He doesn’t care if you’re naughty or nice.|Nov. 26, 2003|Germany | United States|92 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Crime;Drama
Description: “Bad Santa” (2003) is a dark comedy film that follows the story of Willie T. Soke (played by Billy Bob Thornton) and his dwarf assistant Marcus Skidmore (Tony Cox), who are professional thieves. Every year, Willie takes on the role of a department store Santa Claus, while Marcus works as an elf. Together, they use the holiday season as a cover to rob shopping malls at night, with Marcus’ wife, Lois (Bernie Mac), acting as their getaway driver. While Marcus is dedicated to their craft, Willie’s life is spiraling out of control due to his alcoholism and sex addiction.
When they are hired at the Saguaro Square Mall in Phoenix, Willie’s crude behavior shocks the mall’s manager, Bob Chipeska (John Ritter). Bob alerts the mall’s security chief, Gin Slagel (Lauren Tom), who begins to investigate the duo. At the mall, Willie encounters Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly), a kind-hearted but naive and overweight boy who believes Willie is the real Santa Claus. Thurman is often bullied by a group of teenage skateboarders, and he forms an unlikely bond with Willie.
Meanwhile, Willie meets Sue (Lauren Graham) at a bar, a woman with a Santa Claus fetish, and they start a sexual relationship. After an incident at the bar, Thurman helps Willie and earns his trust. Willie offers Thurman a ride home, where he discovers that Thurman lives with his senile grandmother (Cloris Leachman). Thurman reveals that his mother is deceased and his father, Roger, is “exploring mountains”—though in reality, Roger is in prison for embezzlement. Willie takes advantage of Thurman’s trust to rob the house and steal Roger’s BMW.
As the investigation intensifies, Bob informs Gin about Willie’s inappropriate behavior, leading Gin to uncover their scheme. When Willie’s motel room is raided, he moves into Thurman’s house, much to the boy’s delight. Marcus grows frustrated with Willie’s reckless behavior, especially his exploitation of Thurman. Eventually, Gin confronts Willie and Marcus at the mall, revealing that he has figured out their plan. The story unfolds with a mix of dark humor and unexpected twists.
Cast director: Terry Zwigoff
Cast actor: Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Brett Kelly, Bernie Mac, John Ritter, Lauren Graham, Lauren Tom, Octavia Spencer, Cloris Leachman, Lorna Scott
Original name: Bad Santa