Fatman (2020)

Ho-Ho-Holy shit!  Santa smokes!  He carries a flask with him!  He cusses like mothertruckin’ sailor, too!  And, when the shit hits the fan, he jumps into action in a snowy shootout with a hitman that a child has hired to kill the jolliest man alive.  This is the wild territory of Fatman.

"It won’t be for everyone, but when it comes to making a modern day Holiday film, Fatman ain’t half bad."


That’s right.  Santa has a price put on his head thanks to a spoiled rich boy (Chance Hurstfield as Billy Wenan) after he receives a lump of coal when he cheats in a Science Fair.  Billy has been neglected by his parents and, pissed by Santa’s actions, turns to “Skinny Man” (Walton Goggins as Jonathan Miller) for some killing support.  Miller hates Santa, too, blaming him for his own miserable life and is more than happy to put an end to Cringle and his Toy Shop.

Forget about Christmas miracles.  Fatman is grounded in the gritty here and now and presents viewers with a very modern take on the legend of Santa Claus, his elves, and all the toy he makes for kids who are less than appreciative.  Years of this has gone on and, as the Christmas spirit dwindles, so too does Cringle’s attitude toward it all.

Life has changed for Cringle and his wife (Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Ruth Cringle).  Cringle blows off steam with target practice in the backyard and Ruth, who is his calming influence, knows that they need the Government’s subsidies to maintain their warehouse and their workforce.  That’s right, Santa is working for the army now, building jet fighters in the off season.  Fatman (2020)

Things are bleak in North Peak, Alaska.  Hell, things are bleak all over which is sort of the point in this darker than dark comedy and, yes, we are talking about the REAL Santa here, too.  The film might take its time with admitting that, but there it is . . . which makes this tale even more curious as the violence ramps up into an over-the-top showdown which sees a leg-mounted spring blade wounding our bearded hero before his eye is, in fact, removed.

But, hey, Santa is immortal, right?  RIGHT?!?!?!

I’ll tell you what is for certain in Fatman and that’s the fact that Santa is pissed.  Which is why Mel Gibson makes for the perfect casting in this wild tale of fantasy, violence, bad spirits, and (finally) a bit of the old-fashioned Christmas cheer.  While it is (unfortunately) not a straight-out comedy, Fatman is completely committed to telling the tale of a down-and-out Chris Cringle (Gibson) who is at odds with the 21st century, its consumerism, and its lack of compassion.  

Written and directed by Eshom Nelms and Ian Nelms, Fatman is not as gonzo as I wanted it to be.  It might be outrageous in its reimagining of the titular figure, but it presents him and the explosive situations that follow the film’s opening with a levelheaded response to making a believable action flick.  The events in Fatman might sound crazy, but everything comes across as very believable.  Too believable.  This is a movie where the cookies left for Santa are made with salt instead of sugar and the milk is laced with fentanyl.  It won’t be for everyone, but when it comes to making a modern day Holiday film, Fatman ain’t half bad.

Fatman is now on blu-ray thanks to Paramount Pictures.  'Tis the Season to get even!

3/5 beers

 

Fatman (2020)

Blu-ray Details

Home Video Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Available on Blu-ray
- January 26, 2021
Screen Formats: 2.39:1
Subtitles
: English, English SDH, Spanish
Audio:
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; single disc
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A

To save his declining business, Chris Cringle (Mel Gibson), also known as Santa Claus, is forced into a partnership with the U.S. military. Making matters worse, Chris gets locked into a deadly battle of wits against a highly skilled assassin (Walton Goggins), hired by a precocious 12-year-old after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking. 'Tis the season for Fatman to get even, in the action-comedy that keeps on giving. 

Video:

Framed in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, Paramount’s 1080 transfer makes for a solid viewing.  The snowy setting is blindingly white, yet nothing takes away from the details in the picture.  Dark levels are pristine.  There are shadows in the flick and those are defined well by the digitally shot movie.  Details crackle with expression and textures.  Smooth with its use of colors, this low budget flick is a thrill to watch unfold.  Blacks are deep and shadowed with thick edges and colors are bright during the daytime scenes.  Overall, this is a solid release.

Audio:

Turn it up and wait for the gunshots.  Your ears will ring thanks to the dynamic DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack attached with this release.  A digital copy code is also included.

Supplements:

Commentary:

  • Actor Mel Gibson, Directors Eshom Nelms and Ian Nelms, Producer Michelle Lang, and Cinematographer Johnny Derango all provide thoughtful commentary as the picture plays.  The back and forth banter is solid throughout.

Special Features:

Fans of Fatman will appreciate what is being offered here, especially the commentary.  

  • Audio Commentary 
  • Deleted and Extended Scenes 
  • Storyboard to Film Comparison with Director's Commentary

Blu-ray Rating

  Movie 3/5 stars
  Video  4/5 stars
  Audio 4/5 stars
  Extras 3/5 stars

Overall Blu-ray Experience

3.5/5 stars


Film Details

Fatman (2020)

MPAA Rating: R for bloody violence, and language.
Runtime:
110 mins
Director
: Eshom Nelms, Ian Nelms
Writer:
Ian Nelms, Eshom Nelms
Cast:
Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins, Marianne Jean-Baptiste
Genre
: Comedy | Action
Tagline:
You know the man. You know the legend. But you don't know the real story.
Memorable Movie Quote: "I'm sorry son... there's a limit to what I can do... I couldn't replace your parents"
Theatrical Distributor:
Saban Films
Official Site:
Release Date:
November 13, 2020
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
January 26, 2021.
Synopsis: To save his declining business, Chris Cringle (Mel Gibson), also known as Santa Claus, is forced into a partnership with the U.S. military. Making matters worse, Chris gets locked into a deadly battle of wits against a highly skilled assassin (Walton Goggins), hired by a precocious 12-year-old after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking. 'Tis the season for Fatman to get even, in the action-comedy that keeps on giving.

 

Art

Fatman (2020)