Bad Santa 2 (2016)
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Director: Mark Waters
Writers: Johnny Rosenthal, Shauna Cross, Character created by Glenn Ficarra, and John Requa.
Cast: Billy Bob Thornton (Willie Soke), Kathey Bates (Sunny Soke), Tony Cox (Marcus Skidmore), Christina Hendricks (Diana Hastlings), Brett Kelly (Thurman Merman), Ryan Hanson (Regent Hastlings), Jenny Zigrino (Gina De Luca), and Jeff Skowron (Dorfman).
Opening sequence:
The original film was released in 2003, 13 years later Bad Santa 2 was released. A few things i will note before getting into my review of the film. Brett Kelly the actor who played Thurman Murman was a bit slimmer, and that's because he is 22 years of age. So he quickly gained the weight that the director wanted. The second and probably the most important. Lauren Graham is not in this film, she was currently working on the Gilmore Girls revival on the streaming giant, Netflix. And now on to the funny part of the film.
Remember the guy that stood up in the AA meeting? Well the actor Christopher Tyson shot that part, without the use of special effects. The dentures were real, yes the part where he gets up and tells his story. The whole AA thing is serious, and watching it in a comedic setting is good. Open mind when you see this film. Never know it might just make you laugh.
This review contains content that is not suitable for younger readers. Not saying that i will go #Deadpool on you but, i will try to keep this film review on the same path of the film. The content will have some undesired language, with that being said, try and enjoy the review, it is a comedy for adults, so please keep that in mind, the film is R rated.
Review:
The film opens up with our lead character, Wille Soke (Billy Bob Thornton). His life has been in shambles as of late. Having lost his gal, Sue. Lately his drinking continues to take a tole on him; Especially when the oven looks pretty desirable right now. Suicide on his mind. No money. No life. The only way to go is in the oven. Turning everything on, sticking his head inside. The heat is intense, painful, but Wille is to much of a P***y to continue trying to kill himself that way. Option number two seams like a waste, but he has to try. Wrap a cord around his neck, the Toaster will prevent him from falling. Instead it will constrict his throat, and he will die slowly, but f**k to painful. Or just to lazy to commit suicide.
As Willie continues to hang from the ceiling, cord wrapped around his neck, any minute now. Everything will be over. The door opens, and the boy he knew by the name of Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly) returns to see his friend. A large envelope, money inside. Willie notices the money. Somehow his day just got a whole lot brighter. The boy he knew, has grown up, and now as a gift he wants to make sure he, "Pops his Cherry." Either way his life just got a little better, but having Thurman here pisses him off. He'll just make sure, the boy get's his lay, and i'm out.
"I'm 21, officially a man." -Thurman Merman-
"You're 21 already? That's creepy." -Willie-
"Are you still going to pop my Cherry?" -Thurman Merman-
"What? F**k, no! I said I'd get it done, by somebody else." -Willie-
The film is raunchy like the first one, granted the late comedic giants of Bernie Mac and John Ritter aren't in the film, but the presence is known. Let me start by saying, both films are not politically correct. With that being said, look at the content and you'll either walk out or die laughing. The humor maybe uncomfortable, unsuitable. The main problem here is not the film, but the folks that are to uptight to like it. The film brings on hard laughs, it's like walking in on someone you know while their having sex. the feeling of embarrassment is there, but not enough to kill the film as a whole. Comedy is unfiltered, sometimes you may not like it, but understanding it, letting go, release your negative energy ad all will be well.
"Why do you have two beards? -Boy-
"That's none of you're f****n' buisness." -Willie-
Kathy Bates, Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox are amazing in the film, it really impresses me when actors go all out on film. Either in a comedy, or a drama.The movie is funny. The humor may not be your liking, but at least the laughter is pure. Christina Hendricks plays Diane Hastings in the film, her character works at a shelter, the money the Santa's get on the streets are distributed to charity. Wille, Marcus, and Sunny are in on some plan to break into the safe that's located in the shelter's main office. The funny parts of this movie is how they go about everything, along with the crude language, got yourself a comedy. Not saying that the language is good, but for this film it's perfect. Sometimes sitting back, and laughing will heal your heart.
The basic understanding of comedy is what you have to look at here. The film is raunchy, but there is a point to it's madness. The lead character for example, plays Santa Claus in the first film, his buddy Marcus is the elf. They both get some money playing the iconic characters, and on top of all this the lead is a drunk, thief, con-artist that has very little moral standards. That's what i like about the first film, and now the second, 13 years later, that same dude is all the same. Loss of his gal, no money, his life is in the pits. Now imagine a light that is Thurman (Brett Kelly). Coming in at the right time, saving him from committing suicide. The only light from the first movie, seeing that Willie had lost everything, Thurman is a reminder of what was good, and of her, Sue. Granted his mom, Sunny Soke (Kathy Bates) has devised this plan, because she knows his son is the best safe cracker. Marcus comes alone because of the opportunity that has been given to him. A second Chance to get a gig, and retire. Wille just wants some peace, without Marcus's bulls**t.
"What...You don't trust your mama?" -Marcus-
"I trust her about as far as i can throw you...And i trust you about as far as i can throw her." -Willie-
The real problem i have with this movie is the location, Chicago. Montreal, California are the main filming locations. I do not like the fact that this film was not in Chicago, but the characters were in the movie. It even snowed like they were on location. Even had Chicago style pizza, which really kills me, i love that pizza. They established the footage in Chicago, but no real location. Pictures aren't the real thing. A big mistake for the film makers. My opinion, don't knock it. Films should shoot where the story has the characters in, not a fake place. Granted, budget is very important, but with that being said, why not shoot in the location so the movie gives off some ambiance. The movie has them in Chicago, then shoot the whole film there, it's that simple stupid. I'm from Chicago so i know what's real and fake. Sorry guys the green screen shots don't work here. The look feel is just as important as the story. Not saying that Bad Santa 2 was horrible, but short cuts like this hit's the studio in the pocket book. Audiences aren't stupid, we understand, see what's going on. Don't have a budget, then don't film there, and tweak the stories main location.
The story to me is good, i will remind you that this film has bad language, raunchy humor, and most of all scenes that are not for anyone under age. With that being said, understand that this movie is what it is. Different film makers, but their hearts are in the right place. they needed to make this film bigger, badder than the first. The same drunk you saw from the first movie is back. It has a different flavor, so if you're going to see the film, then have an open mind. Bad Santa 2 to me is a funny movie, but again it's not for everyone, despite the language and the adult scenes. Sometimes if you sit back and enjoy a film, instead of taking it a part, you might hear laughter coming out of you. Leave the taking a part to me.
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