Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Festive Farrelly Bros comedy is fiendishly funny; language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Where to Watch
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Dear Santa
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 21 parent reviews
Parents say the film offers a bizarre mix of humor and dark themes, which many find inappropriate for children due to its language, references to death, and the depiction of Santa and Satan, leading to a highly mixed reception. While some appreciate Jack Black's performance and the offbeat storyline, numerous reviewers express strong disapproval for its handling of sensitive topics, cautioning against allowing younger audiences to view it.
- inappropriate content
- dark humor
- mixed reception
- not for kids
- handle grief poorly
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 5 kid reviews
What's the Story?
When 11-year-old Liam (Robert Timothy Smith), who's dyslexic, writes to Santa, he makes a crucial misspelling in the address, and the letter isn't delivered as expected. And when a jolly fat man with a devilish smile (Jack Black) shows up and gives Liam three wishes, it isn't exactly what the tween had in mind. Can Liam deliver a wonderful holiday for everyone without losing his soul? Post Malone co-stars as himself. (Note: Two characters' storylines wrap up in a mid-credits scene.)
Is It Any Good?
St. Nick never makes an appearance in this comedy, but he's still able to give us a ha-ha-happy ho-ho-holiday through a bwah-ha-ha performance by Jack Black. The star's childlike charisma and bold performance style makes him a truly inspired casting choice as a demon pretending to be Kris Kringle. Sure, the very concept of Dear Santa feels pretty inappropriate for Christmas, but that's exactly the kind of humor the Farrelly brothers deal in. And, just like their most famous film, Dumb and Dumber, many of the laughs in Dear Santa come from moments that feel wrong somehow—like the devil giving someone their due through digestion issues.
Remarkably, director Bobby Farrelly does manage to walk the line, hovering his toe over iffy content but never quite touching low ground. Yes, this is a movie about a kid who makes a deal with the devil, but the message is really about the value of keeping your integrity and giving to others over the holidays. The ending is sweet, even though Satan delivers a Christmas gift that leaves this realm (and may leave some viewers shaking their head). But until that final moment, the Farrellys hijack the sleigh and takes us on a hilarious holiday joyride.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the hallmarks of a holiday film. How does Dear Santa play into (and steer away from) them?
The Farrelly brothers are known for making viewers laugh at things that might seem out of bounds. Was there anything in Dear Santa that felt like it shouldn't be used for humor?
The Farrelly brothers have been making movies together for decades. Kids: If you have a sibling, what activities or business do you think you could do together once you're adults?
What are integrity and humility, and why are these important character strengths? How does the movie show the value of behaving with these traits, even when some people don't?
How was Post Malone used throughout the film? Why do you think he was included? Did it enhance or diminish how you feel about him?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 25, 2024
- Cast : Jack Black , Robert Timothy Smith , Jaden Carson Baker , Post Malone
- Director : Bobby Farrelly
- Studio : Paramount+
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Holidays
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language and suggestive material
- Last updated : December 9, 2025
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