Santa and Pete

Oh yes! What a wonderful Christmas story. I, too, just "happened" across it when flipping channels a few years back and was mesmerized. It IS indeed a lovely story and I have watched for it every year on television, in video stores and told others (who have no idea what I am talking about). I would most definitely purchase it if it was available knowing it would be watched each year. I am perplexed as to why it has had no more play and was not advertised. It is clearly a loss when one sees the "drivel" put out each year that are called Christmas stories which are really just an excuse for a Harlequin romance. Albeit there are Christmas decorations and the characters wear red and green. Anyway, Santa and Pete..see it if you can!

The recent passing of one of my favorite actors, Hume Cronyn, made me think of this charming television movie which I saw a few years ago. It is a very lovely story which I hope will be shown more often. Hume Cronyn was the best Santa Claus ever!

Santa and Pete (1999) is currently available on Tubi. The story follows a family visiting Grandpa's house for Christmas, their first holiday together since Grandma passed away. Despite the lingering sadness, Grandpa surprises his grandson with his festive spirit and shares his favorite Christmas tale-a story that never fails to brighten his holiday season.

Directed by Duwayne Dunham (Little Giants), the film stars Hume Cronyn (Cocoon), James Earl Jones (Conan the Barbarian), Flex Alexander (Snakes on a Plane), and Erica Gimpel (Fame).

The movie effectively weaves two narratives: the story being told and the storyteller's perspective. James Earl Jones shines as the grandfather, bringing warmth and charm to the role, while Hume Cronyn delivers an excellent performance as Saint Nick, making his journey captivating. The biblical-era storyline features engaging sets, props, and costumes that enhance the historical feel. While I wasn't entirely sold on Flex Alexander's portrayal of Pete, the clever writing kept me interested in seeing how the tale unfolded. The dual conclusions of both storylines were heartfelt and satisfying.

In conclusion, Santa and Pete is an enjoyable family holiday film worth watching. I'd rate it a 6/10.

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.

Grandpa Nicholas is seen decorating a Christmas tree before the arrival of his daughter Cassie with her husband James and son Terence. While decorating the tree together Terence finds an ornament of Santa and a second ornament Grandpa Nicholas says is Pete. Realizing Terence does not know who Pete is Grandpa Nicholas starts telling him the story of Santa and Pete.

When I saw the jacket of this movie it showed "Santa" with a dog. There was never a dog in the movie. I wish that people that designed the DVD cover would of been more honest. If they have I would have seen this film years ago.

The story is basically how Santa came to be and why he has a red suit. It is a great film that that I wish I saw years ago.

This film is available in DVD sets that have more than one film. It sells for about $9.00. If you see it for sale get. Watch it and share it.

Like Cheetos, this movie is dangerously cheesy. But since it's a Christmas movie, I think it can get by with it. It offers a pretty unique take on Santa Claus and I love that the Dutch folk character of Black Pete (or Zwarte Piet) has been turned into an actual helper for Santa rather than his evil opposite that delights in torturing bad children. It's also nice that the racist implications for the Black Pete character have been stripped away by making him a positive black character instead. Also, James Earl Jones is in this movie and I say that's a good reason on its own to see it.

All in all, it's a fun, wholesome family movie and even adults without children can get into the story and characters. An underappreciated Christmas flick.