“Bad Santa 2,” released in 2016, is a dark comedy film that serves as a sequel to the 2003 movie “Bad Santa.” Directed by Mark Waters, the film revisits the misadventures of the crude and unconventional mall Santa, Willie Soke, portrayed by Billy Bob Thornton. The story follows Willie as he reunites with his equally devious sidekick, Marcus Skidmore (Tony Cox), to carry out a heist during the holiday season.
Kathy Bates joins the cast as Sunny Soke, Willie’s tough and conniving mother, adding a new layer of dysfunction to the narrative. Christina Hendricks plays Diane Hastings, the object of Willie’s affection and a co-conspirator in the heist. The film retains the irreverent and edgy humor that characterized the original while introducing new characters and twists.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, “Bad Santa 2” retains its status as a darkly comedic holiday film. It offers a mix of profanity-laden humor, outrageous situations, and a dose of sentimentality hidden beneath the surface. The cast’s performances, particularly Thornton’s reprisal of his role as the unapologetically crass Willie, contribute to the film’s offbeat charm.
While not achieving the same level of critical acclaim as its predecessor, “Bad Santa 2” appeals to audiences seeking a twisted take on the holiday movie genre. The film’s portrayal of dysfunctional characters navigating criminal schemes against a holiday backdrop adds a unique and darkly humorous perspective to the festive season.
Cast:
- Billy Bob Thornton as Willie Soke
- Kathy Bates as Sunny Soke
- Tony Cox as Marcus Skidmore
- Christina Hendricks as Diane Hastings
- Brett Kelly as Thurman Merman
- Ryan Hansen as Regent Hastings
- Jeff Skowron as Dorfman
- Jenny Zigrino as Gina
- Octavia Spencer as Opal
Production:
- Director: Mark Waters
- Writers: Johnny Rosenthal, Shauna Cross
- Release Date: November 23, 2016
- Production Companies: Miramax, Ingenious Media, Geyer Kosinski Productions
- Distributor: Broad Green Pictures
Reviews:
- Rotten Tomatoes: Bad Santa 2 received mixed reviews from critics, with a consensus that it lacks the irreverent charm of its predecessor.
- Metacritic: The film holds a Metascore of 38/100 based on mixed or average reviews.
Where Are They Now?:
- Billy Bob Thornton continues to act and has appeared in various films and TV shows.
- Kathy Bates remains active in both film and television, earning critical acclaim for her roles.
- Tony Cox has continued his acting career, participating in various projects.
- Christina Hendricks has appeared in several films and TV shows after Bad Santa 2.
- Brett Kelly continues his acting career, appearing in various projects.
Fun Facts:
- Bad Santa 2 is a sequel to the 2003 film Bad Santa.
- The film reunites Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, and Brett Kelly from the original cast.
- Kathy Bates joined the cast as Willie’s tough-as-nails mother.
- The film was directed by Mark Waters, known for films like Mean Girls.
- Despite mixed reviews, the film aimed to capture the dark humor of the original.
Box Office:
- Bad Santa 2 grossed around $23 million worldwide, facing competition during its release.
- While not as successful as its predecessor, it still managed to attract audiences during the holiday season.
