Should You Stream Dear Santa on Paramount+?
Published On: December 3rd, 2024
This holiday season, are you looking for something lighthearted and filled with warm, fuzzy feelings to watch with the family? Streaming on Paramount+ since November 25, 2024, Dear Santa offers a unique twist on holiday storytelling. Directed by Bobby Farrelly and written by Peter Farrelly, Ricky Blitt, and Dan Ewen, this comedy-fantasy centers on Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith), a dyslexic sixth grader who accidentally sends his Christmas letter to Satan instead of Santa. Jack Black stars as Satan, delighting in his first-ever fan letter and trying to make a deal for Liam’s soul.
The film boasts a notable supporting cast, including Brianne Howey and Hayes MacArthur as Liam’s concerned parents, Keegan-Michael Key as a lively doctor, and a brief but entertaining cameo by Post Malone. At its core, Dear Santa is a tale of family, friendship, and the holiday spirit—but does it truly capture the magic of Christmas, or does it fizzle out like a burnt-out bulb on a holiday string of lights?
Plot and performances: A mixed bag of tricks
The premise of Dear Santa is undeniably imaginative, but its execution wavers. Jack Black, known for his high-energy performances, strikes an intriguing balance between demonic mischief and affable charm as Satan. However, his portrayal occasionally feels too safe, leaning more toward lovable antics than devilish complexity. His character’s motivations are given a tidy explanation near the end, though it’s not enough to elevate his performance to memorable heights.
Robert Timothy Smith as Liam is a standout, bringing surprising depth to a young boy grappling with family issues and feelings of isolation. His chemistry with Jack Black offers some of the film’s most engaging moments, but the uneven writing often undercuts their dynamic. While Liam is presented as a kind-hearted protagonist, plot points like his dyslexia—integral to the story—are introduced and then abandoned without much follow-through, creating a sense of narrative convenience.
Holiday spirit and humor: Ho-ho-hum
Holiday movies typically aim to inspire a sense of warmth and nostalgia, but Dear Santa struggles to hit those notes consistently. While the Farrelly brothers have a history of crafting outrageous comedies (There’s Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber), their attempt to create a family-friendly holiday film feels restrained and a bit uninspired. The humor skews toward mild chuckles rather than laugh-out-loud moments, relying on physical gags and Jack Black’s signature quirks, such as his exaggerated pronunciations and impromptu dance moves.
As for its Christmas vibe, the movie feels more like a general family adventure set during the holidays. Genuine moments of warmth, like Liam’s interactions with his best friend Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker), are heartening but fleeting. The festive backdrop becomes more prominent toward the film’s conclusion, which some may find problematic, but it never fully immerses viewers in the holiday magic it promises.
Final thoughts: Should you watch Dear Santa?
Dear Santa is serviceable family entertainment for a cozy night in but falls short of being a modern holiday classic. While it offers a creative premise and solid performances from its leads, the safe humor and uneven writing prevent it from standing out in the crowded field of Christmas movies. If you’re a fan of Jack Black or are looking for lighthearted fun that doesn’t demand much investment, it’s worth a watch. However, if you’re hoping for a film that captures the enduring charm of holiday staples like Elf or Home Alone, you might want to look elsewhere.
At the very least, Dear Santa serves as a reminder that even the most devilish characters can find a bit of holiday cheer—just don’t expect it to stay with you after the credits roll.
Can’t stream Dear Santa in your region? Use a VPN to access Paramount+ and enjoy Jack Black’s devilishly festive performance from anywhere!