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Fatman Blu-ray Review

“Fatman” is a pleasant surprise.

“Fatman” is essentially the story of 3 interconnected character arcs. There’s the bratty, evil, entitled rich kid Billy who, after receiving coal for Christmas, puts a hit out on Santa. There’s the assassin (Jonathan) who takes the assignment from Billy and has his own vendetta against Santa due to the fact that he only ever received one gift from him as a child. Then there’s Chris Cringle himself who is not your grandfather’s Santa. He’s a hard drinking, gun toting, grouchy Santa who is having financial difficulties with keeping his workshop open. In fact, he’s had to take on a military contract in order to pay the bills. Of course, Santa’s problems only worsen once Jonathan seeks him out.

I wasn’t quite sure what to make of this Eshom and Ian Nelms written and directed gritty Christmas movie at first but the movie soon won me over with its unusual tone. It has a dark edge to it, but there’s also a dark comedic edge to it (mostly with the character of Jonathan). But wait, there’s more! “Fatman” doubles as a dramatic action movie filled with death, cynicism, and suspense. One might think this whole movie would be a tongue-in-cheek spectacle by the description, but that’s not how it is played out here. That certainly would be the easy route to take, but instead the Nelms create something fresh, bold, and surprising in the often stale Christmas movie genre. Yes, it might not be for everyone, but for those seeking something out of the norm, seek this one out.

Cast wise, this is essentially a tale of 2 performances. There’s the ever controversial Mel Gibson as the different kind of Chris Cringle and Walton Goggins as Jonathan. Goggins 100% steals this movie as the wisecracking and violent assassin with a grudge against Santa. He even collects other people’s gifts from Santa! Gibson is pretty much Gibson here. Make of that as you will.  

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.40:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a super sharp hi-def transfer.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? This is a nice and layered 5.1 track.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* 6 deleted/extended scenes with optional directors commentary
* 2 storyboard to film comparisons with commentary by directors Ian Nelms and Eshom Nelms.
* An informative commentary by Mel Gibson, Eshom and Ian Nelms, producer Michelle Lang and DP Johnny Derango.

January 24, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Action Movie, Christmas Movie, Dark Comedy Movie, Fatman Blu-ray Review, Mel Gibson, Santa, Walton Goggins