Santa Claus: The Movie... Underrated Gem or Just Nostalgia?

Okay, international film buffs, let's talk about something a little...different. "Santa Claus: The Movie" (1985). Yeah, I know, it's not Bergman or Kurosawa, lol. But I randomly rewatched it the other day and I've been thinking about it. Hear me out! It often gets written off as just a cheesy 80s kids flick, but is there actually something deeper going on, especially with the whole Patch storyline? I mean, an elf weaponizing toys for profit is kinda dark for a Christmas movie, right? Makes you wonder if it's a commentary on commercialism hiding in plain sight inside a kids film. My theory? Patch isn't just a rogue elf. He's a representation of the temptation to corrupt the magic of Christmas for personal gain. The whole 'corporate greed' angle with B.Z. is obvious, but Patch's naive enthusiasm combined with his toy-making genius makes him a far more interesting and subtle villain. He wants to spread joy, but his ego and desire for recognition lead him down a dark path. Remember that scene where he makes the 'flying dust' to make toys fly and they break? It's literally a parable about unchecked ambition and the dangers of shortcuts. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I feel like there's some serious subtext going on. Also, I have to say, Dudley Moore is adorable as Patch, even when his character is being a total screw-up. And the set design? Pure 80s Christmas magic. Okay, maybe I'm blinded by nostalgia a little, but I genuinely think this film has more layers than people give it credit for. Anyone else have a soft spot for this movie, or am I alone in my Christmas-themed arthouse ramblings? One little imperfection I keep noticing is how much John Lithgow steals every scene he is in, lol.