It is that time of year. Yes, it is Christmas movie time. There are a few types of Christmas movies out there. One of my favorite types is Christmas Comedies because we all need laughs during the Holiday season. Dear Santa is a new Christmas comedy movie that you can watch on Paramount Plus.
Plot Points:
An Eleven-year-old dyslexic boy named Liam writes a letter to Santa, except he addresses it to Satan instead of Santa. This attracts Satan’s attention (Jack Black), and he comes to visit Liam. At first, Satan doesn’t realize that the boy miswrote his name and then pretends to be Santa.
Satan offers the boy 3 wishes and doesn’t initially reveal the cost of the wishes. After the first wish to get the attention of a girl, Liam realizes that he is dealing with Satan and not Santa. Satan discusses the cost of the 3 wishes to Liam’s soul.
What I liked:
This is a great role for Jack Black. He is extremely funny in his mannerisms and approach to this character. The dancing around his motel room and singing was a funny take on the character. The one-liners and delivery make this an enjoyable ride.
Robert Timothy Smith is convincing at the 11-year-old Liam. He delivers the role with a lot of heart as we find out what Liam really wants for Christmas
The silliness of this movie is a great escape from the everyday humdrum of life. It was light and comical.
What I Disliked:
At the end of the movie, things worked out in a manner that fixed too much. It felt like we fell into the end of a Hallmark Chirstmas movie. Things weren’t left open for a possible sequel.
Review:
There are classic Christmas comedies that are required to watch every year like Christmas Vacation, Elf, and A Christmas Story. Dear Santa is not in that category. It is a tier below. If I have time to watch it next year, I happily watch it with my family but if not, then it will wait for a later time.
Grade: B-
