Christmas 2020: Fatman (2020)

Sometimes, a movie comes along with such an unbelievably bizarre premise, that you simply have to see it to prove that it exists. A few months ago, a trailer for a film called “Fatman” surfaced. The movie starred Mel Gibson as Santa Claus and, in many ways, seemed to be a typical Mel Gibson movie. That is, with lots of shooting and killing. Not exactly your traditional Christmas faire. Now, I have a complicated relationship with Mel Gibson. Being someone who was raised loving “Lethal Weapon” and “Mad Max,” I have a certain nostalgic fondness for his action hero glory days. At the same time, Gibson's disgusting personal views – and, speaking as a half-Jew, especially his unapologetic antisemitism – has made it hard to enjoy anything he's in anymore. At the same time, I just knew I wouldn't be able to resist “Fatman” this December. 

Santa Claus is old and tired. The world is getting increasingly cynical and there are more bad kids than good ones anymore. Loans are coming due and he doesn't have the cash to pay them, forcing Ol' Saint Nick to take a contract with the U.S. military, much to his chagrin. Meanwhile, spoiled rich kid Billy Wenan – already willing to use intimidation and violence to get what he wants – receives coal for his Christmas present. He recruits a mysterious hit-man, with a lifelong obsession with Santa Claus, to hunt down the mythical figure and put an end to his life. It's not too long before Chris Cringle will have to defend himself from this unhinged killer.

In the world of “Fatman,” Santa Claus isn't just real. He's an accepted fact of daily life. The U.S. government is aware of his existence and partially supports his endeavors. He works with toy companies to fulfil orders and remembers the names of every kid on his list. The elves, given military-style designations, work around the clock to create toys. He's never depicted flying in his magical sleigh, though we briefly meet the reindeer. He lives in a ranch house in the Alaskan wilderness. He's a grouchy old man who is weary about the future of the world. His beard is misty gray and his red suit is very faded. This is a take on Santa Claus so grounded and realistic that, yes, his relationship with Mrs. Claus is romantic and pointedly intimate. 

Trying to do a gritty and grounded take on the most whimsical of childhood fantasies is, of course, a ridiculous idea. On paper, “Fatman” sounds like a parody of dark and edgy reboots. There are times when the filmmakers seem to acknowledge how goofy this whole presentation is. When the military takes over the elves' operation, they are forced to cut the jingle bells off their pointy shoes. Despite that, the General is quickly won over by the holly jolly lifestyle. There are goofy jokes where Mrs. Claus insists Santa checks his list twice and so on. Despite the comedic premise and a number of funny scenes, “Fatman” largely plays it straight. The result is a very odd tonal balancing act. It's as if the movie wants the viewer to react with confused looks and expressions of “They know this is silly, right?”

“Fatman” even attempts a theme and moral. Throughout the film, the bad behavior of children around the globe is referenced. Santa repeatedly wonders if he's even needed anymore. On Christmas Eve, he's actually shot at by some sociopathic kids. This sense of a loss of innocence extends to its demented villain. His bloody attack on Santa's workshop results in lots of R-rated action movie violence, elves getting gunned down in droves. Soon, we discover the personal reason why he has such a grudge against Santa, which links his own violent obsession with the holidays with childhood trauma. The film seems to suggest that childhood innocence is always slipping away but that idea, of believing in charity and giving, is worth holding onto. Which is pretty heady stuff for a film about a Santa Claus that packs heat. 

In order to bring to life such an eccentric script, that is ridiculous and sincere and violent and low-key, a top-shelf cast is required. Mel Gibson plays Santa as, well, a modern Mel Gibson character. He's a grouchy old man who expounds on the woes of the world. At the same time, he does bring a certain gravitas and a quiet humor to the role that works decently. He also has good chemistry with Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Ruth, the sweet if resourceful take on Mrs. Claus. If Gibson and Jean-Baptiste are muted, Walton Goggins chews the scenery as the antagonist. He glares wickedly and schemes villainously when hunting for his next target. The film also has a pretty good spaghetti western style score, which escalates the faux-seriousness of the situation.

Ultimately, I'm really not sure what to make of “Fatman.” It's about as odd as you'd expect from a movie about Santa with this many squibs and gun fights. The movie is not good enough to make its tone, taking the bizarre premise mostly but not quite serious, entirely successful. It's largely the premise and the cast that distinguishes it from your typical direct-to-VOD Saban Films action flick. Yet a part of me has to admire the audacity of even making a movie like this. In the pantheon of Christmas action movies, “Fatman” is unlikely to become a classic. At the same time, I'm sort of glad it exists. [7/10]