Quicknation, comprehensive information and links about Bad Santa

Bad Santa is a 2003 film directed by Terry Zwigoff, produced by Joel and Ethan Coen, and starring Billy Bob Thornton as the title character and Tony Cox (best known for ) as his partner-in-crime. Bernie Mac, John Ritter, Lauren Graham, Lauren Tom, Ethan Phillips and Cloris Leachman are also featured. The unrated version of the film was released on DVD in 2003 as

The story principally concerns two con men, Willy (Thornton) and Marcus (Cox), who, each Christmas season, seek work at a different shopping mall dressed as Santa Claus and one of Santa's elves. Rather than spreading good cheer, the duo's motive is to rob each establishment. The strategy becomes complicated when Willy encounters an 8-year-old boy who he meets and ends up moving in with. Through their interaction, the boy (Kelly) inadvertently teaches Willy the true meaning of Christmas. In addition to being a criminal, Willy is also a bitter and abusive drunk.

The movie attracted bad publicity before its release from critics who likened the movie to an "evil twin" of and chided The Walt Disney Company for allowing such a beloved figure as Santa Claus to be trashed by its Miramax subsidiary. [1]

The film was John Ritter's last live-action role—he died prior to its release—and it is dedicated to him.