It’s hard to say if a new telling of this story was truly necessary, but Sir Richard Attenborough seemed like an excellent choice for the part when they decided to remake it. He portrays "Kris Kringle," brought in by a toy store facing difficulties to participate in their Christmas parade after their usual performer develops some personal problems. His presence proves very well-received and he’s quickly inside the shop, interacting with all the kids. There's an element of sincerity about him; he openly advises parents on where they can find better deals, which puts his position at risk! However, the store owners recognize a chance to use this generosity for promotion, leading to a significant boost in their earnings. Not everyone appreciates him, though, and after a physical incident involving his walking stick and his predecessor's head, he ends up in court. He isn’t accused of assault; instead, there's an attempt to declare him unfit due to his claims about being – well, someone he realistically couldn't be. Or could he? The film runs for a while, but Sir Richard embraces the role with genuine enthusiasm. While his accent falters at times, he injects a playful quality into the character and is backed by JT Walsh as the increasingly skeptical prosecutor "Collins" and Robert Prosky in the judge’s seat. It's a pleasant narrative, competently presented, featuring some lighthearted moments that gently critique the cynical society that has lost touch with the true meaning of Christmas. It doesn't have quite the same appeal as the 1947 film, but it remains an agreeable watch for the holiday season.

Source on TMDB