I Am Santa Claus (2014)

Wow! Such a good movie.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The acting in this movie is really good.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

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.—

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....

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.

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!