It might be the season to be jolly, but everyone isn’t in the Christmas spirit. In fact, in the movie Santa vs. the Snowman, there’s about to be a beat-down. Of course, it’s Snowman’s fault; he tried to steal a flute from Santa’s workshop. Snowman claims innocence, but Santa’s no fool; he knows a thief when he sees one. Thief or not, the Snowman has his pride, and when he gets a look at the cushy gig Santa has, with all those adoring elves doing all his dirty work, the Snowman figures somebody has to take Santa down a notch or two. Things reach a fever pitch — Snowman’s minions face off against Santa’s elf army, with the right to deliver gifts around the world on Christmas Eve on the line.

If this all sounds very un-holiday like, you’re right. Santa vs. the Snowman is sort of a holiday alternative, made especially for those of us who are tired of that “good will toward men” nonsense. (What’s a holiday without a little bloodshed?) Steve Oedekerk, the man behind the equally irreverent films Jimmy Neutron, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls and The Nutty Professor, put together this comedy, which features the voices of Jonathan Winters, Ben Stein and Victoria Jackson.

Santa vs. the Snowman is in IMAX 3-D, so the fists will be flying on a super-giant screen. Kinda brings a whole new meaning to “You better watch out, you better not cry,” doesn’t it? 2:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. today and every day through January 5, 2008. Moody Gardens, One Hope Boulevard, Galveston Island. For tickets and information, call 800-582-4673 or visit www.moodygardens.com. $7.95 to $9.95.

Nov. 17-Jan. 12, 2007

This article appears in Nov 15-21, 2007.