Watch Fatman

Fatman is a 2020 dark action-comedy film directed by Eshom and Ian Nelms, starring Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. The film revolves around a disillusioned Santa Claus, who is at the center of two distinct storylines which intersect in the latter half of the film. The film introduces us to a world where Santa Claus (Gibson) is real, but not viewed in the typical, fantastical way one may imagine. This iteration of Santa is a man who runs a toy factory the rest of the year and delivers his gifts using a delivery company, his only employee (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) overseeing the operation. However, this Santa is also a man grappling with bitterness and existential dread brought about by the current generation of children he delivers presents to. Furthermore, the film introduces us to Billy Wenan (Goggins) an assassin-for-hire who is hired by a wealthy young boy living in a mansion to take down Santa Claus after receiving coal as a Christmas present.

The film is a genre-defying thriller that blends elements from action, comedy, drama, and holiday tropes. The film opens with a montage of a troubled Santa walking through his factory and interacting with his employees, and we can sense the weariness and exhaustion in the atmosphere. It lays down a foundation for the character and his world he operates in. Gibson adds a lot of character to the role, adding both punchlines and depth to Santa's character. The scene where he confronts a child who he had gifted a lump of coal to is a particular highlight and highlights the disillusionment of the character.

On the other hand, Walton Goggins plays the role of Billy Wenan to perfection, showcasing a calculated and precise hitman with a short temper who is looking for his next big score. Goggins is always a treat to watch on screen, and he provides a stark contrast to Gibson's struggling Santa, showcasing just how thin and disillusioning the line between good and evil can be. His character provides a necessary edge to the film and adds to the feeling of impending doom as the two worlds collide towards the climax of the film.

The cinematography of the film is just as impressive as its cast, with a palette that ranges from cold blues and grays to mellow oranges and yellows. It provides an excellent contrast between the snow-covered mountains where Gibson's Santa resides and the fancy mansion where Goggins' character operates. The action scenes are well-choreographed, but it is the moments of the story's quieter beats that resonate the most. The film takes a deep and interesting look at what happens to those who are expected to deliver happiness and joy when they no longer possess those qualities themselves, and the ennui that sets in as a result.

The film's soundtrack is equally impressive, with the music allowing for sweeping moments of introspection and contemplation as well as providing hype during the film's more action-packed sequences. Overall, the Nelms-directed Fatman is a dynamic, exciting, and surprisingly interesting film that defies expectations and provides an avenue to an original storyline. Gibson gives an impressive performance, and Walton Goggins' distinct style adds a layer of tension and suspense to each scene he’s in. The films' bold choices in plot and thematic content add to the allure of it, leaving behind a great sense of originality, thus making it a must-watch film.

In conclusion, Fatman is impressive with its plot, cast, and creativity, making it well worth the watch. The film is a fantastic addition to the dark comedy and action genres, and it stands out with a fresh perspective on a holiday classic.

Fatman is a 2020 action movie. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 40.