Dear Santa

It should hardly come as a revelation that Black’s hardworking comedic efforts are the film’s saving grace.

Dear Santa is like watching Bad Santa slowly turn into Elf, an unsatisfying attempt to be both naughty and nice, ending up as nothing instead.

Jack Black will be enough to lure both kids and parents to the holiday comedy Dear Santa. But Black can’t carry the whole thing himself, and he’s eventually subdued by some deeply questionable story choices.

If Christmas movies can’t be good, they can usually at least be pleasant distractions. Dear Santa is neither. It’s a regrettable film, one that wasn’t ever worth the wordplay that started it.

By and large, "Dear Santa" feels as if someone took a Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and added some truly weird Satanic mythology.

Dear Santa. A Christmas from Hell. "Dear Santa" is a bright and funny comedy starring Jack Black, perfect for the holiday season. His character is charming and slightly quirky, adding a touch of unpredictability and humor to the film. The story of Christmas miracles and acts of kindness is heartwarming and evokes a smile. Visually, the film is bright and colorful, and the music creates a festive atmosphere. An excellent choice for family viewing, it offers warmth and a festive atmosphere.

IN A NUTSHELL: The story is about a young boy who mails his Christmas wish list to Santa with one crucial spelling error, sending his letter to Satan. The dark comedy was directed by Robert Farrelly, who also co-produced the film. Writing credits go to Ricky Blitt and Peter Farrelly. THINGS I LIKED: Jack Black plays Satan in “the naughty flesh”. His voice is super deep. He charms, sings, and works his quirky magic. His face on the poster will definitely draw in audiences. Jack Black and the director worked together on the movie Shallow Hal back in 2001. Cute movie. Robert Timothy Smith plays the young boy. He, too, is charming and adorable and does a great job. Other cast members include Keegan-Michael Key, Hayes MacArthur, P.J. Byrne, Brianne Howey, and two adorable kids: Kai Cech, Cate Freedman, and Jaden Carson Baker. There’s a funny cameo in Act 3. No spoiler! You’ll recognize his voice. Post Malone gets a serious shout-out and quite a bit of screen time. There’s a funny reference to the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. There’s an interesting conversation between the parents about why bad things happen in this world. Keep watching after the final rolling credits to see another funny scene. I always love movies that feature making 3 wishes just because the ensuing scenarios and consequences can be so intriguing. There are a couple of plot twists. I love twists. The movie actually has more heart than you would think. THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE: A lot of Christians are disturbed by this movie and the whole idea of it. There’s a lot of humor but not all of it lands. One of the scenes wastes way too much time on potty humor, the lowest level of humor. TIPS FOR PARENTS: I would NOT call this a family-friendly movie. Some profanity and other words like “fudge nuts” and “Ho Ho Fricken Ho!” Some crude comments Lots and lots of farting A married couple bickers and fights a lot. Talk of cancer Bullying We see some satanic images Talk and demonstration of dyslexia Talk of God vs. Satan vs. Santa

Meant really for only kids based on the jokes - they could enjoy it, for grownups not much here but my kid seemed to like it ok.

I gave it 3 points because of Jack Black and the initial idea, but everything else apart from that is an epic fail. I find it incredibly hard to believe that this is the work of the same Farrelly brothers who gave us Something About Mary and Heartbreak Kid…. Jesus Christ…!

Where to begin with this one...this film reads like someone typed in "create farrelly movie" in chat gpt and then printed the page and handed it to the actors as is. It pains me to say there are really embarrasing moments. Numerous ones. Also its very long, start it at your own risk.