Dear Santa: reviews

What the critics say average 4.2 from 6 outlets

• 6.0 The Hollywood ReporterFrank Scheck It should hardly come as a revelation that Black’s hardworking comedic efforts are the film’s saving grace. Adopting a deep growl that makes him sound like late-period Jack Nicholson, the actor is clearly having a ball with his colorful role, and the fun proves infectious. Read
• 6.0 Decine21José María Aresté All in all, I find the film pleasant and good for passing the time, with moments that come off, like the concert where Liam and Emma have their first date. Read
• 4.0 IGNJesse Hassenger Jack Black will be enough to lure both kids and parents to the holiday comedy Dear Santa. But Black can’t carry the whole thing himself, and he’s eventually subdued by some deeply questionable story choices. Read
• 4.0 The GuardianBenjamin Lee Dear Santa is like watching Bad Santa slowly turn into Elf, an unsatisfying attempt to be both naughty and nice, ending up as nothing instead. Read
• 2.5 Roger EbertBrian Tallerico By and large, “Dear Santa” feels as if someone took a Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and added some truly weird Satanic mythology. Read
• 2.5 The A.V. ClubMatthew Jackson If Christmas movies can’t be good, they can usually at least be pleasant distractions. Dear Santa is neither. It’s a regrettable film, one that wasn’t ever worth the wordplay that started it. Read