy really is coming down the chimney!
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