RECOMMENDED Director Lance Rivera and co-screenwriter Marc Calixte wrap this seasonal confection with a bow of silly, satisfying formula. Is there sugar in this Christ-free fantasy? Yes, delightfully so. Wishes are fulfilled with good-natured cheer, not prayer. Nancy (Gabrielle Union, listed in press notes as “the first African-American love interest on NBC’s ‘Friends’”) is a single mom with three cute kids. They ask the Santa at the mall to make her happy. Sans beard and red threads, Santa is Benjamin (Morris Chestnut), a sensitive, aspiring songwriter. Nancy’s ex is J-Jizzy (Charlie Murphy, brother of Eddie), an insensitive, successful rap star scheduled to get custody of his brood for Christmas, once they accessorize his latest video shoot. There’s a sweet wisdom in the kids doing their best to get their wish for a good dad and their mom’s wish for the right man. Every single character gets a happy ending. The magical tinsel is personified in narrator Queen Latifah and her bad imp sidekick Bah-Humbug (Terrence Howard). With Khail Bryant, Malik Hammond, Katt Williams, Faizon Love, Jeremy. 96m. (Bill Stamets)
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