by Noella Noelophile®
(Royalty-free image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay.)
How can anyone come up with a new angle on a Christmas movie?
“Dear Santa”, currently on Paramount+, manages to achieve this goal–and give audiences a hilariously good time in the process.
Liam Turner (Robert Timothy Smith) is experiencing pre-teen angst at Christmas time. His parents are on the brink of divorce. A family tragedy has prompted their move to a new town. At school, Liam is a nerdy newcomer, with only one friend: his best buddy Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker). His crush on pretty classmate Emma (Kai Marie Cech) appears destined for a dead-end. And his dyslexia makes him an easy target for cruel jokes in his sixth-grade English class.
Then, he writes a letter to Santa–“to make his mom happy”. But dyslexia kicks in–and instead of going to the North Pole, Liam’s letter heads…well, very far south!
And in response, a horned visitor (Jack Black) shows up in Liam’s bedroom.
(Royalty-free image by anncapictures from Pixabay.)
The devil is in the…middle school
The fun of the movie comes in entirely-believable exchanges between intellectual, kindhearted Liam and his earthy, wicked, yet somehow vulnerable, guest. One-liners and witty reactions abound, often evoking humor in unexpected ways.
“Wow, you went there,” Satan exclaims, in response to Liam’s observation about his “chunkiness”.
“What, you don’t put on a few extra pounds over the holidays?”
Then, it’s down to business. Satan offers Liam the standard three wishes–in exchange for his soul. But the diabolical representative has a tough sales job ahead of him: Liam politely declines.
Hilarity ensues, as Satan schools Liam in the benefits of going for what he wants. In the process, the question gets explored: when does “assertive” become “obnoxious”? What are the limits to niceness, before the meaner residents of our planet are allowed to walk all over us?
(Royalty-free image by ktphotography from Pixabay.)
Highlights and music
Jack Black, of course, is a joy in his wicked-fun characterization. His Satan is the classic lovable “bad boy” with a mischievous grin, playfully creating mayhem as he accompanies Liam through his day. In one mildly-bawdy scene, he and Liam encounter Mr. Charles (P.J. Byrne), the jaded English teacher who humiliated Liam in class, Satan promptly gives him a comeuppance that, admit it, we’ve all wished on one bully or another in our own lives at some point in time!
Another standout scene is the concert, with topnotch music by Post Malone. Several scenes later, we see Satan, in his hotel room, dancing and singing to the catchy selections that have captured even his imagination!
While we pretty much can conclude where “Dear Santa” is going, getting there is as much fun as a plate of devils-food cookies with peppermint ice cream (how’s that for temptation?), and there’s still a surprise twist. No spoilers here–break out the popcorn and enjoy. (And don’t miss the fun, extra “Christmas gift” in the closing credits!)