Jack Black’s collaboration with the Farrelly brothers in the family comedy “Dear Santa” has not generated the buzz one might expect. Released with little fanfare on Paramount+, the film appears to be struggling to find its audience. Co-written by Peter Farrelly and directed by Bobby Farrelly, “Dear Santa” follows a dyslexic sixth grader named Liam, portrayed by Robert Timothy Smith, who continues to believe in Santa Claus and sends him a letter each year. However, due to his dyslexia, he accidentally addresses his letter to “Satan,” leading to a peculiar interaction with Jack Black’s horned and bearded portrayal of the infamous figure.
The film’s tone struggles to balance whimsical childlike fantasy with the darker implications of a child engaging with such a character. Instead of exploring a more profound narrative, it often resorts to juvenile humor that doesn’t resonate with the intended audience of children. The storyline encompasses Liam’s experiences at school, including crushes and confrontation with an obnoxious teacher (P.J. Byrne), combined with a subplot concerning Liam’s parents dealing with the loss of a sibling in a seemingly manipulative manner.
Despite the Farrelly brothers’ signature comedic style, “Dear Santa” fails to connect with either children or their parents. The lack of relatable characters, clumsy humor, and superficial handling of serious themes leave much to be desired. Even though Black brings his usual charm, the film lacks the quality that could make it memorable or appealing during the holiday season.
“Dear Santa” is available for viewing on Paramount+, but its overall execution raises questions about its place in family entertainment. While not every film can capture the spirit of the season, there remains a hopeful outlook that stronger narratives and connections can emerge in future holiday films.
In summary, “Dear Santa” attempts to combine elements of childhood fantasy with darker themes but ultimately misses the mark, leaving both humor and heart unfulfilled. This serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the audience when crafting narratives for children and families.