Heartwarming Ending of Dear Santa Overlooks Its Own Message in the Jack Black Movie

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Paramount+’s Dear Santa, along with a sensitive discussion regarding the death of a child.

Dear Santa, now available on Paramount+, offers an intriguing narrative filled with unique magical rules linked to Christmas wishes. However, the film’s ending raises significant concerns, particularly in relation to Jack Black’s character and the movie’s established limitations. Although Black delivers a commendable performance, the film grapples with several logical inconsistencies and noticeable plot discrepancies. Despite these issues, viewers find the film entertaining, although its conclusion has sparked various debates.

Spencer’s Resurrection Breaches Essential Rules

Asmodeus Contradicts His Earlier Statements

The story unfolds as Robert Timothy Smith’s character, Liam Turner, writes his annual letter to Santa, articulating his Christmas wishes. Towards the film’s climax, it becomes evident that Liam’s most profound wish was for his deceased brother, Spencer (portrayed by Leo Easton Kelly), to return. Crucially, Asmodeus—the character played by Black—explicitly states that he “can’t change history.”Thus, the eventual reversal of Spencer’s death contradicts this pivotal rule.

An Oversight in Wish Granting

Asmodeus describes his powers in a manner akin to traditional folklore genies, even referencing Disney’s Aladdin to reinforce the parallel. This reference raises eyebrows about Liam’s granted wish, since folklore typically prohibits such entities from resurrecting the dead. While one could argue that Asmodeus’ concept of “history”excludes recent events, this interpretation feels inadequate.

Notably, Dear Santa currently holds a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Potential Workaround for Spencer’s Resurrection?

Exploring the Rule’s Limits

Asmodeus does not clarify whether his inability to change the past stems from physical limitations or prohibitive rules. It is plausible that attempts to alter the past have previously resulted in chaotic consequences like branching timelines. Thus, it might be speculated that the true Satan (played by Ben Stiller) imposed restrictions on altering history, and Asmodeus adhered to such commands. While uncommon for a demon, it remains a possibility.

After realizing that Asmodeus was impersonating him, Stiller’s character likely relinquished control, giving Asmodeus the rationale to revive Spencer without much concern for past rules. This scenario creates an unusual dynamic, especially given that while Liam’s parents remain unaware of their son’s resurrection, Gibby (Jaden Carson Baker) retains memories of Spencer’s death—adding another layer to the narrative’s complications.

The Ending Undermines the Film’s Message

Liam’s Development is Compromised

Robert Timothy Smith as Liam in Dear Santa

Dear Santa conveys uplifting themes centered around overcoming challenges and personal growth. However, the film’s reliance on magic to resolve issues raises questions about the necessity of such interventions. Liam’s journey consists of harnessing both supernatural aids and inner strength, yet the film’s conclusion disregards these more grounded elements by merely wishing Spencer back into existence.

This moment, while ostensibly positive, complicates Liam’s narrative arc. He is left grappling with the traumatic memories of losing his brother, compounded by the fact that his parents are blissfully unaware of Spencer’s brief death. Moreover, the concept of resurrecting a child introduces an unexpectedly dark theme to what is otherwise a light-hearted holiday film.

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