Neon Maniacs Advent Calendar - Day 5

Posted by Daniel Mann (follow me @danielma861)

Seasons Greetings from all of us here at Neon Maniacs. Need some suggestions for Christmas Themed Films? We've got you covered. Introducing the Neon Maniacs Advent Calendar. Every Day on the lead up to Christmas, we will recommend a film per day. Ranging from feel good Sentimental Charmers to Downright Trashy B Movie Schlock.

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Bad Santa

Director: Terry Zwigoff

“Okay. I promised you something sleazy. Well here's the first sleazy pick. It comes in the form of an "Eating, Drinking, Shitting, Fucking Santa Claus"

Billy Bob Thornton is at the top of his game as Willie T Stokes; a manic-depressive alcoholic conman safe picker. Under the guise of a Shopping Mall Santa, Willie and his partner Marcus case joint a different Shopping Mall every year in preparation for their annual Christmas Eve heist. However, their plans are thwarted by an oddball, slightly chubby and outcast little boy known only as The Kid. The Kid believes Willie to be the real deal Santa Claus and shadows his every move. Willie is initially annoyed by his newfound stalker, but over time he eventually takes a liking to the kid. Meanwhile, the store security guard cottons on to Willie and Marcus’ mall robbing scheme proving to be another thorn in their collective side.

In spite of its vulgar attitude, there is sweetness to Bad Santa which can’t be denied. Director Terry Zwigoff achieves an incredible balancing act of combining saccharine with vulgarity and having neither quality cancel out the other. Bad Santa is a film with a filthy vulgar mind and a pure heart beating underneath.”

The Christmas Verdict: