The third entry in this popular series of festive family comedies, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause brings Tim Allen back as Scott Calvin, a man who has to juggle his family life with a dual role as Santa. This time, there’s a newborn in the offing, an invite to his in-laws and a house full of people all ready to enjoy the festive season. What could go wrong?

Well naturally things don’t quite go to plan, as entering stage left is Martin Short as Jack Frost, who has plans of his own for the Christmas season. Thus, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause sees Scott Calvin and his family continuing to try and keep Christmas on schedule, whilst trying to foil the antics of Mr Frost, sticking closely to the formula that’s made this franchise a hit in the process.

It’s hardly surprising that there’s nothing radically different about The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, but then that’s hardly the point. This is a very much an easy holiday crowd-pleaser, that bundles in solid family entertainment and a good number of chuckles across its running time. It’s worked for the series before, and it works again here, proving to be a welcome seasonal treat, and a fitting third part of a very family-friendly trilogy. Roll on Christmas! --Jon Foster