Dashing Through the Snow

Regardless of whether the script was written with these two in mind, Ludacris and Lil Rey Howery could not be more perfect in the lead roles of this silly, entertaining family holiday movie. Dashing Through the Snow could prove to be a season crowd-pleaser thanks to the draw of its charismatic leads and a mostly Black cast. Santa was always Black -- "they just changed the history books," notes 8-year-old Charlotte (up-and-comer Validum). That line might be necessary in the face of the overwhelmingly White representation of Santa, on-screen and off, but within the logic of this film and its Atlanta setting, there's no doubting the authenticity of Howery's jolly, loveable Nick.

It's precisely that doubt that constitutes Eddie's central conflict -- he's lost his faith and needs to rediscover it to move forward with his life and fulfill his dreams of reuniting his family. We're happy when he comes around, but Ludacris is admittedly much funnier as a doubter -- his facial gestures are priceless as the irritated realist who considers Christmas a "recurring nightmare." Meanwhile, Howery seems to be having a ball as the cinnamon-farting, glitter-sweating Santa with weight issues, a dyed beard (midlife crisis moment), and a cookie fetish. The script tosses out a plethora of memorable one-liners. A corny, convoluted subplot involving a corrupt politician and his goons chasing Santa is the least interesting part of the film, but the climactic Rocky-themed reindeer throw-down just about makes it worth it.