Miracle on 34th Street

1994

Miracle on 34th Street

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

60%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 35

62%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 55,559
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Miracle on 34th Street Photos

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Movie Info

The 1947 holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street is transplanted to the 1990s with few changes in this family-oriented remake. The screenplay by the prolific John Hughes sticks close to the original outline, centering on Macy's executive Dorey Walker (Elizabeth Perkins) and her young daughter Susan (Mara Wilson), neither of whom much believes in the spirit of Christmas. Dorey is in charge of hiring Macy's Santas, including an old man named Kriss Kringle (Richard Attenborough). He does a remarkably convincing job, and he soon reveals that he actually believes himself to be Santa Claus. The authorities threaten to place the old man in an insane asylum, but a young lawyer comes to his defense. Meanwhile, Dorey and Susan find their own defenses melting and become reacquainted with the power of faith. Hughes and director Les Mayfield add a few modern touches, making Susan slightly more cynical and adding the requisite soulless corporate villains. Viewers familiar with the original may still prefer Edmund Gwenn's original Kris Kringle and consider the remake unnecessary, although the newer version reflects enough of the earlier film's spirit to prove entertaining to modern family audiences. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

Cast

Mara Wilson
as Susan
Richard Attenborough
as Kriss Kringle
Elizabeth Perkins
as Dorey
Dylan McDermott
as Bryan
Robert Prosky
as Judge Harper
J.T. Walsh
as Collins
James Remar
as Duff
Jane Leeves
as Alberta
Simon Jones
as Shellhammer
William Windom
as C.F. Cole
Jack McGee
as Tony Falacchi
Joe Pentangelo
as Bailiff
Mark Damiano II
as Daniel
Casey Moses Wurzbach
as Grandson
Jennifer Morrison
as Denise
Peter Siragusa
as Cabbie
Samantha Krieger
as Sami
Horatio Sanz
as Orderly
Lisa Sparrman
as Mrs. Collins
Kimberly Smith
as Court Clerk
Mike Bacarella
as Santa
Harve Kolzow
as Businessman
Bianca Rose Pucci
as Little Girl
Jimmy Joseph Meglio
as Little Boy
Hank Johnston
as Boy
Margo Buchanan
as Mother
Bill Buell
as Band Director
Ron Beattie
as Priest
Alexandra Michelle Stewart
as Child
Paige Walker Leavell
as Tricia
Rosanna Scotto
as News Anchor
Michele Marsh
as News Anchor
Joe Moskowitz
as News Anchor
Lester Holt
as Newscaster
Susie Park
as Newscaster
Janet Kauss
as Newscaster
Kathrine Narducci
as Mother
Mary McCormack
as Myrna Foy
Alvin Greenman
as The Doorman
Allison Janney
as The Woman
Greg Noonan
as Cmdr. Coulson
Byrne Piven
as Dr. Hunter
Peter Gerety
as Cop
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Critic Reviews for Miracle on 34th Street

All Critics (35) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (21) | Rotten (14)

  • When [it] remembers that it's supposed to be a sweet piece of hokum, when it has the wit to leave Attenborough and Wilson on the screen together and forget about its rash of putative improvements, it does offer well-scrubbed family fare.

    Oct 23, 2018 | Full Review…

    Kenneth Turan

    Los Angeles Times
    Top Critic

  • The sanitised setting may generate a Yuletide glow, but it gives a hollow, even cynical ring to the film's championship of faith, hope and charity, sweetness and light.

    Dec 31, 2017 | Full Review…

    Geoff Brown

    Times (UK)
    Top Critic

  • The overall effect is enjoyable and cuddly like a warm fire on a cold night. It also harkens back to a bygone, simpler time.

    Jul 6, 2010 | Full Review…

    Leonard Klady

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • This retelling is loving and gentle and lit like a 1940s musical.

    Dec 1, 2008 | Rating: B | Full Review…

    Lisa Schwarzbaum

    Entertainment Weekly
    Top Critic

  • The new Miracle on 34th Street, produced by John Hughes and written by him with George Seaton, is a dull project that makes only cosmetic changes in the original.

    May 20, 2003 | Full Review…

    Caryn James

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • A different angle is taken for the legal case in this movie and it works quite well in creating a fairytale miracle within the middle of corporate America.

    Apr 17, 2001 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Almar Haflidason

    BBC.com
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (35)

Audience Reviews for Miracle on 34th Street

  • Dec 19, 2011
    Although I enjoy the "Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire girl", this movie wasn't the best. This is one of those cases where nothing was wrong with the original, so why remake it? It fell short...
    Sarah P Super Reviewer
  • Dec 16, 2011
    "Miracle on 34th Street" has one of the greatest christmas tales of all time at it's fingertips, and it dazzles with humour, sadness, and too many heartfelt moments to count. This film knows what it is trying to be, and therefore, it is one of my favourite christmas films of all time. As one girl is told that santa clause does not exist, she comes into contact with a white bearded man who claims to be the real thing. When he convinces her, she asks him for a new house, a dad, and a baby brother. If she doesn't receive this, then santa clause will not be real to her. There is so much christmas spirit in this film, and every touching moment will bring a tear to your eye. The conclusion will have even adults believing in christmas again. If you have not seen this amazing holiday film, I suggest it be the next one you watch. "Miracle on 34th Street" is a miracle on it's own!
    KJ P Super Reviewer
  • Dec 14, 2011
    One would think that John Hughes would know better than to remake a classic, but he did...so there it is. Hughes' Miracle on 34th Street is vastly inferior to the original, but it does manage to pull off a little magic. The major flaw of the film is that it creates a villain out of the rival department store, which isn't in keeping with the spirit of the story. The casting is pretty solid for the most part; Elizabeth Perkins and Dylan McDermott do especial well in the lead roles, as does Mara Wilson. As remakes go, Miracle on 34th Street isn't a bad one. But it's just reflected glory.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Oct 03, 2011
    Uplifting and sweet but verging on twee throughout. Full review later.
    Thomas B Super Reviewer
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