As a die-hard fan of Christmas movies and a longtime admirer of the Farrelly brothers’ comedic genius, I must say that “Dear Santa” is a delightful addition to my holiday viewing list. It may not quite reach the heights of “There’s Something About Mary” or “Dumb and Dumber,” but it certainly has its moments.
Christmas movies, now abundant, seem to serve as a reliable source of income for filmmakers, much like an investment for their future. It’s no surprise that even the Farrelly brothers have joined the fray with their new comedy, “Dear Santa,” debuting on Paramount+. Although “Dear Santa” may not reach the heights of classics such as “There’s Something About Mary” or “Dumb and Dumber,” it aims to become a holiday staple, enjoyed every year alongside turkey and eggnog.
Considering that the words “Santa” and “Satan” contain exactly the same letters, it’s amazing that it’s taken this long for someone to come up with the idea for a movie about an 11-year-old with dyslexia who writes a letter to Santa, only to find it answered by Satan thanks to inadvertent letter placement.
In a new partnership with the Farrelly brothers since their 2001 film “Shallow Hall,” Jack Black portrays Satan. One evening, he appears in the bedroom of Liam (Robert Timothy Smith), an impressive find. Liam had penned what he believed to be a letter to Santa, but instead, it was Satan who showed up. Dressed in horns, a burgundy leather-and-fur attire, and declaring his presence as being “here in the naughty flesh,” Satan initially doesn’t reveal the truth to Liam but instead presents him with three wishes, intending to trick the young boy into giving up his soul.
Liam’s first wish is for the romantic attentions of Emma (Kai Cech), his classmate with whom he’s besotted. Satan instantly grants it and it isn’t long before Liam is escorting Emma to a Post Malone concert, complete with VIP seats and backstage pass. This plot element provides the opportunity for an extended sequence featuring the superstar rapper-singer playing himself, which should help the film appeal to its desired teen demographic.
Just as deals with Satan often lead to intricate tangles, this storyline becomes entwined with side plots. For instance, Liam’s friend Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker) is caught up in a pretense of being a cancer patient, and Liam’s parents (Brianne Howey, Hayes MacArthur) express their worry by making him consult a child psychologist. Fortunately, the humorous Keegan-Michael Key takes on this therapist role, despite his underuse in the series.
It’s not surprising at all that Black’s tireless comedic performance is what ultimately saves this film. With a deep growl reminiscent of late-career Jack Nicholson, he immerses himself in the vibrant role, evidently enjoying every moment. His energetic, well-timed delivery makes even the poor jokes tolerable and enhances the already amusing ones, spreading laughter throughout the film.
In essence, the screenplay penned by Peter Farrelly and Ricky Blitt (known for their work on Family Guy and Loudermilk) has its fair share of amusing moments, albeit with an inclination towards bathroom humor. An instance of this is when Satan, played by P.J. Byrne, casts a spell causing Liam’s annoying teacher to have digestive issues. Satan quips, “Every time a grown man soils himself, a demon earns its horns.” The script includes numerous pop culture jokes that will likely delight adults while leaving the intended audience puzzled, such as references to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Satan residing at the “Redrum Motor Lodge.
“You can probably guess my room number,” he adds.
Reaching an overly sentimental conclusion that might be too excessive, even for a film of its kind, “Dear Santa” is a type of holiday movie that’s easily forgettable – similar to the cinematic disappointment currently known as “Red One“. Despite its lackluster performance in theaters, it’s likely that this film will persist on streaming platforms for all eternity. If a literary giant like Charles Dickens could create a Christmas tale for some quick earnings (take a look at his works), why shouldn’t the movie industry follow suit?
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2024-11-25 22:54