Bad Santa

THE FLICK: The signature image of Billy Bob Thornton in a Santa suit puking his drunken guts out in a dirty back alley says more than any film critic’s review ever will. If you find the description amusing or even curiously sacrilegious (even though Santa never appears in the Bible people can get pretty defensive about the jolly old elf’s reputation), then “Bad Santa” is for you. And if you’re feeling really naughty, pick up “Badder Santa,” which adds seven more minutes of curse words, simulated sex and holiday cynicism. Thornton is an alcoholic safecracker who runs a yearly department store scam dressed as Santa, reeking of liquor and cigarettes as the children pee, puke and cry on his lap. The plan’s mastermind is his partner, ? (), a dwarf who uses his size to thwart whatever security measures the mall employs. The scam is on course until Thorton becomes unintentionally attached to a needy fat kid and finds himself part of a distorted family unit along with his sometime bartender girlfriend (who just happens to have a Santa fetish). Bernie Mac is a jaded security chief who wants in on the deal or else. Unfortunately for all of them “or else” is almost a forgone conclusion. Even though they didn’t write or direct it, “Bad Santa” is the best thing the Coen Brothers have had their name attached to in nearly a decade. As executive producers, the film shares their twisted sense of humor and penchant for smelly, sweaty, foul-mouthed comic relief. Billy Bob Thornton is truly a revelation in the role of Willie Stokes, a combination of Archie Bunker and the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Unlovable, unlikable and almost completely unredeemable, he still manages to make you enjoy spending 2 hours with this guy. “Bad Santa” hits you like a bucket of water to the face. It’s not real subtle and it makes no apologies for anyone it offends along the way. But neither is it completely mean-spirited and ugly. As you might expect, Santa Stokes’ heart does grow a few sizes by the end of the movie. It’s his liver that’s still in bad shape. THE FEATURES: Pretty standard stuff such as deleted scenes, outtakes, behind-the-scenes special and a gag reel. Remember, the movie comes in two different versions; the unrated “Badder Santa” adds seven more minutes. Both come widescreen enhanced with Dolby Digital sound.