Bad Santa

Now this is a Christmas film. From beginning to end, Bad Santa is consistently funny. And this is coming from a person who is usually unimpressed with Billy Bob Thornton. He just isn't that good and neither are his movies. Except here he shines, as if the role were meant for him. He can do slimy asshole better than most, and you'll love to hate him in Bad Santa. But the real star is the Kid (Brett Kelly). Stunning work. If I didn't know better (and I don't), I would assume Kelly was actually mentally handicapped. He just plays it so convincingly. The chemistry between Kelly and Thornton is perfect, and ties perfectly with the Bad Santa's black humor. What I wouldn't give for a wooden pickle or a fraggle stick car. The script doesn't pull any punches, and while the story does meander a bit, the focus of the film remains on Thornton's Santa and his mean-spirited antics. This is a film that belongs on repeat viewings for the Christmas season.

Genre - Comedy (3.25)

Screenplay (3)
Acting (4)
Production (3)
Directing (3)