Bad Santa 2

Strained black comedy sequel reunites--for no reason that really makes any sense--Willie, the world's most vile Santa and his foulmouthed, dwarf aide-de-camp Marcus for yet another score, this time at a Chicago charity event on Christmas Eve. That darn kid returns, only this time he's a man (sort of), and as what's supposed to be an added bonus: Willie's equally crass mother (Bates, though even she is helpless against this flimsy material). Unnecessary, uninspired, and untimely follow-up doesn't have much of a plot to keep it afloat, playing mostly as an exercise in unfunny jokes, profane dialogue, and bodily fluids. Forced and forgettable, worth a few fleeting chuckles thanks to a well-chosen cast that elevates it as much as they possibly can. **