Bobby Farrelly's latest Christmas comedy film, Dear Santa, was released by Paramount Pictures on November 25, 2024. The movie features an ensemble cast, including well-known comedian, actor, and musician Jack Black, who has played Satan/Asmodeus.
Dear Santa tells us the story of an 11-year-old dyslexic boy, Liam, who makes a small error while writing a letter to Santa. He mistakenly types Satan and addresses it to the North Pole. Following the arrival of Santa/Satan (Jack Black), chaos builds up as he tricks Liam by granting three wishes in exchange for his soul.
Once Liam realizes it is not Father Christmas at his door, he cleverly decides to use only two wishes so that the devil cannot ask for his soul. The official synopsis of Dear Santa reads:
"When a young boy mails his Christmas wish list to Santa with one crucial spelling error, a devilish Jack Black arrives to wreak havoc on the holidays."
Who plays the real Satan in Dear Santa?
Jack Black leads the Dear Santa cast in the role of Asmodeus, a character who tries to trick a young dyslexic boy named Liam into selling his soul. Though the premise gives off a not-so-family-friendly holiday movie vibe, Black's iconic comic portrayal of Satan has added a lighthearted tone to the movie.
As the plot unravels, the audience realizes Asmodeus' sinister plan to trick Liam. But at the end of the movie, it is revealed that he fails to turn into a full demon. We also learn that Asmodeus is one of the many demons that Lucifer commands and is not even that good at what he does. Furthermore, this fearful, comedic character played by Jack Black has been inspired by old legends and mythologies.
As per the statement of a critic on Rotten Tomatoes:
"Black's manic energy generates some goofy laughs in this holiday comedy with a thin premise that’s otherwise short on seasonal cheer."
Another critic added to this, saying:
"Although I’m not really sure who this weird little holiday movie is made for, the premise is funny, Jack Black is a hoot, and the irreverent jokes made me laugh. It’s actually not that bad, despite all things pointing to it being unwatchably awful."
How are the old legends connected to Jack Black's character in Dear Santa?
Comedy and humor are central to the movie's idea while simultaneously exploring some old legends. According to early Judeo-Christian texts, Solomon (early Judeo-Christian texts) had tricked Asmodeus to help him build the Temple of Solomon.
Asmodeus often goes by other names, and even though he is tagged as a trickster, he is not necessarily always evil. As the legends say, Asmodeus threw Solomon away from his kingdom after the temple was built. He then took the king's place until the latter regained his rule, causing Asmodeus to escape.
The Satan played by Jack Black in Dear Santa portrays a comic angle more intensely than the religious inspirations. But his character has certain deep connections to the mythologies.
According to the Malleus Maleficarum (a book on witchcraft), Asmodeus is the King of Demons commanded by Lucifer. This role has been retained in the movie, though eventually, we see an emotional change in Asmodeus as his bond with Liam strengthens.
We have also witnessed that Black's character is not purely malevolent but willing to trick people who do not suspect him easily. Jack Black's Asmodeus is an impersonation of Santa and quite a funny portrayal of the demon while carrying all the old legends in its core.
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Also read:Is Ben Stiller a part of Dear Santa cast?
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