Dear Santa movie review: Bobby Farrelly’s “Dear Santa”, co-written with Peter Farrelly, presents an intriguing premise: what happens when a dyslexic 11-year-old accidentally addresses a letter to Satan instead of Santa? The result is a bizarre blend of holiday cheer, awkward tonal shifts, and Jack Black’s devilishly eccentric performance as the Prince of Darkness. Released quietly on Paramount+ with little to no marketing, the film struggles to find its footing, leaving viewers with an uneven and forgettable holiday experience.
Dear Santa movie review
The central “what if” of “Dear Santa” sparks curiosity. Liam (played by newcomer Robert Timothy Smith), a sixth-grader struggling with dyslexia, accidentally writes a letter to “Satan” instead of “Santa.” His mistake summons Jack Black as the flamboyant and mischievous Prince of Darkness. Satan arrives with an offer of three wishes in exchange for Liam’s soul, leading to a series of chaotic, often absurd events.
Despite the promise of its concept, the execution fails to deliver. The film is torn between being a sweet-natured family movie about acceptance and a dark comedy exploring Satanic hijinks. Unfortunately, it never fully commits to either tone, leaving audiences confused and disengaged. As one critic noted, it’s like watching “Bad Santa” morph awkwardly into “Elf”, ultimately losing the appeal of both.
Jack Black’s performance as Satan is undoubtedly the highlight of the movie. Dressed in burgundy leather and fur, complete with horns, Black leans into the role with his signature energy and comedic timing. His booming voice and manic delivery inject some life into the otherwise dull narrative. Whether he’s referencing pop culture with lines like “Every time a grown man sharts himself, a demon earns its horns” or engaging in over-the-top antics, Black’s portrayal offers fleeting moments of entertainment.
However, even Black’s enthusiasm isn’t enough to save the film from its underwhelming script. The character of Satan, as presented here, lacks depth and originality. Instead of a menacing or complex figure, he’s reduced to a cartoonish scamp who spends much of the movie granting trivial wishes and engaging in toilet humor.
Liam’s wishes drive much of the plot, from trying to win the affection of his classmate Emma (Kai Cech) to scoring VIP tickets to a Post Malone concert. These scenes often feel more like skits than cohesive parts of a larger story. The extended Post Malone sequence, in particular, feels indulgent and unnecessary, serving more as a marketing ploy than a meaningful plot development.
The subplots involving Liam’s parents (played by Brianne Howey and Hayes MacArthur) and his therapist (Keegan-Michael Key) offer glimpses of potential depth but fail to connect emotionally. The parents’ grief over the loss of Liam’s brother is introduced late in the movie and feels out of place amidst the crude humor and Satanic antics. Similarly, the therapist subplot, which had the potential for sharp comedy or insightful commentary, is underutilized. Key’s comedic talents are wasted on a role that adds little to the story.
One of the biggest issues with “Dear Santa” is its inability to balance its tone. The Farrelly brothers attempt to merge the irreverence of their earlier works, like “Dumb and Dumber”, with the heartwarming sentimentality expected of holiday films. Unfortunately, the result is a movie that fails to be either genuinely funny or emotionally resonant.
The film’s darker elements, such as Satan’s deal with Liam and the parents’ concern over their son’s “delusions,” suggest a more mature, edgy comedy. However, these moments are undercut by juvenile humor, including a recurring gag about diarrhea. As one review aptly described, the film oscillates between being a sweet kids’ movie and a black-hearted adult comedy but ultimately satisfies neither audience.
The supporting cast includes several talented actors who are largely wasted in underdeveloped roles. Robert Timothy Smith delivers a commendable performance as Liam, managing to bring some authenticity to the character despite the script’s shortcomings. Kai Cech as Emma and Jaden Carson Baker as Gibby, Liam’s friend, are serviceable but don’t leave a lasting impression.
Brianne Howey and Hayes MacArthur portray Liam’s parents with sincerity, but their characters are burdened by clichéd writing. The subplot about their marital issues and grief feels tacked on rather than integral to the story. Keegan-Michael Key, as the family therapist, is given little room to shine, his scenes feeling more like filler than meaningful contributions to the narrative.
The screenplay, co-written by Peter Farrelly and Ricky Blitt, relies heavily on pop culture references and crude jokes, many of which fall flat. From a nod to “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” to Satan staying at the “Redrum Motor Lodge,” the humor often feels out of sync with the target audience. Younger viewers are unlikely to grasp these references, while older audiences may find them too obvious to be amusing.
The reliance on bathroom humor, including a spell that gives Liam’s teacher (P.J. Byrne) gastrointestinal distress, further detracts from the film’s appeal. These jokes, though occasionally chuckle-worthy, fail to elevate the movie beyond mediocrity.
The film culminates in a predictable and overly sentimental conclusion, with Liam using his final wish to bring his fractured family together. While the intention is to deliver a heartfelt message about love and acceptance, the execution feels forced and unearned. The tonal shift from absurd comedy to earnest drama is jarring, leaving viewers disconnected from the story’s emotional resolution.
Even the final twist, involving a surprise cameo by a Farrelly favorite, fails to leave a lasting impact. Instead, it feels like an afterthought, a rushed attempt to tie up loose ends.
Despite its promising premise and Jack Black’s energetic performance, “Dear Santa 2024” falls short as a holiday movie. Its tonal inconsistencies, weak script, and lack of originality prevent it from becoming a memorable addition to the Christmas comedy genre.
For fans of the Farrelly brothers or Jack Black, the film may offer a few moments of amusement, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression. As one critic observed, this is the kind of holiday fare that will likely fade into obscurity, overshadowed by more enduring classics.
Conclusion
“Dear Santa” is a well-intentioned but ultimately disappointing effort from the Farrelly brothers. Its intriguing concept is undermined by a disjointed narrative, uneven humor, and missed opportunities for emotional depth. While Jack Black’s performance provides some entertainment, it’s not enough to save the movie from its shortcomings.
For those seeking holiday cheer, there are far better options available. “Dear Santa” may be worth a watch for curious viewers, but don’t expect it to become a staple of your Christmas movie rotation.
Top Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
It should hardly come as a revelation that Black’s hardworking comedic efforts are the film’s saving grace – Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
Yes let’s promote a movie about Satan at Christmas time. Couldn’t even bring myself to finish. The writing was abysmal. The acting was second rate at best. They just used the most reusable, unoriginal Christmas movie formulas out there with satan being a new twist, not even worth seeing for free price – Cho’Zn S
A fun holiday romp! – Mark W
The Farrelly brothers’ Christmas comedy is perceptive and funny but gets kind of cringe and doesn’t know who it’s for – TROY S
Quite possibly the worst acting I have ever seen. Worse than something you would make in high school for a class project. Not even “fun bad”, just painful to watch – Tate K
Top Movie Ratings
| IMDb | 5/10 |
| IGN | 4/10 |
| MovieWeb | 6/10 |
Latest Release Movie:
- The Last Republican movie review (2024)
- Wicked Movie Story (2024): Magical and Emotional Cinematic Experience
- Night is Not Eternal movie review (2024)
