Rating: 2 out of 4 Running Time: 108 minutes
The holiday season is upon us, which means there is plenty of festive entertainment making itself available. Many of these titles are filled with warmth and joy, helping us all get into a positive frame of mind. Unfortunately, not every attempt results in a cinematic classic. Dear Santa has an amusing conceit and a game cast, but mixes blunt jokes with a distressing backstory and never finds the right tone. 11-year-old Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith) is a sweet kid suffering from dyslexia and great turmoil within his home as a result of a horrific family tragedy. His mother Molly (Brianne Howey) and father Bill (Hayes MacArthur) are fighting and the youngster’s only friend is fellow outcast Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker). To keep himself going, Liam hangs on to old traditions, including writing his annual letter to Santa. When he misspells the name on the envelope as Satan, the message goes to Hell and a sinister figure (Jack Black) appears in his room claiming to be Lucifer. A confused Liam eventually understands his mistake and is given a very hard-to-resist offer. For the mere price of his soul, he will be given three wishes. The idea of a person accidentally sending a note to Satan instead of Santa does offer great story potential, as the villain could fulfill some darker personal wishes and deliver less-than-generous gifts to those who are naughty. This film’s kids are likable and naturally, the project benefits from Black in the role of Satan. He’s the perfect choice for the part and delivers a funny aside or two as the story progresses. The movie also benefits from a supporting turn from Keegan-Michael Key as child psychologist Dr. Finkleman, who is brought in to assess Liam’s delusional claims. He isn’t given much in the way of hilarious dialogue, but does land chuckle-inducing reactions to what he’s hearing. There is also a wonderful surprise cameo toward the close that leads to an enjoyably argumentative interaction. Alas, what really hurts this title is the screenplay and bizarre mix of serious elements and blunt gags. What Liam is suffering through is terrible, and the parental discord is nasty to see. Yet the main character is so good-natured and unselfish that his wishes are modest. They don’t cause much in the way of bizarre or extreme situations and it’s only toward the final act when the lead begins to act out on his impulses.
The filmmakers eventually try to pull disparate elements together in a sentimental and sweet finale, but even that doesn’t land. Dealing with grief is clearly an important part of this story, but the characters are never given the opportunity to come to terms with loss. As we watch family members during the finale, we’re supposed to find the story’s resolution joyous and upbeat. It actually feels unsettling and eerie (especially considering that while some of them are aware of a radical change, others don’t seem to have any idea of their past).
There is a chuckle here and there, but Dear Santa wastes an intriguing concept with many discombobulated elements. I hate to be a “Scrooge,” but this reviewer thinks your money is better spent on other titles this holiday season.
