this movie be go to go one of two way and it will either become a treasured holiday classic and in thirty year film buff will be the only one to say do you know that there be and original cartoon . or it will be quickly forget and gain a reputation of the bad christmas movie idea since santa claus conquer the martin . and then in thirty year film buff will say do you know that the be a really bad live action version . every time someone mention the classic . now be a chance and before the movie reputation be seal to say that this movie be almost right down the middle . this movie try so hard to be heartwarming and add in family problem with the sure fire dad that be always too busy for his kid . also add in be sparky santa elf who want christmas to keep up with the time . in fact besides the very very basic plot ( jingle and jangle go to find christmas spirit ) this movie take true liberty with what it be give . the miser brother seem almost in the story because they be in the first one . they sing their song in their first appearance in the film and it seem almost to get out of the way . and to be honest and most people be go to watch this movie because the love the miser song from the first one . and i would have be among the rioter if that have not be in the movie but it do not fit into this story a it do into the first one . the casting on the other have be next to perfect . john goodman be bear to be santa and it high time that someone in hollywood saw that . and chris kattan have me laugh out loud in several place . and while this cant replace the original classic and i feel that if it do end up be a bit of film buff trivia then future generation will be miss an enjoyable two hour .