Billy Bob Thornton gives a great portrayal of a guy who is so down and out, that even his dreams are down and out to us! For example, his dream is to "own a little bar on the beach and maybe marry a waitress." But, his serious alcohol problem dashes his hopes, it always has; so, each year he's worse off, physically and financially than the year before. Then he meets the most adorable "snot nosed kid" (Literally!) who invites Santa to stay at his house. Santa agrees (it's a free place to live and to rob!) but Santa begins to actually care for this kid. A great line from the movie comes from after Bad Santa has thrashed a bully, who has been harrassing the kid (we are spared having to watch the actual thrashing, thankfully). "I did something good today, I beat up a 15 year old kid and I feel really good about it!" As I said, his dreams and "accomplishments" are low to us. I couldn't believe some of the "Professional film critics'" review of this film, saying it attacked one of the last icon of American culture. Get a clue guys, this movie is not about Santa at all. It's about how low some people are willing to go to make a buck and the profound changes that unconditional love can make. If you like ironic dark humor, without alot of gore, or graphic sex, you will enjoy this movie. I laughed the entire time! But keep it where the kids can't get to it, it's way inappropriate for them.