Bad Santa

Plot

Willie (Billy Bob Thornton) is an alcoholic, thieving man who dresses as Santa every year at local malls, and along with his dwarf friend Marcus (Tony Cox) – rob those malls on Christmas Eve.

This year is different. Willie has met two people, the odd kid (Brett Kelly) who thinks he is really Santa, and a new love interest (Lauren Graham). Meanwhile mall security boss Gin (Bernie Mac) has worked out their MO, and wants half their loot this year.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

This is a true Christmas movie, with the whole point of the film with ‘The Kid’ thinking Willie is really Santa.

While Willie initially takes advantage of him, thinking that he lives alone with his Grandma (a scene stealing Cloris Leachman) – he eventually grows to care for him, feeling empathy for him (especially his name of Thurman Merman), who might be the first person he cares for in his life.

There is well written ‘banter’ between Thurman and Willie, especially during the many questions he asks – it is quite comical and have to check out the bloopers if they are out there.

There is significant course language and adult themes, so this one is not for kids.

Overall

No one is going into this thinking they’re getting a ‘Shawshank Redemption’ type film, but for what it is, it does it very well. Willie grows a conscience, and his redemption is that he starts to genuinely care for those around him.

There are plenty of great secondary and tertiary characters. Special mention goes to the late greats – John Ritter, Bernie Mac and Cloris Leachman (I guess she’ll never fix me some sandwiches now).

Lauren Tom is also hilarious as Marcus’ girlfriend Lois.

Followed by a sequel.

3/5