Miracle On 34th Street (1994) - Family Movie Review

Miracle On 34th Street (1994)
(pictures ©1994 20th Century Fox)

MPAA Rating PG
Click here for Canadian Ratings
Overall: A-
Violence: A-
Sexual Content: A
Language: B+
Drugs/Alcohol: NA

Find more information about Miracle On 34th Street (1994) at Movies.com!

Miracle On 34th Street is a Christmas tradition in many homes, although mine is not one of them. I have always been fond of another Christmas classic, It's A Wonderful Life, but either way millions of people look forward to seeing these beautiful movies on an annual basis. Now, just like cola drinks and phone companies, we have a choice of miracles from which to select, as the John Hughes remake of Miracle On 34th releases on video.

If you are scratching your head wondering where you have heard the name John Hughes before, you may remember him as the creator of the Home Alone movies, along with a few other films of the same genre. I was sorely disappointed when I found out he was doing the remake of Miracle On 34th, as I couldn't imagine this time honored story being intermixed with stupid crooks and smart mouthed kids.

My disappointment was short lived. For the first time, I can highly recommend a Hughes film. This version of 34th has intelligent characters, tight writing, and the same spirit that has held the original in its chosen place for so long. The great writing is probably due to Hughes' use of George Seaton as a co-writer. Seaton wrote and directed the original 1947 production that led him to win an Oscar for best story and screenplay as well as a nomination for best picture. In working with Hughes, Seaton has managed to update the script and provide some new twists, but the miracle still works in the cynical 1990's.

What I really like about the film is that it doesn't demand children believe in Santa in the literal sense. Unlike The Santa Clause, another popular video release this season, the viewer is left with the option of deciding who and what they think Santa is. Except for a few bad words from the villain, this movie should be suitable for family viewing and even offers a spiritual message in the end. Religion in a Christmas movie? What will they think of next...

Interested in owning a copy? Help support Grading The Movies by making your purchase through these links...
On DVD			On VHS