It takes a certain kind of courage – or perhaps a touch of festive madness – to remake a stone-cold classic. When word got out that Hollywood was revisiting Miracle on 34th Street for the 90s, skepticism was understandable. The 1947 original felt like sacred ground. Yet, something wonderful happened. Released in 1994, this updated version, directed by Les Mayfield and penned partly by the maestro of heartfelt 80s/90s family fare, John Hughes, managed to capture its own distinct brand of holiday magic, largely thanks to the twinkling eyes and grandfatherly warmth of its leading man.
### Finding Santa Claus in Jurassic Park?
Let's be honest, the casting of Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle was initially a delightful surprise. Just a year earlier, he’d been sparing no expense bringing dinosaurs back to life in Jurassic Park (1993). Seeing him trade velociraptors for reindeer felt like a wonderful bit of cinematic alchemy. And it worked. Attenborough doesn't just play Santa; he embodies the spirit of selfless generosity, quiet wisdom, and unwavering belief that defines the character. His performance is the warm, beating heart of this film, grounding the fantasy in a palpable sense of kindness that feels genuinely touching. You simply believe him, and that’s half the battle won right there.
### Christmas Magic, 90s Style
The setting shifts from Macy's (who reportedly declined involvement in the remake – a fascinating bit of trivia!) to the fictional Cole's Department Store, but the New York City Christmas atmosphere remains potent. Mayfield captures the festive bustle, the dazzling lights, and the sense of wonder that descends on the city during the holidays. This version feels distinctly nineties – the fashion, the slightly more cynical worldview represented by Elizabeth Perkins's Dorey Walker, the single working mom managing Cole's special events, and her pragmatic daughter Susan, played with charming precociousness by a young Mara Wilson (who we'd soon see again in Matilda (1996)).
Dorey has raised Susan not to believe in fairy tales, especially Santa Claus. Enter Kris Kringle, hired by Cole's, whose genuine belief starts to chip away at their skepticism and that of Dorey’s kind-hearted lawyer neighbour, Bryan Bedford (Dylan McDermott). The core story remains familiar: Kris’s claim to be the real Santa lands him in court, forcing characters and the audience alike to confront the value of faith and belief in something beyond the strictly rational.
John Hughes, working from George Seaton's original Oscar-winning screenplay (based on Valentine Davies' story), infuses the script with his trademark blend of sentimentality and sharp observational humor about family dynamics. It never feels saccharine, managing to update the themes for a slightly more jaded era without losing the original’s core message. The dialogue feels natural, and the relationships, particularly between Dorey, Susan, and Bryan, develop convincingly amidst the unfolding miracle.
### More Than Just a Retread
While it inevitably draws comparisons to the 1947 film, this Miracle on 34th Street stands confidently on its own merits. The production design beautifully crafts a cozy, inviting holiday world. The supporting cast is strong – Perkins brings a relatable vulnerability to Dorey, while McDermott is the quintessential charming 90s leading man. And Wilson, as Susan, represents the journey from skepticism to belief that mirrors the audience's own potential rediscovery of childlike wonder.
Financially, it wasn't a runaway blockbuster – pulling in around $46 million worldwide against a budget reportedly in the $20-25 million range – but like so many films from this era, its real success blossomed on home video and television. For many who grew up in the 90s, this version is their Miracle on 34th Street. It became a staple on those chunky VHS tapes, pulled out each December to recapture that festive feeling. I remember seeing it nestled on the "Holiday Favourites" shelf at Blockbuster, its cover promising warmth and magic, a promise it largely delivered.
There's a gentle sincerity here that's hard to resist. It tackles the commercialization of Christmas head-on, championing kindness and goodwill over profit margins – a theme perhaps even more relevant today. The courtroom scenes, while lacking some of the sharp legal satire of the original, still provide genuinely moving moments as Bryan fights to prove Santa’s existence, legally speaking.
### Finding Belief Again
This isn't a film trying to reinvent the wheel; it's lovingly polishing a cherished classic for a new generation. It leans into the emotional core, emphasizing the importance of imagination, faith, and human connection. Does it eclipse the original? For purists, likely not. But does it offer a heartwarming, beautifully acted, and thoroughly enjoyable Christmas experience? Absolutely. It captured the spirit of the season with a distinctly 90s sensibility, reminding us that sometimes, believing is seeing.
VHS Heaven Rating: 8/10
Justification: While it lives in the shadow of a cinematic titan, the 1994 Miracle succeeds beautifully thanks to Richard Attenborough's definitive portrayal of Kris Kringle, a heartfelt script update courtesy of John Hughes, and a genuinely warm, festive atmosphere. It overcomes the inherent challenges of a remake to deliver pure holiday comfort food, earning its place as a beloved 90s Christmas staple.
Final Thought: Pop this one in the VCR (or, you know, the modern equivalent) when the weather turns cold – it’s like a warm mug of cocoa for the soul, proving that a little bit of belief can still go a long, long way, even on 34th Street.