I watched Dashing Through the Snow and I liked it. 3/5
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Dashing Through the Snow, the 2023 holiday offering from director Tim Story, aims to sprinkle festive magic on tired Christmas movie tropes. Unfortunately, under closer inspection, the film reveals itself to be a lump of coal masquerading as Yuletide cheer. While promising some laughs and a diverse cast, the film ultimately stumbles with a clunky script, predictable plot, and underwhelming execution.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its refreshing choice to tell a Christmas story through a predominantly Black lens. Lil Rel Howery shines as Dash, a hustler mistaken for Santa Claus, and Ludacris brings gravitas as Eddie, a social worker struggling to embrace the holiday spirit. Their back-and-forth banter delivers genuine laughs and provides a welcome departure from the traditional white cast of Christmas classics.
The film’s production design and costumes are undeniably festive, with vibrant decorations and playful nods to classic Christmas imagery. The soundtrack boasts a mix of traditional carols and contemporary R&B tracks, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. However, despite the visual and audial feast, the film fails to translate this energy into a compelling narrative.
The plot of Dashing Through the Snow is as predictable as a fruitcake recipe. Mistaken identity, forced bonding, and a last-minute dash to save Christmas – the film ticks every box in the holiday movie formula without offering any twists or surprises. The story unfolds like a paint-by-numbers coloring book, leaving viewers feeling like they’ve seen it all before, just with a melanin-rich paint palette.
While the film features some genuinely funny moments, thanks to Howery and Ludacris’ charisma, the majority of the humor falls flat. Slapstick gags and predictable punchlines clash with the film’s more nuanced moments, creating a tonal inconsistency that disrupts the overall flow. Additionally, some jokes rely on tired clichés and cultural stereotypes, detracting from the film’s progressive casting intentions.
Despite showcasing the undeniable chemistry between Howery and Ludacris, the film fails to develop their connection beyond surface-level charm. Both characters have intriguing backstories and internal struggles, but these are merely hinted at, never fully explored. As a result, their emotional journeys feel rushed and unearned, leaving viewers with little investment in their eventual bond.
Dashing Through the Snow had the potential to be a fresh and heartwarming holiday film that celebrates diversity and embraces a modern twist on classic tropes. However, its reliance on recycled plotlines, uneven humor, and underdeveloped characters ultimately leave it feeling like a missed opportunity. While the film may offer a fleeting holiday chuckle or two, it lacks the depth and originality to leave a lasting impression.
Dashing Through the Snow is a visually festive film with a charming cast, but it ultimately fails to deliver on its potential. The predictable plot, uneven humor, and underdeveloped characters leave the film feeling like a reheated Christmas dinner plate – familiar, comforting, but ultimately disappointing. If you’re looking for a truly heartwarming holiday experience, you might be better off sticking to the classics.