review: Bad Santa 2

Given the amount of saccharine tosh we're subjected to each and every winter, it's perhaps no surprise that, much like an over-excited kid on Christmas Day, we embraced Bad Santa with open arms when it was released back in 2003.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Nov 2016, 07:07 BST
Updated 29th Nov 2016, 10:39 BST
FESTIVE SPIRIT: Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa 2.FESTIVE SPIRIT: Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa 2.
FESTIVE SPIRIT: Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa 2.

Billy Bob Thornton’s portrayal of Willie Soke, a sweary, dirty, drunk conman who disguises himself as Santa, so he and his ‘elf’ partner, Marcus, can use the season of goodwill to line their own pockets, earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

The quirky, dark comedy also went onto earn over 76 million dollars at the worldwide box office and a place in seasonal rundowns of ‘best ever’ festive films.

Now, 13 years on, Bad Santa’s coming to town once again.

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When we saw him last, Willie looked like he might’ve found his happy-ever-after with Sue, but when the film opens, Sue’s long gone and Willie’s set to do himself in. Then the ever chubby and cheery Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly reprising his role) arrives at his place with a bundle of cash.

Willie’s soon meeting up with his former mucker Marcus (Tony Cox) who he has a proposition for him - stealing from a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve.

A sequel has to be bigger and bolder than its original otherwise why bother, but in this instance, it simply means more filth.

On general release

By Damon Smith

Related topics:Chicago