User Reviews

Pretty and perky Park Avenue shopper Amy Acker (as Crystal Carruthers) finds a "Dear Santa" letter blown away from a mailbox. The letter is from an adorable little girl named "Olivia" (Emma Duke) who is asking Santa to bring her widower father a new wife. Feeling adventurous, Ms. Acker decides to investigate. She finds Olivia's father even more adorable. The handsome and dreamy-eyed David Hayden-Jones (as Derek Gowen) runs a soup kitchen for the homeless, and Acker is mistaken for a volunteer...

Strangely, Mr. Hayden-Jones does not seem notice Acker looks at him with desire. He is engaged to scheming Gina Holden (as Jillian), who steals the movie. But Patrick Creery (as Pete Kennedy) scores points by wearing a pink chef's uniform (pink, get it?) and other accessories with bemusement. Stubborn James Dugan (as Frank McCourt) does well with his small homeless role. Actor-turning-director Jason Priestley samples some "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961); it's dumb, but funny and easy to swallow.

****** Dear Santa (11/26/11) Jason Priestley ~ Amy Acker, David Hayden-Jones, Gina Holden, Patrick Creery

The main reasons as to why Christmas has always been my favourite time of year are because it means lots of family time and reliving the nostalgia and fond memories of singing and listening to carols, watching Christmas films and animations, playing festive games and opening presents. Will never tire of it and nothing will ever change that for the world.

'Dear Santa', watched as another film seen as part of my quest to broaden my festive film horizons, is never going to be among my favourites, Christmas films and overall, falling short of being great. It is though one of the more watchable Christmas films seen recently (the general standard being very, very hit and miss) and avoids some, though not all, of the traps that other recently seen Christmas films have fallen into. Like a lot of them, there is appeal for some but others will find it a bit of a chore to sit through. For me despite its flaws, 'Dear Santa' is generally one of the better new Christmas films seen recently, if not one of the classics.

As to be expected 'Dear Santa's' story is predictable, with a lot of easily telegraphed scenes and an outcome that is obvious from the outset. Some draggy pacing here and there too, with it taking a little too long to get going.

Some of the film goes overboard on the cheese and schmaltz in the writing. It did take me time to warm to the lead character, which did happen thankfully because there was growth and it for me rang true.

Visually, 'Dear Santa' looks decent, the locations are particularly striking. The music provides some affectionate nostalgia and is pleasant to listen to, while the direction avoids being too routine. Didn't find myself irritated by the characters at least generally, found the leads quite endearing, and wasn't bored. The Christmas atmosphere is handled charmingly and affectionately and the romance is genuinely sweet and doesn't go overboard on the schmaltz.

Predictability aside, 'Dear Santa' was well-intentioned and had a difficult to dislike atmosphere and some amusing comedic moments that didn't flag or over-stretch. There is definitely a festive spirit and there is plenty of warmth and charm here, with enough parts to warm and melt the heart. Never does it feel too juvenile or mean-spirited and the sentimentality generally doesn't become too much. Jason Priestly directs surprisingly competently. The acting actually comes over very well, the cast all give likeable performances without being too broad yet still having a good deal of personality. Amy Acker, Emma Duke and Gina Holden fare strongest. The chemistry charms and entertains.

Overall, likeable and above average if nothing to be blown away by. 6/10 Bethany Cox

20 November 2013. While one of those predictable romantic lightly ironic comedies, the character of Crystal played by Amy Acker (Angel, 2001-2004; Person of Interest, 2012-2013) is offered a role that expands on the traditional relational depth especially with the young girl in the movie. Amy also portrays Crystal without the stereotypical hard edged elite finish, offered used by snobby, spoiled women on screen. Instead Amy brings a more softer but just as effective naive, selfish demeanor to film. Her transformation is appealingly fascinating. If not for another Amy, an actress named Amy Adams, who has been more successful in transitioning from television to the movies with the breakthrough in Enchanted (2007), Amy Acker (Man of Steel, 2013) might have been much further in her career.

There are moments especially with the energetic rhythmic music that there are flashbacks to 80s delightful romantic comedies such as Mannequin (1987) and Electric Dreams (1984). Dear Santa has the same tempo and tone as Sarah Michelle Geller's Simply Irresistible (1999) but without the literal "magic". Overall this is an above average romantic film that doesn't resort to extraordinary plots, melodramatic performances, but relies on decent performances to depict an entertaining romance, coming of age movie with a simple but enjoyable plot outline. Other romance, coming of age movies might include a deliciously beautiful performance and locale for Diane Lane directed by Audrey Wells in Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) or Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst in Elizabethtown (2005), or German romantic comedy Mostly Martha (2001) and remade as No Reservation (2007) starring Catherine Zeta Jones or the coming of age of Scarlett Johansson's character in Nanny Diaries (2007).

Amy Acker plays the poor little rich girl who finds a letter to Santa from a young girl with no mommy. This is your typical Christmas movie, but done in a good way. Brings a smile to your face and has that feelgood Christmas message. Great for all the family.

I love my fair share of Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies but this by far takes the cake of the worst one I've ever seen. This movie takes tropes and drives them into the ground. The spoiled girl volunteering her time at a soup kitchen (that is a poorly constructed set of plywood) to learn the true meaning of Christmas. A simple plot ruined by the main character straight up stalking the love interest, an annoying child, bad dialogue, and a borderline offensive gay character (of course the movie chose to indicate this gay character with a pink toque and coat). A lot of people will say it's fun to watch something so bad but trust me there are plenty of movies that are actually bearable to sit through that don't reinforce such uncomfortable behavior.

Formulaic, cheesy, cliché'd and wonderful. Maybe it is all of the afore mentioned, but it is Christmas! Surprisingly well cast with Amy Acker stealing your heart as the rich girl gone good, and a nice turn by Haydn-Jones as the love interest. Gina Holden is excellent in the evil queen personage and Olivia Gowan is not allowed by director Jason Priestly to over act (which is sometimes the problem with made for TV productions) and she does wonderfully. Appreciative nods also must be given to Peter Creery in the role of matchmaker...

A sweet movie not to be taken seriously, and something you can watch with your child or your girlfriend.

Pathetic, contrived, poor acting. The homeless don't stink, the romantic lead is sexless, the little girl is scary. The rich parents are bankrolling their only child into middle age. All I can say is I watch to see just how the dumb movie would resolve. The lead didn't suffer the ending she deserved, and gave her last bit of money away. I hope her parents never find out what an airhead she is. There's not a lot to say, but the movie is maybe watchable by 10 year olds, but I would not want a child of mine using any of the so called lessons to resolve life issues. Its worse than a Disney film of the 50's. The only positive thing to be said is there is no cursing, violence or sex. Any old person could watch and not be offended except for lack of any point whatever.

It started off okay, until they had to throw in the obtruse flamboyant gay guy. The character was as over the top as possible, even making sexual references to the other male lead . This movie is not appropriate for children and I shut it off after that. Very disappointing they couldn't be more original in the approach.

This isn't exactly as it states in the Storyline, they're only small points but I think critical. She doesn't find the letter to Santa it blows past her, she picks it up and calls to the person who dropped it but they've gone before she can give it back. She then opens the letter and reads it and gets the return address, she takes it back on her own accord (not for monetary gain). She's not as bad or as selfish as the Storyline makes her out. This is a good thing as it makes her more agreeable to the viewers.

Crystal is portrayed well by Amy Acker, of whom I've been a fan of since I saw her in Angel. She was the reason I watched the film, of which I'm glad as the description didn't do the film justice.

She works really well with Emma Duke who played Olivia Gowen, the daughter of the love interest Derek. These scenes are well written, acted and directed with humour, warmth, and tenderness.

There are some good bits throughout the film, though my favourite is the "Whipp-Off" where Amy Acker and Gina Holden have a baking showdown. Awesome.

You could watch this film with the family or just cuddled up with your love. Much better than I expected and I would watch again.

I recommended this movie to about a dozen people, and every single one of them loved it and watched it at least a second time. Most movies that I watched that were billed to be a Christmas movie either had a plot that had too little mention of Christmas or showed very sporadic scenery that just didn't remind you that you were actually watching a Christmas movie. Not Dear Santa, it was sprinkled throughout the movie perfectly. It is exactly what it was meant to be. A beautiful love story centered around Christmastime with great character acting and a wonderful, quick moving storyline. Romantic, cute, funny, sad, happy, covers all the emotional bases and even has a beautiful song in it, too. And don't be surprised if your eyes well up once or twice .....

Love this movie. Plot is totally predictable like 90% of every other movie in the IMDb. Widower dad adorable daughter wants Santa bring daddy new mommy spoiled rich girl finds letter to Santa yadda yadda ...

But who cares? Great execution by everyone involved. Amy Acker lights up every scene. Jason Priestly smartly keeps the camera on her most of the time. The father/daughter pair are cast perfectly and play off of each other well. The antagonist girlfriend hits just the right note. The LGBTQ character plays beyond stereotype effectively. Production values are passable. Hard to imagine a better Hallmark/Lifetime-like movie.

My husband and I watched this movie this morning and really loved it. I strongly recommend this movie for all age groups, great movie to enjoy with the family or all by yourself. Love the storyline and just another way of showing what's meant to be will always find a way. The actors do a wonderful job of making you believe in this story. I love the way the story is written and I firmly believe in destiny and fate. The storyline of this movie starts with the lead female character played by Amy Amacker, Crystal Carruthers, who can't seem to figure out anything that she wants to do with her life but shop and take things for granted but when she meets the lead character played by David Haydn-Jones, Derek Gowen, she gets a whole new outlook on life and what she wants. Crystal is shopping one day and finds a letter that has been blown into her path by the wind. The letter is addressed to Santa and is written by Derek's daughter Olivia played by Emma Duke. After reading the letter Crystal decides to find out more about the little girl that wrote the letter and her father because she believes in fate and destiny. This movie is written by Barbara Kymlicka and directed by Jason Priestly, awesome movie, it's definitely a must see.

I was not expecting it to be this good. It reminded me of Frank Capra and John Hughes for the feel-good story. I don't want to give away the plot nor any spoilers. However, the story is that there is always hope, especially if we work for them. An excellent movie for the whole family, a couple, or even a single person. Filled with romance, cuteness, and life lessons.

Great acting, great chemistry, great scenes ...... a real wonderful start to finish movie !

This is a very good Christmas movie love Amy Acker so cute was not a real fan of David Haydn-Jones always so cold unfeeling but he was great with Amy not Gina Holden she is a real witch Bully actually. Emma Olivia is so precious her and Amy have chemistry Best supporting actor Patrick Creery what a wonderful personality he has such charisma.

Shopaholic Crystal's (Amy Acker, Alias) wealthy parents give her an ultimatum: change her irresponsible ways by Christmas or they will cut her off without a cent. With no job or romantic prospects, what's a party girl to do? Fate intervenes when she finds seven year-old Olivia's (Emma Duke) letter to Santa asking for a new wife for her widowed dad Derek (David Haydn-Jones). Crystal tracks them down and vows to win over father and daughter before the fast-approaching holiday deadline.

This is a nice little film. It has lots of spirit and charming actors. It has more depth than your average Christmas Movie!

When you see it pop up on television WATCH IT. You will enjoy this.

Plot development that could only be the work of pure movie magic advances so briskly that within minutes the narrative has advanced beyond exposition. There are no surprises, and nothing we haven't seen or heard before, in the music, characters, dialogue, cast, or acting. Where the scene writing is concerned, some moments that play out in this feature could be swapped with those of other TV movie holiday films - and romantic comedies at that - with little or no loss of cohesion or fidelity. Make no mistake, if you've seen any of this picture's brethren, it's not entirely wrong to say you've mostly seen them all and can readily predict the story that will unfold. This isn't to say it's bad, though. After all, there is no intent except warmhearted, kitschy entertainment, and in fact, so long as you can abide the ham-handed contrivances that border on smarm, there's more to like than not. 'Dear Santa' is really rather enjoyable.

For all the heavy-handedness and indelicacies, there's mild fun to be had here. Unremarkable though the characters are, they have just enough personality to be engaging. Less than revelatory, scenes are lightly amusing nonetheless. And, credit where it's due - the cast certainly lean into the heartfelt charm, good cheer, and occasional interpersonal drama, making these roles as believable as they could be with suitable poise and nuance. That especially goes for Amy Acker as protagonist Crystal, a somewhat naive but well-meaning young woman from a privileged life who slowly learns life lessons and finds love. And Patrick Creery is wonderful in the supporting part of Pete, a spark of joy as the bubbly chef who quickly becomes Crystal's close friend. Why, even in a still smaller role, Gina Holden holds her own as antagonistic Jillian, leaping into the spite of the character. Honestly, even with the nature of 'Dear Santa' being what it is, seeing the cast at play rather makes it worthwhile.

Side note: with a few little adjustments, it's easy to imagine this holiday romcom turned into a psychological thriller, and that's a twisted bit of fun in and of itself.

Sure, it's hardly perfect, and far from an essential tour de force. It's less than original in the broad strokes, and the camp is a tad overwhelming at times, to say nothing of the artificiality. It's maybe even a little longer than it needs to be, by at least 5-10 minutes. I don't think there's any risk of 'Dear Santa' being called a "modern classic" any time soon; anyone who isn't already on board with the type of feature it represents won't find anything to change their minds, and can safely pass on by. But for those open to all there is on hand - the good and the bad - there's enough earnest heart here to be well worth a look. Frankly, this is actually much better than I had expected. I began watching with the assumption it would be all but excruciating in its ham-fistedness, yet despite definite touches of inelegance - I kind of love this. Sometimes a bit of brazen feel-good wholesomeness is just what is called for, and when it's done right - well, no one is more surprised than I am.

Nothing remarkable, but well made - to my delight, 'Dear Santa' is pretty good when all is said and done. I wouldn't say you need to go out of your way to watch it, but if you come across it, these are 90 pleasant minutes.

During the holiday season ( and when I need a pick-me-up) I have a set collection of Christmas movies. I watch and my heart feels good, you can't help but laugh and smile, even if you have to go over obstacles. Dear Santa accomplishes just that ! It's now been added to my collection; it's sweet, a good love story, how helping others is great;

This is a sweet movie. It has that warm feel good to it. Yes it is predictable but it is nice overall movie. I watched it on Amazon Prime as part of my 100 Christmas movies before Christmas challenge.

I will probably watch it again at some point over the years.

Movie 7/100 for my challenge.

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I rarely give 10 stars but this one is very deserving of it. Yes I highly recommend it. James Welch Henderson Arkansas. 11/21/2020