Fatman (Film Review)

2020 Saban Films
Written and Directed by: Eshon and Ian Nelms
Starring: Mel Gibson, Walton Goggins, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste
MPAA Rating: R; Running Time: 100 Minutes
The Nicsperiment Score: 6/10

Kids aren't what they used to be. Chris Kringle used to happily deliver present upon present on Christmas Eve night. Now, the "nice" list is shrinking, the "naughty" list is growing, and kids are using guns to take potshots at his sleigh. As a result, his government contract is shrinking, as his elves are making less toys for which to be reimbursed. The government even wants to rent out part of his equipment to make fighter jets. Struggling to cope, Chris finds himself boozing and firing off rounds with his guns into the empty bottles around his North Pole property. To make matters worse, he's pissed off a sociopathic, naughty-list rich kid. The little ingrate has hired a hitman to take Chris out, and somehow, the assassin hates Santa even more than the kid who hired him. With trouble closing in from all sides, only one thing can save Chris...the steadfast and unwavering love of Mrs. Kringle.
Considering its batshit crazy premise, the most surprising thing about 2020's Fatman is that it plays things absolutely straight. Outside of a few subtle moments of black or dry humor, there are little laughs to be had. Despite its story, setting, and characters, Fatman behaves as if it is a serious film. As Chris, the weathered Mel Gibson finds a surprising amount of pathos in this supernatural man who's losing faith in his cause, and trying to find something to hold onto. As Chris' inarguably better half, Broadchurch's Marianne Jean-Baptiste is that calm and steadying rock. I came to this film expecting goofy, violent slapstick, and instead got a sensitive relationship drama, arguing for the benefits of a healthy marriage...but there's violence too.
As the quirky, bitter assassin, Walton Goggins gives the kind of singular "I don't know why he decided to play it that way, but it's perfect" performance for which he's become famous. While Fatman isn't action-packed, a last act raid on Santa's workshop and a final shootout between the assassin, Chris, and Mrs. Kringle are surprisingly thrilling and well-shot.
Fatman isn't a great film by any means. It drags in spots, and is maybe just a little too dry. I feel like the film could have featured a bit more humor without sacrificing the serious tone it works so hard to achieve. However, this is a competent, rewarding move, and I recommend Fatman to anyone who found any of the above interesting. Now if you'll excuse, I'm gonna go find my wife and tell her that I love her.