Fred Claus’s heart exceeds the size of his body, no small feat considering the actor Vince Vaughn’s height, and it is his big heart that saves a film that starts as a fairytale, turns disturbingly realistic, and ends up as a sweet, holiday movie about the power of brotherly love.

The men in this movie shine. Propelled, annoyed or ignored by the women who share their lives, it is mostly a movie about men learning to see the world from a perspective that comes only when standing in the shoes of a brother. Blood brothers Fred and Nick (Paul Giamatti) each has to come to terms with how his life affects his brother’s. In a secondary plot, the brotherhood of man prospers only as characters learn to share another’s viewpoint. Fred mentors the elf Willie, as well as an abandoned boy named Slam; Nick learns what motivates the actions of his efficiency expert and thereby softens him (this scene between Paul Giamatti and Kevin Spacey is worth the price of Spacey’s salary). These stories give the movie its heart and make up for annoyances like the bodyguard, ninja elves.

Fred Claus is family fare. Too mature for small children (the PG rating means adult themes and sexual innuendos), it is perfectly safe for older children and fun for adults. The enchantment of the North Pole draws the child within – the size, colors and details are an ice cream sundae for the eyes. Vince Vaughn stands for the adult in this wonderland, thereby increasing its magic; he is both character and audience. As Fred Claus, he gives a moving performance showing the love he has for his brother and for those who are in need… Fred inspires Santa and us.