Christmas fare Fred Claus has hit the big screen to kick off the festive season.

Hollywood actor Vince Vaughn and Sideways star Paul Giamatti have paired up in the new film, which tells the story of a jolly Santa Claus and his bitter brother Fred.

Fred's day job is the opposite of his famous sibling's - he's a bailiff - more concerned with the taking away of the nice presents, rather than the giving.

But Vince insists that the movie is a family comedy with a message.

He said: "I like the whole concept of the naughty and nice list, it's never been done before and the whole introspective of 'is there a naughty kid?'.

"I think it's important that kids feel there is someone who loves them or is thinking about them. I think it's important for them to have some sort of belief system."

Giamatti makes a convincing Father Christmas, but is eager to point out that the rotund figure he sports in the movie is not his natural body shape.

He said: "I just want to point out I wore a fatsuit. They did ask me to gain the weight and I think I said you're out of your mind."

Fred Claus is in cinemas now.

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