ironhorse_iv
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.
tracyhjones
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!
