Dashing Through the Snow (2023)
Director: Tim Story
Screenwriters: Paula Pell, Scott Rosenberg
Starring: Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Madison Skye Validum, Teyonah Parris, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Lil Rey Howery, Oscar Nuñez
The holiday family film follows a familiar formula: an adult who’s lost their festive spirit must rediscover the joy of Christmas — usually for the sake of a child. In Dashing Through the Snow, Eddie (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) is that jaded parent. Separated from his wife and navigating therapy as they try to repair their marriage, Eddie resents the season. He grumbles about carolers, avoids decorations and generally resists anything he sees as forced cheer. Opposite him is his daughter Charlotte (Madison Skye Validum), who adores Christmas and believes wholeheartedly in traditions, songs and seasonal magic.
When Charlotte spends an evening with her grumpy father while her mother Allison (Teyonah Parris) runs last-minute errands, the evening starts off bleak: a lackluster dinner without the simple trappings of family fun. Eddie leaves the house claiming he must feed the neighbor’s cat, but instead of finding the pet he discovers a man lodged in the chimney. That man, Nick — played by Lil Rey Howery — appears to believe he is Santa Claus. Eddie, a social worker attached to the Atlanta police who helps people in crisis, quickly shifts into caretaker mode and decides to get Nick the help he needs. Charlotte, thrilled by the possibility of real Christmas magic, insists on coming along.
What begins as a small rescue becomes a stranger, darker caper when Eddie realises someone is following them. The film withholds the motive behind the pursuit for a considerable stretch, creating a disjointed sense of mystery that only resolves much later. These antagonists, however, are clearly determined to capture Nick and complicate Eddie’s attempt to protect him.
At just over 90 minutes, Dashing Through the Snow embraces many of the hallmarks of a modern holiday movie: bright, glitzy production design, feel-good musical moments, comedic set pieces and an overall family-friendly tone. It aims for warmth and whimsy, but several flaws prevent it from fully taking off. The script places a surprising amount of emphasis on a single prop — an iPad — which feels more like a gimmick than a meaningful narrative device. The snow is sparse, much of the action unfolds in downtown Atlanta rather than a wintry village, and the “dash” in the title is more of a rambling adventure than a breathless race.
The cast includes several reliable performers who at times are underused. Mary Lynn Rajskub, a seasoned comic actor, appears briefly and is given little to do beyond expressive reactions. Teyonah Parris’s role leans heavily on a surface-level depiction of a busy, stylish mom and could have benefited from deeper development. Lil Rey Howery’s interpretation of Nick is energetic and comic, but the constant stream of jokes makes his sincere moments feel muted. Oscar Nuñez portrays a corrupt politician with plausible conviction, yet this subplot remains thinly sketched and lacks nuance.
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges anchors the film as Eddie. He delivers the most consistently grounded performance, bringing warmth and a few genuinely funny lines that help humanize his character. Eddie’s tender moments with Charlotte are the film’s strongest emotional beats, and Bridges’ natural likability keeps the audience invested even when the surrounding story falters.
The screenplay’s pedigree — writers with roots in sketch comedy and mainstream studio projects — raises expectations that the film occasionally fails to meet. While holiday movies often embrace a degree of schmaltz and contrivance, this one settles into mediocrity rather than charming indulgence. There are amusing gags and a couple of memorable set pieces (including an absurd boxing-reindeer sequence), but the narrative never fully commits to either side of its tonal balance: part heartfelt family drama, part slapstick caper.
Despite its shortcomings, the film has moments that will land with families looking for light entertainment. Children will enjoy the goofy physical comedy and the idea of a befuddled Santa wandering through the city, while adults may appreciate the film’s attempts at sincerity and the occasional sharp line of dialogue. However, the emphasis on lowbrow jokes and a thin central mystery limit the movie’s appeal beyond a casual holiday viewing.
Ultimately, Dashing Through the Snow is an uneven holiday picture with a strong lead and a workable concept that never fully delivers. It isn’t laugh-out-loud funny enough, nor emotionally resonant enough, to become a seasonal classic. For viewers seeking cozy, disposable holiday fare it will suffice; for those hoping for a standout family movie, it will likely feel forgettable.
Score: 14/24
Rating: 2 out of 5.
