Jack Black’s collaboration with the Farrelly brothers in their new family comedy, “Dear Santa,” has surprisingly flown under the radar, largely due to minimal promotion and an unclear target audience. Released on Paramount+, the film blends elements of children’s and adult comedy but ultimately struggles to resonate with its viewers, particularly younger ones.
The story revolves around Liam, a dyslexic sixth grader who still believes in Santa Claus and sends him letters each year. In a comedic twist, Liam mistakenly addresses his letter to “Satan,” leading to interactions with Jack Black’s character, a comically depicted version of the devil. However, the film falters with its inconsistent tone and inability to effectively explore the dynamics between the characters, particularly the relationship between Liam and the dark figure he inadvertently contacted.
Co-written by Peter Farrelly and directed by Bobby Farrelly, “Dear Santa” attempts to cater to both children and adult audiences but misses the mark on both fronts. The film is packed with awkward humor and manipulative narrative devices, including a plotline that touches on grief and family dynamics, but often feels convoluted or misplaced. The premise, which involves a child making a pact with the devil for three wishes, could delve into darker themes yet instead opts for juvenile humor, leaving viewers confused about its intended audience.
Despite some amusing moments and Black’s charismatic performance, the film fails to deliver engaging or heartfelt content. The portrayal of Liam and his friends feels unrealistic, aiming to capture the essence of middle school life yet instead oscillating between oversimplification and unnecessary complexity.
While “Dear Santa” may not hit the mark as a memorable holiday film, it holds potential for improvement in future projects. Filmmakers could learn from such missteps to create narratives that genuinely address the experiences of children today. By forging a deeper connection with their target audience, future family comedies could achieve the balance needed to resonate across generations.
Overall, “Dear Santa” is currently available on Paramount+ but may soon be overlooked as audiences seek out more engaging holiday fare.