Fatman - Movie Review

 Fatman (2020)

Fatman is an action comedy film starring Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins, and was directed by Eshom Nelms and Ian Nelms. Fatman tells the story of a broken, fed up Santa Claus who must fight an assassin who was sent to kill him by a vengeful kid. Released in 2020 on VOD, Fatman received mixed reviews from critics, but was generally liked by audiences.

THE GOOD

Fatman is a delightful film with good action, a phenomenal performance from Mel Gibson, a glorious twisted, dark tone and sense of humor. The story was fantastic, I was never bored throughout the entire run time, the movie moved at a smooth pace. Mel Gibson gives us one of the best portrayals of Santa Claus of all time in my personal opinion, he really sells that Santa Claus is a broken guy who is fed up of kids growing increasingly violent and naughty. I love how he still has elves in this pretty grim, dark comedy, and they actually look like elves, and their diets are like an elf diet. Walton Goggins is fine in the film, he gives your typical Walton Goggins performance. Chance Hurstfield, who plays the kid, just might be the best part of the movie. He does a fantastic job at playing a selfish, psychotic kid. It was easily one of the best child performances I have seen in a while. The action is surprisingly great, it's all in the final act but when we get into it, it's exciting, brutal and bloody. Yes, this movie is rated R so you parents out there beware that this is not a Santa Claus movie for kids. Actually, cool parents would let their kids watch this, so yes, I recommend this for family movie night. This movie is darkly funny and the tone is delightfully grim.

THE BAD

I don't have any major gripes with this film. I think there could have been a bit more action in the film, for an action movie, there is a lack of action in the first two acts. The story is really good though so it's not a huge problem.

CONCLUSION

Fatman is a fun Christmas flick that demands to be seen. The story is fun, Mel Gibson is a fantastic Santa Claus, the kid is by far the best part of the movie, and the final act is great violent fun. If you find it on Blu-ray like I did, or if you rent it on VOD, give it a watch, you might just enjoy it.

9/10

FILM INFO

Rating:  R (for bloody violence, and language)

Release date:  November 13th, 2020

Run time:  100 min

Studio:  Saban Films