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There just aren't enough movies these days that teach us all about the true meaning of Christmas. Am I right?

Well, even if you don't agree with me (the nerve!), The Coen Brothers do. They have chosen to executive produce this Billy Bob Thornton starrer about a couple of felons looking to steal an entire town's holiday spirit. The two criminals take on the appearance of Santa Claus and an elf (who looks nothing like Will Ferrell) in order to rob various malls.

Little do these thieves know that they are about to meet their match in the form of a withdrawn eight-year-old child. Upon getting to know the kid, the size of their hearts grow three sizes, forcing them to re-think their way of life.

All of this happens while the trio are being pursued by a mall security guard (played by the hilarious Bernie Mac). He has been hired by the mall manager (the late John Ritter) to do a little investigative research about these new-in-town costumed clowns.

Ritter was responsible for giving Thornton his big break in acting, a memorable part on the CBS series Hearts Afire. This project was to be a return of the favor for the two friends, but the circumstances have unfortunately changed dramatically since the shoot ended. Even mercenary studio suits feel pangs of guilt over promoting films with deceased actors in them, so Bad Santa has become a bit of a trouble spot for Dimension Films. It's an obstacle BOP hopes that they can overcome because the combination of comedic talents here is very good. Plus, it's oddly appropriate that the man who was always be Jack Tripper should end his film career with this, a part opposite his dear friend.

And we'd see it just for Lauren Graham, anyway. (David Mumpower/BOP)

Vital statistics for Bad Santa Main Cast Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Bernie Mac Supporting Cast Lauren Graham, Cloris Leachman, John Ritter, Joe Bucaro III, Brett Kelly, Ethan Phillips, Ryan Pinkston, Lauren Tom Director Terry Zwigoff Screenwriter John Requa, Glen Ficarra Distributor Dimension Films Trailer Click Here for Trailer Official Site http://www.miramax.com/ Rating R Running Time 93 minutes Screen Count 2,005 Awards Awards page for Bad Santa Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture