Having watched the original film in the lead up reaffirms the amazing amount of visual progress that has happened in the almost quarter century since the original’s release in the mid-nineties. The writers have actually keep pace with the visual progress by creating a satisfying scenario that succeeds in weaving all of the favourite characters seamlessly into the final chapter.

Introducing new characters both super creepy and super current (here’s looking at you Duke Caboom voiced by the prevailing media darling Keanu Reeves) adds to the enjoyment. The underlying themes of family, loyalty and childhood exuberance still runs strong and it gives the film a more valued approach than just being eye candy

I hope the talk about this being the last chapter rings true because it’s a rare thing to end a much loved series on such a high note. There are laughs, tears and a sense of triumph waiting for all that get to see Toy Story 4. Also make sure to stay to the very end as the film has some of the most entertaining crazy credits ever.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/DisneyAUNZ

While some families reminisce over eggnog and brightly wrapped presents, this family gets together with more nefarious endeavours in mind. This time out, it’s the lowest of the low, robbing a charity. The plot is ultra thin and really only used as a device for verbal humour and what humour it is. Even for those with thick skins to surprise, there are some real zingers here.

Kathy Bates gets most of the really outrageous lines and milks them for all they are worth. She also presents quite the utilitarian image of a modern mother covered in bad tattoos and with a jail-yard haircut. She redefines the term mother with hilarious results. Billy Bob returns to one of his funnier roles but is limited in his impact with a script that feeds almost all the good lines to Bates.

Films like Bad Santa 2 go a long way towards balancing out the usual saccharin holiday fare by being as shocking and darkly offensive as possible. Every holiday break film list should include some subversion and Bad Santa 2 fits that bill with aplomb.

Rob Hudson
www.badsanta2.com.au