Bad Santa

"Bad Santa" is a dark comedy film about Willie T. Soke, a miserable and alcoholic con artist who poses as Santa Claus during the holiday season to rob shopping malls. Willie, along with his partner in crime, Marcus Skidmore, targets a different mall each year, using their Santa guise as a cover to gain access to the stores and steal valuable merchandise.

"Bad Santa" is the antidote to saccharine-sweet Christmas films that flood the market. Although it manages to squeeze in a sort of happy ending, the filmmakers deliver it with a sly wink and a nod, leaving room for interpretation. Is it genuine or just a fantasy? That's for you to decide.

Some might label this movie as "mean-spirited," and they wouldn't be entirely wrong. "Bad Santa" sets out to shock its audience. From Santa relieving himself in his suit to his blatant contempt for children, it's clear that this film doesn't shy away from being unapologetically dark. It refuses to go the predictable route of reforming Willie - which might work for a more cheer-filled flick, but that's simply not "Bad Santa's" style.

And yet, amid all the darkness, or perhaps because of it, the film manages to be outrageously funny. The humor is unconventional, offbeat, and at times, it'll have you laughing out loud. The fact that we find ourselves bending over with laughters through this movie is evident of how amazing "Bad Santa" is!

Release: 2003

Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, Lauren Graham

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%