Dear Santa movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Dear Santa

This odd, twisted Christmas comedy is now playing on Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home, Paramount +, and Apple TV.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 48 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: C

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:

THEMES:

FUNNY LINES:

“Parents can be weird. They like to know stuff.” – Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker)
“People that pretty are usually mean.” – Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith)
“How did it go?” – Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker) “I might have to change schools again.” – Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith)
“You don’t exist!” – Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith)
“Really? Do you usually write letters to people who don’t exist?” – Satan (Jack Black)
“I never say ‘toodles’ either. That was my first time.” – Emma (Kai Cech)
“Are you insane?” – Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith) “I prefer ‘sanity-adjacent’.” – Satan (Jack Black)
“How’s that again? I wasn’t really paying attention to anything you just said.” – Satan (Jack Black)
“Look, even Satan can’t out-trick TicketMaster. I’m not a bot.” – Satan (Jack Black)
“I was drunk with power.” – Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Hindsight is 20/20.” – Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith)
“Soldiers are brave. I’m just courageous.” – Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker)
“Stand up to any bully and you’ll see their true colors.” – Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith)