DEAR SANTA

(director/writer: Bobby Farrelly; screenwriters: Ricky Blitt, story by Blitt, Peter Farrelly & Dan Ewen; cinematographer: C. Kim Miles; editor: Julie Garces; music: Rupert Gregson-Williams; cast: Jack Black (Satan), Robert Timothy Smith (Liam Turner), Keegan Michael-Key (Dr. Finkleman), Brianne Howey (Molly Turner), Jaden Carson Baker (Gibby), Hayes MacArthur (Bill Turner), Post Malone (Austin Post), P.J. Byrne (Mr. Charles), Kai Cech (Emma); Runtime: 108; MPAA Rating: PG-13; producers: Jeremy Kramer, Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly; Paramount +; 2024)

“It appeals to neither kids or adults.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The oddball holiday comedy is directed by Bobby Farrelly (“Champions”/”Shallow Hal”) and co-written by his brother Peter and Ricky Blitt. It appeals to neither kids or adults.

The sweet, nerdy and naive 11-year-old Liam (Robert Timothy Smith), who has dyslexia, writes to Santa after the loss of his brother, but his letter misspelling Santa is sent by mistake to the devious Satan (Jack Black).

Satan speaks both for the devil and as the kid’s encouraging mentor, as he comes across as strangely likeable in a devilish way.

In this coming-of-age movie Liam goes on a spiritual journey that turns out to be one of resilience and learning to value his family. He will learn he doesn’t need Satan’s help to be happy when he can find that on his own.

The snowy Christmas setting in the suburbs is decorative, while Hell in contrast looks like a  sinister place.

Too bad things are so poorly executed, as the story gets bogged down with uneven subplots, like those showing Liam’s crush on Emmy (Kai Cech) and his friendship with Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker).

Though it might hit the spot for some viewers looking for an unconventional holiday film, it will probably turn off many other viewers who find Black’s cheeky performance not too funny. I found it to be a ridiculous film, one of Black’s worst.

REVIEWED ON 12/14/2024  GRADE: C+
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