Day 358 of the challenge! Watched the ‘94 Miracle on 34th Street this Christmas Eve (the original is better…)!
Honestly, I found this this version of Miracle on 34th Street a bit depressing and mean spirited. Where the original was a straightforward and happy go lucky Christmas tale full of whimsy and joy (perfect for the kind of story it is), the ‘94 remake mucks things up a bit with a strangely dark (literally, I should add) corporate conspiracy. Critique of the capitalist nature of Christmas? Probably, but isn’t the original, simpler story already doing that? Also, maybe don’t weigh down your whimsical Santa Claus movie with too much real world cynicism? I can see the kids getting a serious case of whiplash as they lose and gain interest. Just a thought.
I will say I adored Richard Attenborough’s lovable grandfather Santa. The man really went all out in this, giving Miracle on 34th Street it’s only sincere ground in my opinion. He gave the character a knowing and mysterious appeal, but balanced it perfectly with playful and caring disposition you would expect.