Jack Black’s latest collaboration with the Farrelly brothers in the film “Dear Santa” has not garnered the attention one might expect, as it quietly premiered on Paramount+ without much promotion. The film attempts to straddle the line between a children’s movie and an adult comedy but ultimately lacks a clear target audience.
Co-written by Peter Farrelly and directed by Bobby Farrelly, “Dear Santa” follows a dyslexic sixth grader named Liam, who mistakenly addresses his annual letter to “Satan” instead of “Santa.” This sets the stage for an unusual and somewhat chaotic relationship with Jack Black’s horned portrayal of the devil, who oscillates between tormenting and befriending Liam.
The film struggles with an inconsistent tone, unable to decide whether it should lean into darker themes or adhere to more juvenile humor. With elements reminiscent of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” it introduces side plots including school crushes and interactions with an obnoxious teacher, but these threads feel disjointed and ultimately fail to resonate. The writing dives into exploitative clichés, especially around family grief, and a random cameo by Post Malone feels forced rather than organic.
Despite Jack Black’s lively performance, the film misses the mark on humor and emotional depth, leaving viewers with an experience that is both peculiar and unmemorable. Given the unusual blend of themes and tunes—like the accentuated celebration of a popular song—the film’s appeal to its intended audience is questionable.
In summary, “Dear Santa” illustrates the complexities of creating family-friendly content that resonates with both kids and adults. While the unique premise and Black’s energy do inject some fun, the overall execution leaves much to be desired for families looking for holiday entertainment. However, this film could serve as a reminder that not every effort hits the sweet spot, and there are always opportunities for improvement in the artistic vision of future family films.
As holiday movies continue to evolve, there is hope that future projects will better understand the dynamics of childhood, creating narratives that appeal to younger audiences and their families alike.