Fatman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Santa gets coal in his stocking from a disgruntled kid, so he hires a hitman who’s REALLY into hamsters to get revenge, but Santa’s wife is secretly the best shot in the North Pole and saves the day.

🍿 Fatman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Santa’s Financial Struggles

Chris Cringle, aka Santa Claus, is facing a crisis. Fewer children are making the ‘nice’ list, leading to a decline in toy production and, subsequently, a significant drop in government subsidies. He’s struggling to maintain his workshop and provide for his elves and his wife, Ruth.

The Military Contract

Desperate to keep his operation afloat, Chris reluctantly accepts a contract with the U.S. military to utilize his elves’ crafting skills for producing components. This decision weighs heavily on him, as it deviates from the traditional purpose of his workshop and forces him to confront the changing times. The elves also resent making components and long for making toys again. The new contract does give them hope for their jobs.

Billy’s Revenge Plot

Meanwhile, Billy Wenan, a spoiled and entitled 12-year-old, is furious after receiving a lump of coal from Santa. Fueled by his anger and a history of malicious behavior, he hires a hitman named Skinny Man to assassinate Santa. Billy has had issues with his parents not being around and this leads to his bad nature. Billy previously hired Skinny Man to intimidate a student who beat him in a science fair.

Skinny Man’s Personal Vendetta

Skinny Man is more than just a hired gun; he harbors a deep-seated resentment towards Santa Claus stemming from his own childhood experiences. This personal vendetta amplifies his determination to carry out Billy’s contract, setting him on a collision course with Chris Cringle. Skinny Man has guns that are named after Santa’s reindeer.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Chris Cringle (Mel Gibson): A jaded and struggling Santa Claus forced to make tough choices to save his declining business.
• Skinny Man (Walton Goggins): A highly skilled assassin hired by Billy with a personal vendetta against Santa.
• Ruth (Marianne Jean-Baptiste): Chris’s supportive and resourceful wife who helps him navigate his challenges.
• Billy Wenan (Chance Hurstfield): A spoiled and vengeful 12-year-old who hires a hitman after receiving a lump of coal.
• Captain Jacobs (Robert Bockstael): A U.S. military captain who offers Chris a contract to produce jet fighter components.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Skinny Man: “I’ve come for your head, Fat Man!” – The hitman declares his intention upon finally confronting Santa Claus.
• Chris: “You think you’re the first? You think I got this job because I’m fat and jolly?” – Santa responds to the hitman, implying he’s faced many challenges and is not just a jolly figure.
• Chris: “Maybe it’s time I retired the coat.” – Chris expresses his disillusionment and questions his purpose as Santa due to the increasing number of ‘naughty’ kids and the decline in Christmas spirit.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $278,378
• Worldwide Gross: $1,651,413

💥 Fatman Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I went into this expecting a total train wreck, but I was pleasantly surprised! Mel Gibson as a grumpy, gun-toting Santa is just so wrong it’s right. The action scenes were surprisingly intense, and Walton Goggins is always amazing. I actually felt bad for Santa struggling with his ‘business’ in the age of naughty kids. It’s definitely not your typical Christmas movie, but if you like dark humor and a bit of violence with your holiday cheer, give it a shot!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy unconventional Christmas stories”
  • “Adults looking for a satirical take on holiday traditions”
  • “Those who appreciate Mel Gibson and Walton Goggins’ performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Profanity”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Fatman is a darkly comic riff on the Santa Claus mythos, benefiting from strong performances by Mel Gibson and Walton Goggins. It’s a strange blend of genres that ultimately works, providing a unique and cynical twist on the holiday season, even if some of the thematic elements feel underdeveloped.
• Variety: “The film’s audacious concept doesn’t always translate into consistent entertainment. Gibson delivers a compelling portrayal of a world-weary Santa, but the tonal shifts between dark comedy and violent action can be jarring. Walton Goggin’s hitman is darkly funny and keeps you engaged.

Audience Reactions

Mel Gibson’s portrayal of a jaded, world-weary Santa Claus was a standout.: Viewers appreciated the film’s dark humor and unique take on the Santa mythos.

Walton Goggins’ performance as the quirky, hamster-loving hitman was a highlight for many.: The film’s action sequences were surprisingly well-executed and engaging.

Overall Consensus: Fatman is a divisive but entertaining dark comedy that puts a unique spin on the Santa Claus story. While not for everyone, those who enjoy dark humor and unconventional Christmas movies may find it enjoyable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in Canada to take advantage of tax incentives and to achieve the snowy, remote locations needed for the story.”
• “The directors, Eshom and Ian Nelms, are brothers who co-directed the film, bringing a unique collaborative vision to the project.”
• “The casting of Mel Gibson as Santa Claus was a deliberate choice to subvert expectations and create a more unconventional and gritty portrayal of the character.”

🖥️ How to Watch Fatman?

Fatman is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV, where you can rent or purchase the movie. Check local listings for television airings. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Fatman, you might like these similar films:

• Bad Santa (2003): Shares a darkly comedic and subversive take on the Santa Claus myth, with a flawed and unconventional protagonist.
• John Wick (2014): Features a skilled assassin facing off against numerous enemies with intense action sequences, similar to the hitman’s pursuit of Santa.
• Die Hard (1988): An action-packed film set during Christmas, where the protagonist must fight against overwhelming odds, comparable to Santa’s fight for survival.
• Violent Night (2022): Another action film that subverts the Santa Claus myth by having Santa fight bad guys.

🛒 Fatman Related Products

• Fatman Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the official Fatman movie poster, perfect for fans of the film and collectors of movie memorabilia.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Fatman – Santa: A Funko Pop! figure featuring Mel Gibson’s Chris Cringle from the movie Fatman. Complete with his signature scowl and tactical gear.
• The Art of Fatman: Behind the Scenes: An e-book featuring concept art, storyboards, and interviews with the cast and crew of Fatman, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.
• Coal Soap: A novelty soap shaped like a lump of coal. A playful reminder of the movie’s central plot device.

🎧 Soundtrack

Fatman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Deck the Halls” – performed by The Stellar Singers
• “Carol of the Bells” – performed by Instrumental Version

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Fatman – Movie Review

Thinking about watching Fatman but unsure? Jeremy Jahns breaks down whether Mel Gibson as Santa fighting assassins is actually any good. I always trust his reviews, so I’d definitely check this out before deciding!

Fatman – Mel Gibson’s Santa Fighting Assassins Movie – Best Christmas Movie Ever

Okay, so is ‘Fatman’ *really* the best Christmas action movie ever? This video makes a pretty compelling case for it, especially if you’re a fan of Mel Gibson going full Santa-Rambo. Definitely worth a watch for a different perspective!

✨ Rate