Former horror maestro Christopher Smith, who made his name with Severance, Triangle and Black Death, goes in search of his inner child with this moderately likable Christmas romp. There are echoes of Miracle on 34th Street as Jim Broadbent attempts to convince Rafe Spall’s understandably sceptical ex-con that he really is Santa Claus (rather than just a deranged old fool with a fluffy white beard) and get him to help his six-year-old son, Tom, retrieve the magical sledge he accidentally ditched in the run-up to Christmas. It’s sweet-natured fare, boosted by spirited comic performances (Broadbent is a particular treat) and served up with plenty of DIY sparkle. Not a classic, then, but a welcome alternative to the horrific prospect of taking the kids to see Nativity 3: Dude, Where’s My Donkey?
