The Santa Clause 2

Despite the obviously mercenary nature of this sequel, there's a thimbleful of clever ideas at work here, most notably in the way Allen's RoboSanta begins to turn his toy factory into a tiny dictatorship.

This one deserves a "bah humbug."

You might find the syllables bah, hum, and bug dancing on your lips.

On Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen! On Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen! On Chet! Yes - Chet. Remember - Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing.

It simply feels like a marketing opportunity, without the sincerity and genuine warmth the Christmas season represents.

Sure, it's cotton candy movie making with a totally predictable outcome. If you want a cranky Christmas, there's always Bad Santa. It's also not as funny as the original, but it's still entertaining.

Sweet? Yes. Sentimental? You bet. But like all the best Christmas pictures, this doesn't let the schmaltz swamp the wit or the charm - and has a sledload of both.