MOVIE REVIEW
Dear Santa
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Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Holiday, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 47m
Director(s): Bobby Farrelly
Writer(s): Ricky Blitt, Dan Ewen, Peter Farrelly
Cast: Jack Black, Robert Timothy Smith, Keegan Michael-Key, Brianne Howey, Hayes MacArthur, Post Malone, P.J. Byrne, Jaden Carson Baker, Kai Cech
Where To Watch: buy it on digital now, or stream it on Paramount+

RAVING REVIEW: DEAR SANTA is an unexpected addition to the holiday movie pantheon, turning the traditional Christmas story on its head with a mischievously fun plot twist. Directed by Bobby Farrelly, this film takes us on a journey that begins with a simple mixup—a misplaced letter that invites Satan, not Santa, into a young boy's life. While Jack Black, as the unexpectedly endearing Prince of Darkness, delivers a whirlwind of laughs, the film dances around its potential, occasionally missing the beat of the spirit of holiday entertainment.

At the core of DEAR SANTA is young Liam, portrayed by newcomer Robert Timothy Smith. Liam's world has been shaken by more than just a family relocation. His battle with dyslexia inadvertently calls forth the underworld’s royalty into his less-than-ordinary suburban life. Black, seizing his role with energy, lights up every scene, merging devious schemes with a peculiar charm that makes his Satan unexpectedly likable.

The film steers us through a screenplay between comedy and touching holiday sentiment. The best comedic moments arise when Liam, bewildered and bemused, tries to handle his new, diabolical “genie.” The inclusion of Post Malone in a VIP concert scene adds just the right touch of surreal entertainment, showcasing the film's knack for blending the bizarre with the traditional.

Yet, DEAR SANTA's biggest struggle is with pacing and narrative focus. The subplots, especially those involving Liam’s parents—played by Brianne Howey and Hayes MacArthur—could have used deeper development. Their challenges are presented with too broad a stroke to draw genuine empathy from the audience. Keegan-Michael Key, as Liam’s psychologist, though brimming with potential, is relegated to a role that doesn’t quite tap into his comedic strengths.

The real magic of DEAR SANTA comes from its ability to engage and entertain. Black’s devilish dynamism and impeccable comedic timing elevate the film, ensuring that laughter resonates more often than not. His portrayal of Satan as a character with mischievous intents and a heart of gold (albeit gold-plated) provides a fresh twist on the typical holiday villain trope. However, the achilles heel of the film is its ending, a jarring and, in my opinion, unnerving finale that seemed entirely unnecessary. While I appreciate what they were going for, it felt incredibly tacked on and odd at best.

DEAR SANTA aims high, and while it doesn’t always hit the target, it certainly doesn’t crash and burn. It's a sleigh ride that offers enough laughs and whimsy to justify a spot in your seasonal movie schedule, but it may not become the cornerstone of holiday traditions. It fits the bill nicely for those seeking a light, amusing film with a heartwarming undertone. Like that unexpected gift that isn’t perfect but still brings a smile, DEAR SANTA is an entertaining addition to this year’s holiday cinema, offering a generous dose of laughter and a sprinkle of yuletide charm.

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[photo courtesy of PARAMOUNT+, KRAYMATION FILMS, FARRELLY BROTHERS]

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