"It's starting to feel like Christmas." Willie Soke (Thornton) has been living a whiskey filled existence since the double cross he experienced during Christmas a few years ago. When his old partner shows up and wants him to get back into the game he agrees because
he's Willie. After realizing that their new partner is his mother (Bates) he second guesses the entire thing, but the chance of stealing millions changes his mind. Everything is going to plan, until Thurman shows up. This is a movie that I changed my opinion on after watching the special features, which never happens. While watching it I did laugh, but it was basically the exact same movie as the first one. No twists were surprising and even most of the jokes were reused. I loved the first one and did enjoy this but kept thinking, this is just another sequel that seemed to be made to make money off a name and that's it. While watching the features Billy Bob said that this is a movie made for fans of the original. He said the movie was made with them in mind and if they get new fans that's great but it wasn't the goal of the film. After hearing that context I have to think the movie did what it set out to do. That being said, if you liked the first one you will like this as well, nothing new but just a funny movie with heart that is worth your time. Overall, basically a remake of the original, but I did laugh quite a bit. Not as good as the first one at all but worth seeing if you are a fan of the first one. I give this a B-.
137 Reviews
Billy Bob in a Santa suit. Thanks Santa!
sanjin_963224 December 2016
First of all, I loved the first one. My absolute favorite Christmas movie of all time. Most other Christmas movies are about magic and all that. How about some realism, dosed with cynicism, sarcasm, curses and other insults? Now that's what Christmas deserves and that's what we all deserve for Christmas.
Some of the comments referred to the first movie as *the original*. Not quite accurate, because this is no remake.
Two reasons I liked this one too:
And one more thing: Of course this movie can't beat the first one. Also, it doesn't need to. It's fun. That's what any holiday should be about. I had fun watching it. Merry Christmas!
6.4/10
Some of the comments referred to the first movie as *the original*. Not quite accurate, because this is no remake.
Two reasons I liked this one too:
- Billy Bob & Tony Cox .. a dream combo .. foul mouthed and screwed up to the bone. I'd watch these guys just sit opposite each other and talk trash to each other for days.
And one more thing: Of course this movie can't beat the first one. Also, it doesn't need to. It's fun. That's what any holiday should be about. I had fun watching it. Merry Christmas!
6.4/10
More of the same. (Thats a good thing).
pramudithmaldeniya26 November 2016
I really enjoyed this. I tend not to have particularly high standards when watching movies. I expected a degenerate comedy, chock full of inappropriate humour and also laced with profanity. There were also countless scenes that made one want to laugh and throw up a little, given how distasteful they were! (Which is great!)
I wanted to see more of Bad Santa, the little person, and Therman Merman! Bad Santa 2 did not disappoint! I was laughing throughout. I'm not one to look at movies through a critical lens. Even so, I could see this movie wasn't as good as the first one, in terms of overall plot and character development.
Nonetheless, I got to see my favourite characters one more time on the big screen. And I laughed throughout. It was like seeing old friends again!
I wanted to see more of Bad Santa, the little person, and Therman Merman! Bad Santa 2 did not disappoint! I was laughing throughout. I'm not one to look at movies through a critical lens. Even so, I could see this movie wasn't as good as the first one, in terms of overall plot and character development.
Nonetheless, I got to see my favourite characters one more time on the big screen. And I laughed throughout. It was like seeing old friends again!
Raunchy humor that would make Lenny Bruce blush
ginocox-206-33696810 February 2017
"Bad Santa 2" is frequently hilarious, if one enjoys raunchy no-holds-barred humor. In a world of oppressive mandates for politically correct action, speech and thought, it is a breath of fresh air, mercilessly lampooning every liberal sacred cow imaginable.
It is not a great film. "Bad Santa" was amusing, but not particularly memorable and the sequel will undoubtedly also quickly fade from memory. The plot is largely familiar. The characters don't grow emotionally and are roughly as misanthropic, misogynistic, cynical, self-destructive, abrasive, etc., at the conclusion as they were at the start. It succeeds in creating humor by placing ridiculous characters in improbable circumstances. The humor is bawdy, uninhibited and confrontational. The jokes would make Lenny Bruce blush.
The film fails to rise above its station in its use of alcohol and nudity. Alcohol can be used for burlesque effect by turning a normally staid individual into a stumbling clown, or it can be used to strip away the character's inhibitions, exposing raw anger, resentment, fear and other emotions for all to see, as in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Nudity can be used for titillation, or make the character seem vulnerable, primal or honest, as in "Teachers."
BS2 uses uninhibited, unrestrained, brutally honest language to convey the frustrations, anger and other emotions of the characters. It is at times shocking or amusing, but consistently honest. But alcohol does not strip away any emotions or public façades, as these characters have no inhibitions to strip away. The brief nudity seems immature and puerile compared with the dialogue. One character has on-camera sex in half a dozen scenes with several different partners, with both partners fully dressed (at least from the camera's POV). This is an actor known for a highly erotic scene in a 2001 film. What little nudity is presented in the film seems cheesy and dishonest compared with the brutally honest dialogue.
The film delivers more laughs than many comedies. Production values are adequate. Performances are uniformly excellent. The script is underdeveloped with several major plot holes. It isn't destined to become a classic, but succeeds admirably as a raunchy celebration of political incorrectness.
It is not a great film. "Bad Santa" was amusing, but not particularly memorable and the sequel will undoubtedly also quickly fade from memory. The plot is largely familiar. The characters don't grow emotionally and are roughly as misanthropic, misogynistic, cynical, self-destructive, abrasive, etc., at the conclusion as they were at the start. It succeeds in creating humor by placing ridiculous characters in improbable circumstances. The humor is bawdy, uninhibited and confrontational. The jokes would make Lenny Bruce blush.
The film fails to rise above its station in its use of alcohol and nudity. Alcohol can be used for burlesque effect by turning a normally staid individual into a stumbling clown, or it can be used to strip away the character's inhibitions, exposing raw anger, resentment, fear and other emotions for all to see, as in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Nudity can be used for titillation, or make the character seem vulnerable, primal or honest, as in "Teachers."
BS2 uses uninhibited, unrestrained, brutally honest language to convey the frustrations, anger and other emotions of the characters. It is at times shocking or amusing, but consistently honest. But alcohol does not strip away any emotions or public façades, as these characters have no inhibitions to strip away. The brief nudity seems immature and puerile compared with the dialogue. One character has on-camera sex in half a dozen scenes with several different partners, with both partners fully dressed (at least from the camera's POV). This is an actor known for a highly erotic scene in a 2001 film. What little nudity is presented in the film seems cheesy and dishonest compared with the brutally honest dialogue.
The film delivers more laughs than many comedies. Production values are adequate. Performances are uniformly excellent. The script is underdeveloped with several major plot holes. It isn't destined to become a classic, but succeeds admirably as a raunchy celebration of political incorrectness.
Funny sequel that delivers...
lev-nemkin28 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Bad Santa 2 is definitely not as good as the original in fact the first time I watched it I really disliked it it was not funny,over the top with the crude humor and Billy Bob Thornton seemed like he didn't want to be in the movie like he didn't commit to the role this time around but with a second viewing I was wrong he was decent as Willie Soke not as good as in the original of course in that he was hilarious and you couldn't help but laugh at every filthy word that came out of his mouth. They also introduce Willie's mother in this who is played by Kathy Bates and she was pretty good in this actually but the best thing about this movie in my opinion was Thurman Merman he was just as funny as ever to me and he talked more which is good that's what I wanted to see because in the first one it took him awhile to say anything I mean it still was good and when he did talk it was funny but here it seems like they developed his character a bit more. This is pretty much the same thing as the first one except it's a charity this time and he reluctantly works with his mother who he hates. If you're a fan of the original I'd say check it out you won't be disappointed it's a funny sequel and it definitely delivers.
If you enjoyed the original, leave that as your memory, not this
markgordon-2646729 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
My wife and I both really enjoyed Bad Santa. The original was just that - original. Billy Bob Thornton was great as the "done with it all" character, Willy was funny, Thurman was perfect and the story made some sense. Rob a big department store of its biggest take of the year.
This appalling "sequel" is juts a really bad remake of the original. Same main characters but this time I just don't buy Billy Bob's irredeemable scumbag. Willy is just primarily annoying. Making Thurman do what they make him do is unforgivable and introducing Billy Bob's mum (an actress barely 5 years older than him) as an explanation for why Billy Bob is the way he is is ridiculous.
The story is the same as the original, just a different outfit to rob (a charity this time, to make it more cruel!!) but the jokes aren't funny, the characters hollow versions of their originals, the "Billy Bob likes anal sex with big girls" shtick doesn't work this time and the story is just banal.
I was really looking forward to seeing this. And now I wish I hadn't. A waste of the talent involved. Do yourself a favour - find a cheap DVD of the original and enjoy. Watching this one will ruin your whole day.
This appalling "sequel" is juts a really bad remake of the original. Same main characters but this time I just don't buy Billy Bob's irredeemable scumbag. Willy is just primarily annoying. Making Thurman do what they make him do is unforgivable and introducing Billy Bob's mum (an actress barely 5 years older than him) as an explanation for why Billy Bob is the way he is is ridiculous.
The story is the same as the original, just a different outfit to rob (a charity this time, to make it more cruel!!) but the jokes aren't funny, the characters hollow versions of their originals, the "Billy Bob likes anal sex with big girls" shtick doesn't work this time and the story is just banal.
I was really looking forward to seeing this. And now I wish I hadn't. A waste of the talent involved. Do yourself a favour - find a cheap DVD of the original and enjoy. Watching this one will ruin your whole day.
Everybody's Favourite Santa?
damianphelps8 November 2020
Very poor compared to the first film.
Impman226 December 2019
Three Academy Award Winners are in this film
Christmas-Reviewer30 December 2016
BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE FILM. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM HONEST!
Don't get me wrong. The original "Bad Santa" is a film I love to watch. Today when we were watching it struck me that there were 3 Academy Award Winners in "Bad Santa 2" Kathy Bates Won Best Actress for "Misery" Octavia Spenser won Best Supporting Actress for "The Help". Billy Bob Thornton won An Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "Sling-blade"
So why it is obvious all of them must of been paid well to do this film. Now I loved the original film. This film is okay but I will not go out of my way to watch it again!
In this film its been 10 years since the events of the original film. Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie Soke (Billy Bob Thornton) teams up with his angry little sidekick, Marcus, to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve. Along for the ride is chubby and cheery and now grown-up Thurman Merman, a 250-pound ray of sunshine who brings out Willie's sliver of humanity. Mommy issues arise when the pair are joined by Willie's horror story of a mother, Sunny Soke, who raises the bar for the gang's ambitions, while somehow lowering the standards of criminal behavior.
There is some big laughs in this film. There is just not as many as the first one. I was disappointed because the first one was a laugh a minute! This film is RATED R so parents keep children away from this film.
KEEP IN MIND if you don't like crude behavior then don't watch this. This film is raunchy but I could not help but to laugh.
Don't get me wrong. The original "Bad Santa" is a film I love to watch. Today when we were watching it struck me that there were 3 Academy Award Winners in "Bad Santa 2" Kathy Bates Won Best Actress for "Misery" Octavia Spenser won Best Supporting Actress for "The Help". Billy Bob Thornton won An Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "Sling-blade"
So why it is obvious all of them must of been paid well to do this film. Now I loved the original film. This film is okay but I will not go out of my way to watch it again!
In this film its been 10 years since the events of the original film. Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie Soke (Billy Bob Thornton) teams up with his angry little sidekick, Marcus, to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve. Along for the ride is chubby and cheery and now grown-up Thurman Merman, a 250-pound ray of sunshine who brings out Willie's sliver of humanity. Mommy issues arise when the pair are joined by Willie's horror story of a mother, Sunny Soke, who raises the bar for the gang's ambitions, while somehow lowering the standards of criminal behavior.
There is some big laughs in this film. There is just not as many as the first one. I was disappointed because the first one was a laugh a minute! This film is RATED R so parents keep children away from this film.
KEEP IN MIND if you don't like crude behavior then don't watch this. This film is raunchy but I could not help but to laugh.
Swaps charm and soul for sheer vulgarity
joshbarton1526 November 2016
The idea of making a sequel to Bad Santa is one that was first raised in 2009, only six years after its release. It's an idea that should have really been acted upon then or just left in the past because Bad Santa 2, a sequel that comes thirteen years after the original, is not a very good film at all.
Willie Soke (Billy Bob Thornton) is still living a life fuelled by whiskey and greed, a lifestyle that leaves him contemplating suicide, until his old friend, Marcus (Tony Cox), resurfaces after spending ten years in prison. With him, Marcus brings a job for both him and Willie in Chicago.
This time though, the duo find themselves attempting to steal $2million on Christmas Eve from a charity aimed at helping underprivileged children. With Willie's mum, Sunny (Kathy Bates), and Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly) joining the duo in Chicago, things start to become a little more tricky for Willie and Marcus.
There is just so much wrong with Bad Santa 2 as both a comedy and a sequel. The most vital mistake the film makes is that it totally lacks any of the charm or wit that made the first one good. I mean, seriously, the jokes in this are as if they're just having a competition to see who can say the most controversial thing, including one about abortion that just leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
It's a level of writing that comes as no surprise seeing as both the writers of the first film don't have any involvement with this sequel. Any soul that was established in the predecessor is totally destroyed with a screenplay and characters that take things from bad to utterly vulgar in a matter of ninety minutes. Billy Bob Thornton punching Kathy Bates right in the face is something that we don't really need to be seeing in a film today to get a cheap laugh.
Then come the performances, none of which bring any life to the film. Billy Bob Thornton just snoozes his way through proceedings, Kathy Bates wastes both her talent and time in a turgid role and Christina Hendricks, what the hell were you even thinking?! I mean, come on this is not what you should be doing. I was so disappointed with Brett Kelly as well, which isn't necessarily his fault, but Kelly making an appearance as a 21-year-old Thurman Merman just didn't work for me. It worked because he was a kid before and it was funny to watch Billy Bob Thornton react to his mannerisms however, it's fair to say Kelly just doesn't sell the character very well now at an older age.
Did I laugh? A little. Is it as good as the first film? Nowhere near. Is Bad Santa 2 one of the worst films of 2016? Sadly, yes.
Willie Soke (Billy Bob Thornton) is still living a life fuelled by whiskey and greed, a lifestyle that leaves him contemplating suicide, until his old friend, Marcus (Tony Cox), resurfaces after spending ten years in prison. With him, Marcus brings a job for both him and Willie in Chicago.
This time though, the duo find themselves attempting to steal $2million on Christmas Eve from a charity aimed at helping underprivileged children. With Willie's mum, Sunny (Kathy Bates), and Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly) joining the duo in Chicago, things start to become a little more tricky for Willie and Marcus.
There is just so much wrong with Bad Santa 2 as both a comedy and a sequel. The most vital mistake the film makes is that it totally lacks any of the charm or wit that made the first one good. I mean, seriously, the jokes in this are as if they're just having a competition to see who can say the most controversial thing, including one about abortion that just leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
It's a level of writing that comes as no surprise seeing as both the writers of the first film don't have any involvement with this sequel. Any soul that was established in the predecessor is totally destroyed with a screenplay and characters that take things from bad to utterly vulgar in a matter of ninety minutes. Billy Bob Thornton punching Kathy Bates right in the face is something that we don't really need to be seeing in a film today to get a cheap laugh.
Then come the performances, none of which bring any life to the film. Billy Bob Thornton just snoozes his way through proceedings, Kathy Bates wastes both her talent and time in a turgid role and Christina Hendricks, what the hell were you even thinking?! I mean, come on this is not what you should be doing. I was so disappointed with Brett Kelly as well, which isn't necessarily his fault, but Kelly making an appearance as a 21-year-old Thurman Merman just didn't work for me. It worked because he was a kid before and it was funny to watch Billy Bob Thornton react to his mannerisms however, it's fair to say Kelly just doesn't sell the character very well now at an older age.
Did I laugh? A little. Is it as good as the first film? Nowhere near. Is Bad Santa 2 one of the worst films of 2016? Sadly, yes.
Fantastic Sequel to a Classic
mbishop210820 December 2020
That's Ok But the jokes
brwill-908129 March 2023
Some good comedy moments and moving scenes at the end, pretty similar to first film but that's good. BBT is great as always. Funny how critics never seem to understand what makes a film appealing, obviously once one critic has slated it the rest just fall in line to avoid ridicule, it's not shawshank it's an adult Christmas comedy. Go see it and ignore the pretentious critiques.
Ah yes 2016, last golden years of comedy. Little did we know in a few years, political agenda would tell us what's funny, what can be made fun of and what can not. BS2 is awesome, it's more of BS1, which isn't a bad thing. It's a solid 7/10 movie!
Ah yes 2016, last golden years of comedy. Little did we know in a few years, political agenda would tell us what's funny, what can be made fun of and what can not. BS2 is awesome, it's more of BS1, which isn't a bad thing. It's a solid 7/10 movie!
Vulgar, Disgusting, Filth.......and We All Laughed Our Arses Off!
TheTruthDoor28 November 2016
Bad Santa 2 is one of the most vulgar, filthy films I have ever seen. It easily blurs the line between an R-rated film and an X-rated one.
And it is also one of the funniest films I have ever seen. The audience and I were laughing out loud throughout the whole film.
The casting is perfect, Kathy Bates played her "white trash" part with ease, totally believable. The "bad santa" role is perfect for Billy Bob Thornton, he handles his role effortlessly. The whole cast is great, a big Thank You for including Christina Hendricks in this version. She is such fun to look at and was the only character with some "class" in the movie. I love her.
Parents beware, this is a HARD R-RATED FILM......and worth every penny it costs to see it!
And it is also one of the funniest films I have ever seen. The audience and I were laughing out loud throughout the whole film.
The casting is perfect, Kathy Bates played her "white trash" part with ease, totally believable. The "bad santa" role is perfect for Billy Bob Thornton, he handles his role effortlessly. The whole cast is great, a big Thank You for including Christina Hendricks in this version. She is such fun to look at and was the only character with some "class" in the movie. I love her.
Parents beware, this is a HARD R-RATED FILM......and worth every penny it costs to see it!
I wanted to walk out of this horrible film
metallianprod4 December 2016
I'm a huge fan of the original. I was really looking forward to this when it was first announced. I cannot believe they released this pile of garbage. Three times the vulgarity of the original with absolutely NONE of the humor or charm that made it a classic. Every other word is "fuck" and for no apparent reason. It's like a 10 year old wrote this script. No wait, that's an insult to 10 year olds. I LOVE politically incorrect films and things that offend as long as there is comedy involved. This movie had zero laughs. I sat in a half empty theater and not one person made a sound through the entire film other than a few groans. What a let down. I did everything I could not to walk out. I guess I hoped it would get better. It didn't.
Bad Decision
Special-K8824 November 2016
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: battle-ax Sunny--Willie's equally crass mother (Bates, though even she is helpless against this flimsy material). This 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. **
A Decent Sequel That Will Satisfy Fans of the Original
RustyShacklefordd25 November 2016
It should come as no surprise to anyone that Bad Santa 2 isn't anywhere near as good as it's predecessor. Aside from the fact that it's incredibly hard for sequels to out-do the original (and one that's as great as Bad Santa), none of the writers or director have returned for this installment. With that said, Bad Santa 2 still manages to be an enjoyable sequel that is much better than many other recent comedy sequels in recent memory.
One of the films biggest strengths is in it's casting. The majority of the original cast returns and all of the chemistry from the first film is still there. Kathy Bates who plays Willie's mother is a welcome addition to the cast and fits right into the filthy and vile atmosphere. Christina Hendricks is alright, but her character doesn't add too much to the film.
The biggest question about Bad Santa 2 is if it is in fact funny? For the most part, yes it is! A lot of the humor is reminiscence of the first film filled with crass, raunch, and insults galore. However, with none of the original writers returning this means that some of the wittiness of the first film is missing here. A lot of the jokes here are focused more on being offensive and vulgar which isn't necessarily a bad thing considering the type of movie this is, but at times it certainly feels like they are trying too hard to be so and jokes fall flat because of this. Fortunately, the majority of them still work. Like the first film, they don't forget to include a bit of drama and heart as well which seems like it would be missing here.
Mark Waters who has a rather mixed track record with his filmography ranging from decent to awful has taken over as the director. His direction isn't necessarily bad, but it does feel rather bland and unimpressive and at times feeling cheaper than the original film despite having a slightly bigger budget here and the film does suffer a bit because of it. Aside from that, the only other real flaw here is that there is a small portion in the middle where a few scenes drag a bit and the climax does feel a bit rushed.
Overall, Bad Santa 2 isn't going to achieve the cult classic status that the first film did, but as far as sequels go, it's honestly better than it should have been. While flawed, it's great to see Thornton and crew back and there are plenty of laughs to be had here and it even provides a satisfying conclusion to Willie's story. It's no 22 Jump Street, but it's miles ahead of Zoolander 2.
NOTE: I would rate the film a 6.5, but have rounded it up to a 7 due to IMDb's rating system.
One of the films biggest strengths is in it's casting. The majority of the original cast returns and all of the chemistry from the first film is still there. Kathy Bates who plays Willie's mother is a welcome addition to the cast and fits right into the filthy and vile atmosphere. Christina Hendricks is alright, but her character doesn't add too much to the film.
The biggest question about Bad Santa 2 is if it is in fact funny? For the most part, yes it is! A lot of the humor is reminiscence of the first film filled with crass, raunch, and insults galore. However, with none of the original writers returning this means that some of the wittiness of the first film is missing here. A lot of the jokes here are focused more on being offensive and vulgar which isn't necessarily a bad thing considering the type of movie this is, but at times it certainly feels like they are trying too hard to be so and jokes fall flat because of this. Fortunately, the majority of them still work. Like the first film, they don't forget to include a bit of drama and heart as well which seems like it would be missing here.
Mark Waters who has a rather mixed track record with his filmography ranging from decent to awful has taken over as the director. His direction isn't necessarily bad, but it does feel rather bland and unimpressive and at times feeling cheaper than the original film despite having a slightly bigger budget here and the film does suffer a bit because of it. Aside from that, the only other real flaw here is that there is a small portion in the middle where a few scenes drag a bit and the climax does feel a bit rushed.
Overall, Bad Santa 2 isn't going to achieve the cult classic status that the first film did, but as far as sequels go, it's honestly better than it should have been. While flawed, it's great to see Thornton and crew back and there are plenty of laughs to be had here and it even provides a satisfying conclusion to Willie's story. It's no 22 Jump Street, but it's miles ahead of Zoolander 2.
NOTE: I would rate the film a 6.5, but have rounded it up to a 7 due to IMDb's rating system.
Highly flawed but still somehow very enjoyable
jtindahouse24 November 2016
The original 'Bad Santa' is one of my favourite comedies. We were so used to Christmas films being family friendly that when one came along that was completely the opposite of that, it was a pleasant and hilarious surprise. Now here we are 13 years later, and the problem is we know what we are in for, and therefore it doesn't work as well. Nothing is shocking anymore. It's simply expected. Comedy has actually evolved a long way in the last 13 years and I think the success of 'Bad Santa' was a large reason for that. Now ironically, I don't 'Bad Santa 2' has been able to keep up with that evolution.
There are so many things that made the first one great that are missing here. Both John Ritter and Bernie Mac have obviously passed away in the time between the two films and Lauren Graham was unable to return. These things are understandable and to be expected, however the problem lies in the fact that they haven't seemingly replaced those comedic aspects. Instead, they have simply given Billy Bob Thornton more screen time. The problem is that on his own his character doesn't work. What makes him special is his interactions with seemingly normal people, like John Ritter portrayed so well, and how shocking his personality is to them. In this movie it felt like everyone was as insane as him, and just excepted him for what he is. That's no fun.
I still really enjoyed 'Bad Santa 2' despite it being a highly flawed film. I couldn't bring myself to give it anything lower than a '7' for the simple reason that it's still so much fun. You know you have a pretty special character and concept when a film can be as flawed as this was, and at the same time be so enjoyable. Personally though, I think I'd be happy if they left this series where it is. This one was already lacking in creativity enough to imply a third one would be a serious stretch. Leave it here and you still might just be perceived as going out on top.
There are so many things that made the first one great that are missing here. Both John Ritter and Bernie Mac have obviously passed away in the time between the two films and Lauren Graham was unable to return. These things are understandable and to be expected, however the problem lies in the fact that they haven't seemingly replaced those comedic aspects. Instead, they have simply given Billy Bob Thornton more screen time. The problem is that on his own his character doesn't work. What makes him special is his interactions with seemingly normal people, like John Ritter portrayed so well, and how shocking his personality is to them. In this movie it felt like everyone was as insane as him, and just excepted him for what he is. That's no fun.
I still really enjoyed 'Bad Santa 2' despite it being a highly flawed film. I couldn't bring myself to give it anything lower than a '7' for the simple reason that it's still so much fun. You know you have a pretty special character and concept when a film can be as flawed as this was, and at the same time be so enjoyable. Personally though, I think I'd be happy if they left this series where it is. This one was already lacking in creativity enough to imply a third one would be a serious stretch. Leave it here and you still might just be perceived as going out on top.
Vulgar Beyond Belief, Stupid and a Waste of Time
susannathom18 December 2018
I have no problem with foul language, but in this case, this sorry excuse for a movie seems to be nothing but a vehicle to see how many times they can say f-this, f-that, f-you. It's not at all an exaggeration to say that they can't go more than 60 seconds without some kind of expletive. However, constant swearing does not a movie make, especially when most of it is uncalled for. It just makes it all very boring and tedious. Unfunny, stupid, the writers obviously had nothing. It was painful to watch, and endlessly disgusting. Unless you live in a trailer and think that's just great, save yourself and don't bother watching this utter garbage.
Not as bad as some of the reviews on here
Top_Dawg_Critic14 July 2017
I enjoyed this! I got what I was expecting - which was something similar to the first Bad Santa. I will say though that Kathy Bates nailed her role in this and was probably the highlight of this movie - I couldn't stop laughing, she was that hilarious! This was no worse or better than the first film but it was just as fun and entertaining! It's a 7/10 from me
Bad but not in a good way
eddie_baggins28 November 2016
Showing that lightning often doesn't strike twice, especially when it comes to unexpected hit comedies (The Hangover series, Nutty Professor etc.), Bad Santa 2 is a pale imitation of the cult 2003 hit that saw Xmas painted blacker than black thanks to Billy Bob Thornton's alcoholic Santa/petty thief Willie Soke and his partnership with dwarf acquaintance Marcus Skidmore.
Giving Thornton his best role in a number years and taking the idea of Xmas movies to a whole new smut filled level, Terry Zwigoff's original film was one of those experiences you find yourself enjoying more than you know you should and with side characters like the lovable Thurman Murman along for the ride, Bad Santa has found itself a nice long shelf life as fans continue to come back to it all these years later.
With Mean Girls director Mark Waters now at the helm, Bad Santa 2 seemed poised to at least be a respectable follow up to its original incarnation, especially with the cast all returning including the now non-acting Brett Kelly as Thurman and the addition of Kathy Bates going into beast mode as Willie's estranged mother who just so happens to be the criminals new contact for a planned charity robbery but Bad Santa 2 feels like an event too long between drinks and the cast seem to know it.
Looking bored and injecting nothing into their respective roles, Thornton and Cox spit out dialogue without an ounce of charisma while Kelly should've stayed away from an acting return with his pointless reiteration of Thurman (a character that adds nothing to proceedings) who now just annoys rather than brings smiles and the whole Bad Santa lifeblood of smutty jokes, horny Saint Nick's and holiday thieving feels outdated in today's climate portrayed as it is here.
This is a shame for all involved, as it does feel as though another Bad Santa done well, could've fitted in nicely with the festive season now upon us but even die-hard fans of Willie and Marcus will be finding themselves returning to the original in years to come and forgetting this sequel even happened.
There are glimmers of a funny black comedy here, small bits of dialogue are too outrageous not to laugh at while the very idea of this "bad" Santa is still funny but with a rather uninspired plot, tiresome performance's and an over reliance on filthy words and scenarios the whole idea of this project feels forced whereas the first Bad Santa journey felt like a breathe of booze filled fresh air in a sub-genre of Xmas tales that had grown rather stale.
1 ½ non-desirable bunkbed buddies out of 5
Giving Thornton his best role in a number years and taking the idea of Xmas movies to a whole new smut filled level, Terry Zwigoff's original film was one of those experiences you find yourself enjoying more than you know you should and with side characters like the lovable Thurman Murman along for the ride, Bad Santa has found itself a nice long shelf life as fans continue to come back to it all these years later.
With Mean Girls director Mark Waters now at the helm, Bad Santa 2 seemed poised to at least be a respectable follow up to its original incarnation, especially with the cast all returning including the now non-acting Brett Kelly as Thurman and the addition of Kathy Bates going into beast mode as Willie's estranged mother who just so happens to be the criminals new contact for a planned charity robbery but Bad Santa 2 feels like an event too long between drinks and the cast seem to know it.
Looking bored and injecting nothing into their respective roles, Thornton and Cox spit out dialogue without an ounce of charisma while Kelly should've stayed away from an acting return with his pointless reiteration of Thurman (a character that adds nothing to proceedings) who now just annoys rather than brings smiles and the whole Bad Santa lifeblood of smutty jokes, horny Saint Nick's and holiday thieving feels outdated in today's climate portrayed as it is here.
This is a shame for all involved, as it does feel as though another Bad Santa done well, could've fitted in nicely with the festive season now upon us but even die-hard fans of Willie and Marcus will be finding themselves returning to the original in years to come and forgetting this sequel even happened.
There are glimmers of a funny black comedy here, small bits of dialogue are too outrageous not to laugh at while the very idea of this "bad" Santa is still funny but with a rather uninspired plot, tiresome performance's and an over reliance on filthy words and scenarios the whole idea of this project feels forced whereas the first Bad Santa journey felt like a breathe of booze filled fresh air in a sub-genre of Xmas tales that had grown rather stale.
1 ½ non-desirable bunkbed buddies out of 5
Much funnier, slutty, immoral Santa, but....
videorama-759-85939121 June 2017
Look, I don't why this doesn't deserve more than a six from me. It outsanta's first on laughs, the first couple of minutes had me worried, from the start of that wonderful tracking shot along the paved two way drive in downtown shopping L.A. But then, it becomes so much funnier and punchier, laughs a constant. Thornton, a great actor, seriously, wonderfully resumes his role, where he's more pathetic, and repellent, hitting rock bottom, but still doing what he does and loves best, boozing and womanizing, some more beauties, some I said, not as hot as the ones he did, in the original, and one wonders what happen to Lauren Graham's character, Sue, the barmaid, from the first. He's revisited by an arch enemy, well two, our loud, angry cursing dwarf (Tony Cox) and stepping on board this timer (Kathy Bates) who plays Thornton's loser of a mother who had Willie at 13. Thornton is pulled back into action, this time stooping lower, by putting on the Santa Claus suit again, and creating a diversion, where his partners, rob charity money for homeless kids. The kid has grown up, and like Thornton, is exactly the same, asking dumb questions, talking crap, and still believing about the jolly bearded man in the red suit. The continuing humorous dialogue never slacks at all, where I was laughing much more in this one. One scene where Thornton, snaps at good for nothing Mum, interrupted while eating pizza, familiarizes us with a scene from the first one, where he was interrupted while on his lunch break. The line is almost a clone from the line in the original. The two twists in the end were good, where the final scene, which I made for something else at first, was tasteless and unfunny as this kind of same gag involving genitalia, has been done before. What I really loved about this one, which doesn't have to apologize for nothing (another quality I loved) keeping the happy spirit of Christmas alive, is that the characters haven't changed one bit, especially Thornton's and our new player, (Bates-fantastic) is a real nasty piece of work, where we can see, where Thornton got his beautiful bedside manner from. He has got a bit more of a heart in this one, where he has gone a little soft, where you savor these few moments. His decision of goodwill near the end, teaches us a valuable lesson about greed. But why do I feel this doesn't deserve more than a six? I put it down to it's wearing moments, where you feel, it's better to quit while ahead as with other sequels. It could be cause it's done with the same form, and took, lower below the belt laughs, to make it work. It got to a point where it felt tired, and the wearing was showing. It's as though the movie was relying on gross profanity, or too many moments of familiarity, like structure of story, "The walls closing in angle" or scenes, like "the sitting on Santa's lap" which was more meatier here, and the greedy people that could jeopardize, Thornton and company's little job. Too, the plots of conflict, and situations, which I thought were well structured. We again, sharing Thornton's familiar vices and habits, which are never changing. This is where the wearing happens, through the familiarity. Also, the substitute of a beauty, by another one, angelic and hotter, being that of Kendricks, so refreshingly cute, spouting those same words like Graham, who gets she gets butt fu..ed by Thornton. All of this highly poses a the question? "Should there be a Bad Santa 3?" Of course, not. Why ruin a bad thing? And this Santa, is a good one to finish an end note on, ball sack or not. See if you can spot who Mark Starr is here. cause he fooled me, until I read his cast role.
Cringe Inducing
larrys325 February 2017
It will come as a shock to very few people that this film is extremely crass and vulgar, with about as lame a plot as one can imagine. Obviously, it's meant to be the darkest of comedy, but comedy usually means to me actually laughing at something but this movie is so bleak and intent on shocking that the effect was just cringe inducing and a real turnoff. I'm aware that the film will have its proponents, so more power to you but I can't subscribe or buy in to this mean-spirited crapola.
All in all, this sequel, directed by Mark Waters with a screenplay from Johnny Rosenthal and Shauna Cross, did nothing for me and the end couldn't come soon enough.
All in all, this sequel, directed by Mark Waters with a screenplay from Johnny Rosenthal and Shauna Cross, did nothing for me and the end couldn't come soon enough.
A good sequel, better than all the other 'normal' Christmas movies.
deloudelouvain18 December 2021
First of all let me say I loved the first Bad Santa, which is to me probably the best Christmas movie ever, equal with Le Père Noël Est Une Ordure. So I was really looking forward to Bad Santa 2. And I can't say I'm disappointed, on the contrary, I just loved it again. The addition of Kathy Bates to the story was brilliant. Billy Bob Thornton is still the worst Santa ever, but his mother (Kathy Bates) is of the same level. Foul language all over, wich probably reflects in the very low ratings this brilliant movie gets. Humorless people just can't take this kind of stuff when it's about their pretty fancy Christmas spirit movies. Bad Santa is for people that don't take this annual event that serious. Brett Kelly is a bit older now and still the same nerd but it worked better in the first movie, still a delight to watch though. I will have now three Christmas movies to watch next year. Three comedies that will make this period easier to swallow.
Unnecessary but entertaining
masonsaul10 December 2023
As far as unnecessary sequels go, Bad Santa 2 isn't awful even if those moments are present. It lacks the heart of the original and despite its willingness to provoke, still feels like the edges have been sanded off. However, thanks to an opening front loaded with the best jokes and the very smart choice to keep it around the 90 minute mark, it remains passable.
Billy Bob Thornton's jaded cynicism still works for this character even if it's probably just him doing it for the paycheck this time round. Kathy Bates as his mum is a fun casting choice she clearly has some fun with and it's so nice to see Brett Kelly as Thurman Merman again. He's the closest thing this film has to a heart and it's worth watching just for his cute performance.
Mark Waters was a very strange choice to direct this since he's somehow both over and under qualified for the material and yet he does an okay job. It's shot like a sitcom in an inoffensive fashion and it's more than happy to let the writing do basically all the heavy lifting for the comedy rather than utilising any clever visual gags.
Billy Bob Thornton's jaded cynicism still works for this character even if it's probably just him doing it for the paycheck this time round. Kathy Bates as his mum is a fun casting choice she clearly has some fun with and it's so nice to see Brett Kelly as Thurman Merman again. He's the closest thing this film has to a heart and it's worth watching just for his cute performance.
Mark Waters was a very strange choice to direct this since he's somehow both over and under qualified for the material and yet he does an okay job. It's shot like a sitcom in an inoffensive fashion and it's more than happy to let the writing do basically all the heavy lifting for the comedy rather than utilising any clever visual gags.
First movie I've walked out on
chris-r-lafave25 November 2016
The first film was delightfully wrong and deliciously inappropriate. This one was just painful to watch. Everyone swearing for no reason like it's a pathology of theirs. It was sad to see Thornton, Bates, and everyone else, for that matter, stuck trudging through that B.S., like they were sold a bill of goods and had no choice but to fulfill their contracts and finish it. Believe me, we both tried to view it with open minds but there seemed to be no respite from the mean-spirited negativity. One can usually see hints of how characters may end up redeeming themselves but the blunted, humorless way the story was told during the first half hour failed to instill us with any confidence that the other two-thirds of the film wouldn't be an unpleasant waste of our time. Irredeemably offensive. A tragic waste of everyone's time.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
