MovieChat Forums > Fred Claus (2007) Discussion > One amazing thing I dont understand abou...

One amazing thing I dont understand about this movie is . . .

posted 16 years ago by startandstop
18 replies | jump to latest

how did they get some many top tier critically acclaimed actors to be in this movie?

Dont get me wrong I liked it. It was silly and full of bad jokes but had its charm.

Look at the accolades attributed to the actors in this movie:

Kathy Bates- 1 oscar, nominated 3 times
Kevin Spacey- 2 time oscar winner
Rahcel Weisz- 1 Oscar
Miranda Richardson- Oscar nominated twice
Paul Giamatti- 1 time oscar nominee
Ludacris- SAG award and was nominated for another.

How did this silly movie attract this kind of talent. Vince Vaughn is funny, but wow this just suprised me. I started wondering aloud during the movie, Rachel Weisz was in the Constant Gardner, I dont see how Fred Claus fits in her repertoire.

Well good for them for not taking themselves so seirously!

[–] shinigami89 16 years ago

Maybe they love the holidays? Maybe they want something to show their kids? Maybe it was an easy paycheck? I don't think it matters too much: I enjoyed every one of them in it.

--
I swear to shake it up if you swear to listen.

[–] DJConz 16 years ago

and Liz Banks in a very small role. why did Rachel Weitz do it, her part was miniscule

[–] feralshade 15 years ago

Actors/Actresses have cyclic careers. For whatever reason (sharing the marketing focus, personal stress, reputation/typcasting, etc), high profile stars cannot exclusively accept blockbuster film roles. So periodically, they have to downplay their success as a bit of a teaser to the fans. After that its more meaningful when their next hit movie is released.

Having a supporting role or starring role in a sub-par film is the perfect way for a talented but inert actor/actress to keep their names floating around in the industry. This way they have an edge when the next big opportunity comes around. No artist wants to be a one-hit-wonder after all.

Its all about managing moviegoers' hype and the subsequent conversion to ticket sales.

...Besides, its a Vince Vaughn flick. He may not be the most talented actor (or arguably even a good actor), but for some reason I've noticed that when he costars with a major actor/actress, that star seems more memorable and shines a little brighter as a result. Not necessarily because he contrasts their talent--but I think moreso because he reminds us of it.

[–] Daverat 15 years ago

Another possible reason is that if a Holiday movie actually catches on culturally or becomes a beloved cult movie, it's going to generate some decent residual checks over the years. It's not a bad career move to have one or 2 holiday themed movies under your belt. They are guaranteed to be trotted out on cable every year and if they're popular enough, they often go through several home video or DVD editions.

Lok at A Christmas Story!

I can see Fred Claus being a perennial favorite, especially with kids of a certain age who will now grow up with this film. They'll enjoy seeing it each year the same way I used to love seeing The Year Without a Santa Claus and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. I remember when those specials first aired and older folks said they didn't like the way they were messin' with the Christmas mythology. now who doesn't love singing along to "put one foot in front of the other..." with The Winter Wizard or singing along with Heat Miser?

[–] KarlMaldensNose 15 years ago

I see that Vince Vaughn is co-producer.
Maybe the actors are his buddies and they did it for him.
Just an idea.

I enjoyed this movie much more than I thought I would.

Paradise is exactly like where you are now, only much, much better.

[–] FactUnderChecK 15 years ago

because its actually a pretty good movie ass holes.

[–] INeedUnguent 15 years ago

I agree with sltcs6010 without the pejorative. ;) It's a pretty good movie, and I think it'll become a staple even if it falls short of being a classic.

[–] nowayhome182 15 years ago

Vince Vaughn is a leading name in the industry with a guarantee following that will support his films, so this movie had this going for it when finding others to star/co-star in it.

Also, it's a Christmas film. Any christmas movie, regardless of how good of a movie it is, is guaranteed to make some money because of the commercialism of the holiday. I haven't looked up any figures or numbers, but I am willing to bet that the majority of Christmas movies, even ones that we don't really watch anymore today, performed well enough at the box offices to be considered successful.

[–] jonathandoe82 15 years ago

Wow, you must be one of those people who also still believes in Xmas..

I will give you the actors' motivation, it is called: money.

There, another mystery solved.

[–] dukebball3126 15 years ago

if only all movies could have "top tier critically acclaimed actors" such as ludacris

[–] majictiger3-1 14 years ago

this has got to be the most stupid question I have read on IMDB ever!!!!!!!

[–] sanguines 14 years ago

Christmas movies and kid movies and low-stress, easy jobs that don't require a lot of effort, but pay a lot of money. Why wouldn't they do a Christmas movie? And as far as Christmas films go, Fred Claus isn't bad. We expect a certain amount of cheese in holiday films, and Fred Claus is certainly cheesy, but it's also quite funny. There are worse films to have on your resume.

[–] wiiztec 14 years ago

Maybe it's a good movie and it's not that remarkable that It has good acting talent