Vince Vaughn stars as Santa Claus's ne'er-do-well brother Fred, in a comedy that comes up woefully short on festive cheer. After centuries of not talking, Fred finally calls his younger sibling St Nicholas (Paul Giamatti) to borrow some cash to start up a betting business. Nicholas agrees, but onlyon condition that Fred return to the North Pole to work off his debt. From there, the story meanders betweentedious romantic subplots, a dastardly scheme to shut down Santa's workshop and Fred's desperate attempts to prove himself. Apart from a couple of amusing cameos, the lazy plotting and second-hand jokes are an insult to a talented cast (including Rachel Weisz, Kathy Bates and Kevin Spacey). Vaughn's wisecracking routine went down well with audiences in Wedding Crashers - his earlier collaboration with director David Dobkin - but here it just seems awkward in such a family-orientated film.

Fred Claus and Santa Claus have been estranged brothers for many years. Now Fred must reconcile his differences with his brother whom he believes overshadows him. When an efficiency expert assesses the workings at the North Pole and threatens to shut Santa down, Fred must help his brother to save Christmas.