Fatman Review

Fatman poster, Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins

 Tis the season to be jolly. Or at least it used to be for Chris Cringle (Mel Gibson). Chris runs his business, but with a steady increase in children becoming violent, Chris and his wife, Ruth (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) can't support their business and are almost unable to pay their elves. When the United States government step in to help Chris and his wife, by proposing a two-month plan, where instead of making toys, the elves will be making parts for a new jet fighter. Much to the disdain of Chris, he feels like he has no choice to go along with the government's plan.

Meanwhile, Chris makes his yearly Christmas visit. One child, Billy Wenan (Chance Hurstfield) who is rich and has the inability to lose, receives coal under the Christmas tree. Billy is visibly upset and vows revenge on the Fatman. 

Billy enlists the help of a hitman, Jonathan Miller (Walter Groggins) who has his own beef with the Fatman. After traveling a distance, the hitman finds Chris, and all hell breaks loose. 

MY 2 CENTS

I liked this movie. Why? Well, I find it was an interesting take on Santa Clause. He obviously wasn't his usual happy self, but this was a Santa that was beaten down by the system. He had put in years at his job, delivering presents to millions of children. He gets disrespected and unappreciated, however despite this, Chris still continues on. 

Chris and Ruth's relationship I enjoyed too. Ruth keeps Chris grounded. When he is getting in way over his head, Ruth is there to pull him back and remind him of the man he is (was). I think that their interaction is what really drives the movie. 

Lastly, Walter Groggins' and Billy Wenan's performances were enjoyable. They are not likable characters with no redeeming qualities. I like how the film keeps its characters' personalities consistent. 

It was good to see Mel Gibson in a lead role. For me, it had been a long time since I last saw him in a film and he hasn't lost a beat. I get that he may not be everyone's cup of tea, but we really can't take away his acting ability or his films.

I give the movie 3.5/5 stars.