Bad Santa 2 (2016)

Bad Santa 2: Directed by Mark Waters. With Billy Bob Thornton, Kathy Bates, Tony Cox, Christina Hendricks. Fueled by cheap whiskey, greed and hatred, Willie teams up once again with his angry little sidekick, Marcus, to knock off a Chicago charity on Christmas Eve.

“Strained black comedy sequel reunites–for no reason that really makes any sense–Willie, the worldu0026#39;s most vile Santa and his foulmouthed, feisty dwarf sidekick Marcus for yet another score, this time at a Chicago charity event on Christmas Eve. That darn kid returns, only this time heu0026#39;s a man (sort of), and as whatu0026#39;s supposed to be an added bonus: Willieu0026#39;s equally crass mother (Bates, though even she is helpless against this flimsy material). Unnecessary, uninspired, and untimely follow-up doesnu0026#39;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. **”