Family dysfunction, sibling rivalry, and ninja elves -- could anyone want anything more in a Christmas movie? How about a whole sleigh of award-winning actors, such as Kevin Spacey (Academy Awards for The Usual Suspects and American Beauty), Kathy Bates, (Academy Award and Golden Globe winner for Misery), Paul Giamatti (Academy Award Nominations for Sideways and Cinderella Man), and Rachel Weisz (Academy Award winner for The Constant Gardener)?

Did I mention that driving this sleigh of talented actors is Vince Vaughn? This is the same Vince Vaughn who starred with Owen Wilson in a movie about friends who crash weddings to meet women (Wedding Crashers), and who has gained more fame, in the last few years, not through award-winning performances, but by dating Jennifer Aniston.  

I say all that, and you may think I'm down on Vince. Not true. I am a closet Vince Vaughn fan. I love his fast-talking ways and his facial expressions, and his sarcasm is a work of art. No one does Vince Vaughn better than Vince Vaughn, and it works for the movie Fred Claus.

This movie tells the story of the Claus family -- especially their oldest son Fred and his younger brother Nicolas. Nicolas becomes a saint, through charitable deeds, and comes to be known as St. Nick, aka Santa Claus. Nicolas grows up to be a generous, gift-giving soul, living at the North Pole amongst elves and reindeer.

Then there's Fred. Overshadowed by his little brother's good deeds and jolly nature, Fred has grown into something of an underachieving troublemaker. Now a fast-talking repo man, Fred avoids meaningful relationships and chases get-rich quick schemes, which land him in some trouble with the law.

Even though he has been estranged from his little brother for some time, Fred does not hesitate to call Nicolas when he needs bail money. Nicolas agrees to help his big brother on one condition: Fred has to come to the North Pole and earn the money he needs by working in Santa's workshop. With Christmas fast approaching, Fred's antics could jeopardize the happiest time of year ... forever.

The critics have not been kind to Fred Claus. Many reviewers said the movie was "predictable." One critic even called the film a "dark comedy." Needless to say, I went the theater without any expectations.

And I was pleasantly surprised. The story was true to its own logic, the cinematography was bright and cheerful, and the costume and set design made you feel like there was truly a village inhabited by elves at the North Pole where Santa lived and toys were made.

The bottom line? Fred Claus is entertaining, offering a few laughs and, if you're in the mood, a few tears (and before you judge me, I should mention that there's a scene with a boy in an orphanage and a puppy -- need I say more)? Yes, the ending is predictable, but what good Christmas movie isn't?

Will Fred Claus take its' place next to It's A Wonderful Life on the shelf of holiday movies? Probably not. You're more likely to find it further down the row, next to Elf and the live-action version of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. But for at least some of us, Fred Claus is enough fun to become an annual movie tradition.
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