Bad Santa (2003)

A miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid, and the security boss discovers the plot.

Director:

Terry Zwigoff

Writers:

Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Stars:

Billy Bob Thornton, Lauren Graham, Bernie Mac

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Billy Bob Thornton	...	Willie
Tony Cox	...	Marcus
Brett Kelly	...	The Kid
Lauren Graham	...	Sue
Lauren Tom	...	Lois
Bernie Mac	...	Gin
John Ritter	...	Bob Chipeska
Ajay Naidu	...	Hindustani Troublemaker
Lorna Scott	...	Milwaukee Mother
Harrison Bieker	...	Milwaukee Boy
Alex Borstein	...	Milwaukee Mom with Photo
Alexandra Korhan	...	Girl on Santa's Lap
Dylan Charles	...	Milwaukee Bratty Boy
Billy Gardell	...	Milwaukee Security Guard
Lisa Ross	...	Milwaukee Bartender

Storyline

"Bad Santa" is the story of two conmen who go on a road trip to malls dressed as Santa and his elf. Rather than spreading good cheer, the duo's motive is to rob each establishment, a strategy that becomes complicated when they encounter an 8-year-old who teaches them the true meaning of Christmas.

---

Plot Keywords:

christmas | elf | department store | boy | bartender | 

---

Taglines:

He's very naughty . . . and not very nice. [DVD]

---

Genres:

Comedy | Crime

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for pervasive language, strong sexual content and some violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 November 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Badder Santa

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$2,983 (Hong Kong) (31 December 2004)

Gross:

$2,983 (Hong Kong) (31 December 2004)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Dimension Films, Triptych Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min 88 min (Director's cut) 98 min (unrated)

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ajay Naidu's character calls Billy Bob Thornton's character an "ass clown." Naidu was in Office Space, the movie that made the term "ass clown" popular when Michael Bolton (the singer) was referred to as a "no talent ass clown".

---

Goofs

When Willie is lighting the lights from the popcorn bags outside the house he appears to be lighting from his left to right. However, different shots show that all of the bags continuing down the street are already lit even though he didn't make his way down that far.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Willie: Hey, can I get another drink down here?

---

Crazy Credits

The producers of Stolichnaya Vodka caution viewers to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and lawfully and not to consume such beverages in an abusive or irresponsible manner.

---

Connections

References Dummy (2002)

---

Soundtracks

"Papa Loves Mambo"
(1954)
Written by Al Hoffman, Dick Manning and Bickley Reichner
Performed by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra (as Xavier Cugat and his Orchestra)
Courtesy of Island Def Jam Music Group
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

Zwigoff

Billy Bob Thornton has found his Josef Von Sternberg in Terry Zwigoff. As a revolting, immoral, insignificant Santa, Billy Bob is a wonder. His face is a moving, disturbing, hysterical reflection of his awareness. His life sucks. The cut from Miami to Billy Bob and his partner walking down the street in their Christmas costumes is, on its own, worth the price of admission. Terry Zwigoff has transformed the crumbs of society into a sophisticated, adult, art form. Billy Bob and his sensational young co star Brett Kelly create characters never seen before on the screen and as a consequence we cling on to their every nuance, incapable to predict what could happen next. That in itself makes Bad Santa a very welcome surprise and a great time at the movies.