| Having waited a long time for this film (it was out in the states last year to far from scathing reviews) I�m glad that it�s finally arrived on this side of the pond. Following the life of your average swearing, fornicating and intoxicated mall Santa, this film is amusing, crude and definitely not politically correct. The opening scene of Billy Bob Thornton�s Willie T Stokes throwing up against a wall outside a bar, still wearing his Santa suit gives you the general tone of the film, and unlike most Christmas offerings, he doesn�t really improve by the end of the film. As Stokes and his elfin sidekick (who really runs the show) played by Tony Cox, rob the stores they work in on Christmas Eve, it�s clear the characters aren�t the nicest in the world. Santa breaks open the safes, though more slowly as the years progress and liquor destroys not only his brain cells but also his liver, whilst Santa�s little helper gets the merchandise.
The plan works well until the two turn up in Phoenix when two things stand in their way: A sleazy and corrupt store detective, who wants in on the act, and half of what they steal, and a fat, snotty kid who just won�t leave Willie alone. Willie moves in with said kid, and his crazy grandmother, after his motel room is searched and he no longer feels safe. At this point you�d expect the film to sink into sickly sentimentality, but it really doesn�t. Willie remains, if you�ll excuse my French, a bastard throughout, though an amusing one. This film will not be to everyone�s tastes, but those who will enjoy it, will love it.
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