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‘Dear Santa’ Review: A Devilishly Fun Jack Black Elevates Paramount+’s Mediocre Holiday Comedy

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‘Dear Santa’ Review: A Devilishly Fun Jack Black Elevates Paramount+’s Mediocre Holiday Comedy

Christmas-themed movies have become so ubiquitous it’s hard to avoid the feeling that filmmakers have come to think of them as annuities for their retirement accounts. So it’s no wonder that the Farrelly brothers have waded into the territory for the first time, with their new comedy directed by Bobby Farrelly making its debut on Paramount+. And while Dear Santa doesn’t exactly qualify for entry in the filmmakers’ pantheon beside the likes of There’s Something About Mary and Dumb and Dumber, it should fulfill its goal of being trotted out annually for holiday consumption alongside the turkey and the eggnog.

Considering that the words “Santa” and “Satan” contain exactly the same letters, it’s amazing that it’s taken this long for someone to come up with the idea for a movie about an 11-year-old with dyslexia who writes a letter to Santa, only to find it answered by Satan thanks to inadvertent letter placement.

Dear Santa

The Bottom Line

‘Tis the season for mediocre Christmas movies.

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Release date: Monday, Nov. 25 (Paramount+)
Cast: Jack Black, Robert Timothy Smith, Keegan Michael-Key, Brianne Howey, Hayes MacArthur, Post Malone, P.J. Byrne, Jaden Carson Baker, Kai Cech
Director: Bobby Farrelly
Screenwriters: Ricky Blitt, Peter Farrelly

Rated PG-13,
1 hour 48 minutes

Jack Black, in his first collaboration with the Farrellys since 2001’s Shallow Hall, plays Satan, who shows up one night in the bedroom of Liam (Robert Timothy Smith, a real find) after the bespectacled tween has written what he thought was a letter to Santa. Satan, sporting horns and a burgundy leather-and-fur outfit and announcing that he’s there “in the naughty flesh,” doesn’t bother at first to inform Liam of the truth but instead offers him three wishes, in the devilish hope of stealing the little boy’s soul.

Liam’s first wish is for the romantic attentions of Emma (Kai Cech), his classmate with whom he’s besotted. Satan instantly grants it and it isn’t long before Liam is escorting Emma to a Post Malone concert, complete with VIP seats and backstage pass. This plot element provides the opportunity for an extended sequence featuring the superstar rapper-singer playing himself, which should help the film appeal to its desired teen demographic.

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As with any deal involving Satan, things quickly grow complicated, here in the form of subplots involving Liam’s friend Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker) having to pretend to be a cancer patient and Liam’s concerned parents (Brianne Howey, Hayes MacArthur) having him see a child psychologist. (The shrink is played by the always funny but unfortunately underutilized Keegan-Michael Key.)

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. He makes the many bad jokes bearable and the decent ones even funnier with his typically manic, perfectly timed delivery.

And to be fair, there are a few decent ones in the screenplay co-written by Peter Farrelly and Ricky Blitt (Family Guy, Loudermilk), even if it inevitably includes bathroom humor in the form of Satan casting a gastrointestinal distress spell on Liam’s obnoxious English teacher (P.J. Byrne). “Every time a grown man sharts himself, a demon earns its horns,” a smug Satan informs Liam. There are several funny pop culture references that should please adults while befuddling the target audience, including a reference to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Satan announcing that he’s staying at the “Redrum Motor Lodge.”

“You can probably guess my room number,” he adds.

Culminating in a maudlin ending that seems a bit much even for a film of this type, Dear Santa is the sort of forgettable holiday fare — much like the current theatrical misfire Red One — that will probably nonetheless live on forever on streaming services. And if no less a figure than Charles Dickens could resort to creating a Christmas story for some quick cash (look it up), why shouldn’t the movie studios?  

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Full credits

Production: Farrelly Brothers, Kraymation Films
Distributor: Paramount+
Cast: Jack Black, Robert Timothy Smith, Keegan Michael-Key, Brianne Howey, Hayes MacArthur, Post Malone, P.J. Byrne, Jaden Carson Baker, Kai Cech
Director: Bobby Farrelly
Screenwriters: Ricky Blitt, Peter Farrelly
Producers: Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly, Jeremy Kramer
Executive producer: Gretel Twombly
Director of photography: C. Kimes Miles
Production designer: Tim Galvin
Editor: Julie Garces
Composer: Rupert Gregson-Williams
Costume designer: Bao Tranchi
 

Rated PG-13,
1 hour 48 minutes

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Ron Brown’s movie reviews: ‘Project Hail Mary’ and more

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Ron Brown’s movie reviews: ‘Project Hail Mary’ and more

Lisa Dent

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A native of Rockford, Lisa Dent, heard 2 pm to 6 pm weekdays, began her radio career in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin in 1981. She has worked at stations in Minneapolis, San Diego, Seattle, and Houston. Dent returned to Chicago in 2002. (Click for more.)

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Movie Reviews 2026: Ukrainian and World Premieres

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Movie Reviews 2026: Ukrainian and World Premieres

The world of cinema and TV series offers hundreds of premieres every year, but not all of them are worth the time spent. Viewers are increasingly looking not just for entertainment, but for meaning — stories that leave an aftertaste, make them think, or help them experience strong emotions. That is why reviews are becoming an important guide: they help separate truly high-quality content from loud but empty hype. UNN has reviewed the most anticipated premieres and selected films worth watching.

“Kakhovka Object” (war drama)

The film shows war not only as combat operations but also as a test of human dignity, character, and choice. Through the fate of the main character, the viewer sees how difficult it is to make decisions in extreme circumstances when every step can affect the lives of others. The director masterfully combines psychological tension with realistic details, creating an atmosphere of complete immersion. The film is not only about war but also about human responsibility, strength of spirit, and the ability to remain human in the chaos of events.

“Mavka. The True Myth” (romantic fantasy)

The premiere will take place on March 1, 2026. This is a continuation of the Ukrainian fantasy tradition, where national myths and legends come to life on screen. The film reveals Mavka’s inner world, her desire for love and freedom, as well as the conflict between the human and the magical. The animation promises to be bright and detailed, and the story is universal: it touches on the themes of choice, self-discovery, and responsibility for one’s feelings. This film will be a good example of modern Ukrainian animation, capable of captivating both children and adults.

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“When Will You Divorce?” (corporate comedy)

A comedy about personal life and work relationships that raises questions about the balance between career and personal feelings. The film humorously shows how easy it is to get confused in one’s own emotions, trying to satisfy the expectations of others. The authors successfully combined light life situations and ironic dialogues, which makes the viewing entertaining but not superficial. This film is for those who appreciate modern humor and recognize themselves or colleagues in the characters. 

“Odyssey” (epic adventure drama)

A large-scale adaptation of Odysseus’s travels after the Trojan War. The film shows not only the hero’s physical trials but also his inner transformation: courage, ingenuity, patience, and moral choice in critical moments. The artistic design and the use of modern technologies to create epic landscapes and battle scenes are impressive. The director managed to combine a classic story with a modern cinematic rhythm, which makes “Odyssey” not only spectacular but also emotionally deep. 

“Lord of the Universe” (sci-fi, action)

The film transports the viewer into a vibrant magical world where heroes fight for justice, and the line between good and evil constantly shifts. This is a story about courage, self-sacrifice, and responsibility for one’s own destiny and the destiny of others. The combination of special effects, a fantasy world, and an adventure plot makes the film attractive to a wide audience. But the main thing is not the effects, but the internal struggle of the characters, which gives the film depth and meaning.

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“Scream 7” (2026)

The return to the famous slasher franchise proved unsuccessful. Despite the direction of series veteran Kevin Williamson and the comeback of Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, the film received mostly negative reviews from critics. 

Thus, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for Ukrainian and world cinema. Even with fewer premieres, there is a tendency towards a deep elaboration of characters, psychological conflicts, and moral issues, which makes modern films and series not only entertainment but also a way of understanding human life and the modern world.

“You Are Space” breaks records: Ukrainian sci-fi attracts over 326,000 viewers10.02.26, 21:04 • 6852 views

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Movie reviews reveal A Poet and All That’s Left of You dominate March with perfect 100% scores – Art Threat

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Two masterpieces just shattered critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. Both A Poet and All That’s Left of You have garnered rare perfect 100% scores from critics, dominating March 2026’s excellence rankings. These dual releases represent a historic moment for international cinema.

🔥 Quick Facts

  • A Poet: 100% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics celebrating Simón Mesa Soto‘s Colombian drama
  • All That’s Left of You: 100% Certified Fresh multi-generational Palestinian epic by Cherien Dabis
  • Release Timeline: Both films expanding dramatically in theaters March 2026 after festival triumphs
  • Critical Moment: Rare simultaneous perfect scores elevate international storytelling into mainstream spotlight

A Poet Achieves Unanimous Critical Acclaim

Simón Mesa Soto‘s A Poet stands as one of 2026’s finest achievements. Starring Ubeimar Rios as Oscar Restrepo, a once-promising writer turned tragic failure, the film examines fatherhood’s weight with devastating wit and elegance. The Colombian-Swedish-German co-production premiered at Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section last year and has conquered every distribution market since.

The ensemble cast includes Rebeca Andrade, Guillermo Cardona, and Humberto Restrepo, delivering layered performances that anchor the film’s four-chapter structure. Critics hailed the film as a triumph of tone, mixing tragicomic observation with genuine emotional devastation. The New York Times called it “The Romance of Misery”, recognizing its ability to find beauty in human failure. The film’s philosophical depth and formal precision explain its unprecedented critical consensus.

Title A Poet (Un Poeta)
Director Simón Mesa Soto
Lead Actor Ubeimar Rios as Oscar Restrepo
Rotten Tomatoes 100% Certified Fresh
Theatrical Status Expanding in March 2026

All That’s Left of You Shatters Records as Palestinian Saga

Cherien Dabis wrote, directed, and starred in All That’s Left of You, a sweeping three-generational epic set in the Occupied West Bank spanning decades of family trauma and resilience. Featuring Saleh Bakri, Mohammad Bakri, Adam Bakri, and Maria Zreik, the film follows a teenage boy swept into a pivotal protest with consequences that ripple through his family’s future.

Produced by Watermelon Pictures, the film premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2025, where it immediately earned Certified Fresh status and near-universal praise. Filming relocated to Cyprus, Greece, and Jordan after production complications, yet the result feels seamlessly authentic. Critics point to Dabis’s multi-media mastery (she directs, performs, and produces) as essential to the film’s emotional authority. The film’s scope rivals the greatest epics while maintaining intimate character work that defines recent international cinema.

All That’s Left of You arrived in selected theaters on January 9, 2026 and steadily expanded throughout early March. The film’s 100% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects not just critical respect but genuine reverence for Dabis’s artistic vision. This achievement represents Palestinian cinema reaching its greatest artistic and commercial moment.

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Why These Two Films Dominate March 2026’s Conversation

Rarity defines these simultaneous perfect scores. A Poet and All That’s Left of You occupy the rare 100% Tomatometer tier reserved for films of historic excellence. The 2026 FilmFare recognized both as front-runners for major awards, acknowledging how they’ve elevated the expectations for drama itself. Industry observers note that achieving perfect critical consensus in today’s fractious landscape represents not consensus but unanimous recognition of artistic achievement.

Both films reflect cinema’s global moment. Simón Mesa Soto‘s Colombian vision and Cherien DabisPalestinian perspective prove that international storytelling now commands the cultural conversation. Rotten TomatoesOfficial Rankings place both films in its exclusive Certified Fresh top tier. March 2026 becomes the month cinema decided: universal critical acclaim belongs to filmmakers willing to transcend borders.

“All That’s Left of You is a sweeping multigenerational epic that captures the thematic breadth of great cinema while exploring what it means to endure generational trauma.”

Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus, Officials

The Future of International Cinema Starts Now

Both films expand to more theaters through March 2026 and beyond. A Poet hits streaming services and digital platforms simultaneously, making it accessible to audiences beyond Select Release cities. All That’s Left of You continues rolling out across regional markets, having already secured international distribution. Industry observers expect both to capture major festival awards at upcoming spring cinema celebrations.

These perfect scores matter beyond accolades. They signal to studios, streamers, and investors that audiences hunger for international voices and authentic storytelling. March 2026 becomes a watershed moment where Colombian drama and Palestinian cinema proved they belong in the conversation with any major market release. The critical paths of A Poet and All That’s Left of You forecast how cinema itself will evolve toward greater global representation.

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Where Can Film Lovers Watch These Perfect-Score Masterpieces?

Both films remain available in theatrical releases across the United States and expanding internationally. A Poet plays select theaters with plans to widen release through spring 2026, while All That’s Left of You continues broader theatrical circulation. Check major ticketing platforms for showtimes and streaming availability. International audiences should consult local cinema schedules for release dates and language availability. These 100% Rotten Tomatoes achievements deserve the big screen experience both directors envisioned.

Sources

  • Rotten Tomatoes – Official Tomatometer scores and Critics Consensus for both films
  • The New York Times – Critical analysis and reviews of A Poet’s artistic achievement
  • Watermelon Pictures – Official distribution and production information for All That’s Left of You

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