callanvass A manipulative college student named Jake initially decides to change his tickets from going back home to something else. When he learns that his dad is bribing him with 1957 Porsche, Jake quickly changes his mind. There is only one catch. He must be home by 6 PM. On the eve of going back home with his girlfriend Alley (Jessica Biel) , Jake gets kidnapped when a scheme goes wrong, thrown into the middle of the desert. Jake's main rival Eddie (LaVorgna) ends up driving Jessica home in lieu of Jake. What follows is a string of misadventures for Jake, while he attempts to not only get his girlfriend back, but get home in time as well.I love this movie and I'm not ashamed of it. I watched it countless times as a teenager and it was one of my favorites. I have many fond memories of it. When I was a teenager, I had the biggest crush on Jessica Biel. I used to envy Jonathan Taylor Thomas in this movie. Now that I'm older, I don't feel the same way. This is the first time I've seen this movie since 2003. That's a long time to go out without viewing a movie, even after seeing it many times. A couple of nights ago, I decided to put this on. I was curious to see how it would hold up, now that I'm older. It may not be Christmas time, but I was in the mood for something fluffy that would make me smile a lot. I can gladly say, this movie still manages to do the job. This is a movie that anybody can enjoy at any age. It has plenty of laughs as well. Allie's "I'll have to slug you" line cracks me up every time. I also howl at the restaurant scene, where Jake tries to get a couple back together. We even get some subtle sexual jokes about Santa. "Someone else is going down Santa's Chimney?" It may be family entertainment, but it's not afraid to throw some jabs and take a risk. Jonathan Taylor Thomas is fun as the lead. He makes a great weasel and I never fail to smile at his antics. He definitely had plenty of charisma for his age. Jessica Biel is beautiful, talented as well. I highly doubt you'll see her talking about this movie, but she was solid as the love interest. Adam LaVorgna plays a good slime ball. Gary Cole is a tad wasted as the Dad, but he was good too. This is excellent family entertainment. I don't care what anyone says. This is a good movie that has a really good message behind it. What do people expect, an Oscar winner? You can watch this one at any time of the year. Don't be warded off by the low rating8/10

nathanpk92 I just watched it and I loved it. Its about a college kid who's father has promised him a Porsche if he can get home by 6:00 Christmas Eve. I think Jonathan Taylor Thomas was perfect for the role of Jake Wilkinson. He has just enough smart aleck in him and enough charisma to pull it off. Along the way, Jake must face many obstacles such as having a Santa beard and hat glued to his face and head respectively. The line that really got me hooked was at the beginning where Thomas, being his natural smart Aleck, witty talking self, told his girlfriend after saying he had tickets to an event and she reacted poorly that he knew she would be... p***ed. This is a definite holiday great. Right up there with Home Alone and Its a Good Life. Hope the review helped.

phillafella `Home Improvement' star Jonathan Taylor Thomas stars in this predictable family comedy as a college kid whose father will promise him a new car if he makes it home before Christmas dinner begins. Thomas is in top form, but this should have been a two-part episode of `Home Improvement,' for he had left the show not long before this film was released. The Santa Race is the highlight of the film, but because there is little else here that is entertaining, this movie is only recommended for fans of the teen star.2 out of 5

jwrowe3 Okay, It's easy to say this movie was not in the range of other classic holiday flicks like "Christmas Story", or "It's A Wonderful Life", but then it's not "Santa Claus Conquers The Martians", either.I watched it the other night and did actually laugh here and there. Yeah, it's hard to like Jonathan Taylor Thomas, at first. He cheats, and seems pretty shallow. I can see the concern voiced by a previous poster about this not being a family holiday move, as the main character is pretty unpleasant.+SPOILERS AHEAD!+As we see him dumped in the desert dressed as Santa and watch him cross the country, we are treated to some pretty amusing moments. The four old ladies in the Chrysler Imperial, are just the beginning. And being a fan of big 50's Chrysler's, that gave the movie a push in the positive direction! Add a goofy van driver, a sentimental cop, and a gassy dog.Is there a happy ending? Sure. Does JTT learn a lesson? Of course, it's a Disney flick. I didn't have too much of a problem with "Home", and would probably get the DVD if my daughters wanted it.5 out of 10 stars.Rent it, or buy it if it's the "FREE" in a "Buy One, Get One Free" DVD offer.