Bad Santa
Bad Santa
You'd better watch out - Santa Claus Willie T. Soke is coming to town, and he doesn't care if you've been naughty or nice. Wille's favorite holiday tradition is to fill his sacks with loot lifted from shopping malls across the country. But this year his plot gets derailed by a wisecracking store detective, a sexy bartender, and a kid who's convinced Willie is the real Santa Claus.
Hakihiko reviewedDecember 28, 2024
Dark, Raunchy, and Unapologetically Entertaining
"Bad Santa" is a refreshingly dark and raunchy holiday comedy that dares to stray far from the usual wholesome Christmas formula. Billy Bob Thornton delivers a hilariously crude and unapologetic performance as Willie, a grumpy, alcoholic conman posing as a mall Santa. His partnership with Marcus, a sharp-tongued elf played by Tony Cox, adds plenty of sharp wit and amusing banter to the story.
The film's strength lies in its boldness to embrace irreverence while sprinkling in just enough heart to keep it relatable. Willie's interactions with the socially awkward kid (Brett Kelly) are both funny and unexpectedly touching, providing the movie with its emotional core. The unconventional dynamic between the two adds depth to the otherwise chaotic and vulgar storyline.
However, the humor can be hit-or-miss, and some of the crass jokes might not age well or sit right with everyone. Additionally, the pacing occasionally drags, and certain subplots feel underdeveloped.
Despite its flaws, Bad Santa succeeds as a cynical yet oddly endearing anti-Christmas movie. It's not for everyone, but for those who appreciate dark comedy and irreverence, it's a memorable and unique holiday treat.