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I decided to watch this straight after the original version because it is even closer to Christmas and wanted to find out the similarities and differences between both adaptations. Admittedly, most remakes simply do not and, quite frankly; this is another one that doesn't. There was nothing emotionally convincing in this film. I mean, you really do not remake a Christmas film especially when it has the exact same bloody script! I am not criticising the script (the script is fantastic), but there was just nothing new or different about this and the fact that the makers don't even try to.
There are many Christmas films that certainly increase one's excitement and enthusiasm about Christmas but this (unlike the original version) lacked the Christmas spirit which I guess is something that quite a few other Christmas films lack as well. As predicted, the remake perhaps looked more of a fantasy film than the original because it is filmed in colour and there would be better costume design, art direction and cinematography but it is mostly a non-fantasy film and just a drama about Christmas. This lacked a soul and the spirit as I said which is more important in a film than the production side of things. I mean, yeah they are still important but they clearly are not as important.
A little girl discovers dreams do come true if you really believe. Six-year-old Susan has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle - Santa Claus. Her mother told her the "secret" about Santa a long time ago, so Susan doesn't expect to receive the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all - something to believe in.
Elizabeth Perkins, you out to be ashamed of yourself! Your performance was just lousy and it was like you bitch-slapped Maureen O'Hara right across the face! Richard Attenborough may be a great director and actor and he was good in this as Kris Kringle but I'm afraid, Edmund Gwenn's performance as Kris Kringle is 10 times better! What Attenborough lacked was the friendliness and gentle attitude towards children when as Santa Claus but despite that, he still did a fairly decent job. Mara Wilson rose into fame after Mrs. Doubtfire one year before and she stars in another family film that she is well-known for. I did like her acting as Susan Walker perhaps even more than Natalie Wood in the original version so that is literally the only thing where the remake is better than the original.
Until now, I had not even heard of a director called 'Les Meyfield' and I have seen many many films in my time so that goes to show how great and popular he is.. NOT! This is perhaps something like the Psycho remake because of the same script and all but at least there was a slight change of direction admittedly. Personally, I think the only three differences are different director for this remake, different actors and actresses and filmed in colour. Well, they are actually the three obvious differences, to be honest. As stated in the review of the original film, the screenplay is absolutely amazing! So that is one of two strong points about the Miracle On 34th Street remake.
Overall, Miracle On 34th Street is, in all honesty, a rather weak remake of such a great classic! Admittedly, this film does have some good points but there is nothing majorly special about this and I just cannot find the enthusiasm to watch this during the Christmas season. It is as simple as this: you really don't remake a classic because you will just fail every time! Bottom line.
