‘Dear Santa’ (2024) Movie Review - A Devilishly Fun and Frustrating Holiday Ride

"Dear Santa," released on Paramount+, is the cinematic equivalent of unwrapping a glitter-covered prank gift: flashy, chaotic, and more amusing in theory than execution. Directed by Bobby Farrelly, the film stars Jack Black as a devilish version of Santa (thanks to a spelling error that turns "Santa" into "Satan"), setting the stage for what could have been a wickedly fun twist on holiday tropes. While the concept has undeniable potential, the execution stumbles like a reindeer on an icy rooftop.

The story begins with Liam (Robert Timothy Smith), an earnest kid who just wants his family to have the perfect Christmas. However, his poorly spelled letter to Santa accidentally summons Satan in a sleigh, played with gleeful absurdity by Jack Black. Black’s entrance is everything you’d expect from the actor: over-the-top, delightfully chaotic, and dripping with devilish charm. He cackles, schemes, and grants Christmas wishes in hilariously twisted ways, turning snowball fights into chaos and Christmas lights into battle arenas. If the film were purely about Black wreaking havoc, it might have been a holiday classic. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie struggles to keep up.

The supporting cast, including Brianne Howey and Hayes MacArthur as Liam’s frazzled parents, and Keegan-Michael Key as a hapless orthodontist, do their best with the material. However, the script rarely gives them room to shine. The jokes range from clever wordplay to slapstick gags, but for every laugh, there are two groan-worthy moments that feel like they were lifted from a rejected sitcom script. Key's comedic talents are significantly underutilized in this narrative; the subplot about braces feels awkwardly forced and detracts from his potential to truly shine.

Visually, the film leans heavily on holiday kitsch, with gaudy decorations and snow-drenched landscapes creating a festive backdrop for the chaos. The production design feels like it was plucked straight from a Hallmark movie and dipped in glitter, which works well for the absurd tone the movie aims for. However, the pacing is uneven, with the second act dragging under the weight of disjointed subplots and repetitive jokes. The chaos that feels refreshing in the beginning starts to wear thin as the film struggles to build momentum toward its conclusion.

Jack Black’s performance remains the film’s saving grace. He plays Satan with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, making even the film’s weaker moments more enjoyable. Whether he’s impersonating Santa at a holiday fair or turning a Christmas carol into a demonic anthem, Black’s infectious energy is impossible to ignore. It’s clear he’s having the time of his life, and his enthusiasm is contagious—if only the rest of the movie could match his level of commitment.

The climax tries to pivot toward heartfelt territory, as Liam and his family learn the true meaning of Christmas amidst the chaos. While the sentiment is well-intentioned, it feels rushed and unearned, tacked on to an otherwise anarchic narrative. The tonal whiplash is jarring, leaving the audience unsure whether to laugh, cry, or cringe.

Musically, the film is surprisingly memorable, thanks to a quirky soundtrack that includes original songs and a bizarrely entertaining cameo by Post Malone. The music helps inject some much-needed energy into the slower scenes, even if the decision to shoehorn Malone into the plot feels random at best. His brief appearance as a snowman DJ is a head-scratching highlight, adding to the film’s overall sense of absurdity.

"Dear Santa" tries to be many things: a subversive holiday comedy, a family-friendly romp, and a heartfelt Christmas tale. In trying to balance these conflicting tones, it ends up feeling like a haphazard mashup that doesn’t fully commit to any of them. The moments of brilliance—most of them courtesy of Jack Black—are overshadowed by clunky dialogue, uneven pacing, and a lack of narrative focus.

That said, the film isn’t without its charms. It’s the kind of movie you can half-watch while decorating your tree or sipping eggnog, enjoying the occasional laugh without worrying too much about the plot. Younger audiences might appreciate the slapstick humor and colorful visuals, while adults could find some amusement in Black’s antics and the film’s irreverent take on holiday traditions.

Ultimately, "Dear Santa" feels like a missed opportunity. With a concept this delightfully absurd and a talent like Jack Black in the lead, it could have been a standout addition to the holiday movie canon. Instead, it’s a middling effort that delivers a few laughs but fails to leave a lasting impression. If you’re in the mood for something light and chaotic, it might be worth a watch—but don’t expect it to become a new holiday tradition.

Verdict: Jack Black carries this uneven holiday romp on his shoulders, but even his devilish charm can’t save it from its inconsistent script and muddled tone. "Dear Santa" is fun in small doses but ultimately forgettable—like a novelty Christmas gift you laugh at once before tossing aside.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times