Pottersville (film)

Pottersville is a 2017 American Christmas comedy film directed by Michael Scott and starring Michael Shannon, Judy Greer, Ron Perlman, Christina Hendricks, and Thomas Lennon. The film follows Maynard Greiger (Shannon), a beloved general store owner in a small town, who drunkenly stumbles through the woods dressed as Bigfoot after a holiday party. His actions spark a media frenzy and bring tourism to the struggling town of Pottersville as people believe Bigfoot is real.

The plot centers around the town's reaction to the supposed Bigfoot sighting. Initially, Maynard tries to confess the truth, but he is dissuaded by his wife, Janice (Greer), and the mayor (Lennon), who recognize the potential for economic revival. As more people flock to Pottersville hoping to catch a glimpse of Bigfoot, the town becomes a tourist attraction, leading to both humorous and chaotic situations.

The film received largely negative reviews, with critics citing its predictable plot, broad humor, and uninspired execution. While some praised the cast’s performances, the overall consensus was that Pottersville failed to deliver a compelling or original comedic narrative. The film's humor is generally considered slapstick and relies heavily on stereotypes of small-town life and Bigfoot enthusiasts.

Despite the negative critical reception, Pottersville has gained some notoriety for its unusual premise and perceived "so bad it's good" qualities. It is often discussed in the context of holiday films that deviate from the traditional Christmas movie formula.