Bobby Farrelly directs this comedy about sweet but dyslexic sixth-grader Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith), who’s too old to believe in Santa Claus but writes his annual letter anyway, accidently addressing it to “Satan.” The next night, “Santa” (Jack Black) shows up, offering him three wishes, and Liam, unaware he’s Satan, offhandedly wishes his kind and pretty classmate, Emma (Kai Cech), would give him a chance. So begins a cautionary Genie-esque tale about being careful what you wish for.
One of the film’s three writers is Peter Farrelly, and the Farrelly brothers have been responsible for classic comedies such as Dumb and Dumber (1994), There’s Something About Mary (1998), and Me, Myself & Irene (2000). Dear Santa will not be remembered as one of their better efforts, despite a kinetic Black who comes off more mean-spirited than funny, and sweet kid performances by Smith, Cech, and Jaden Carson Baker as Liam’s only friend, Gibby.
The film tries desperately to inject some heart. Liam’s parents, Molly (Brianne Howey) and Bill (Hayes MacArthur), have marital troubles. They bring in child psychologist Dr. Finkleman (Keegan-Michael Key) to “help” Liam through his “delusions.” And even an appearance by Post Malone doesn’t help. (107 min.)
—Glen Starkey
This article appears in Dec 12-22, 2024.