The opening shot of “Fatman” lingers on Mel Gibson‘s disheveled Santa Claus, a cigarette dangling from his lips as he stumbles through his North Pole workshop. It’s an image that perfectly encapsulates the film’s irreverent tone—a Santa who’s more grumpy old man than jolly gift-giver.

Directed by Ian Nelms and Eshom Nelms, “Fatman” is a black comedy action film that takes its premise seriously: a down-on-his-luck Santa Claus (Gibson) is targeted for assassination by a wealthy, neglected 12-year-old (Chance Hurstfield) after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking. The film aims for edginess with its dark humor and violent twists on the classic Santa Claus legend.

What works best about “Fatman” is Gibson’s performance. He brings a world-weary, cynical energy to the role that makes his Santa feel real—exhausted from decades of work, frustrated with the modern world’s consumerism, and struggling to keep his business afloat. His chemistry with Walton Goggins’ hitman character, Skinny Man, is another highlight. Their tense standoffs and witty exchanges add a layer of depth to what could have been a one-note villain.

The film’s action sequences are well-choreographed and executed, particularly the North Pole workshop shootout that serves as the film’s climax. The Nelms brothers handle these scenes with a sense of urgency and style that keeps the audience engaged.

However, “Fatman” stumbles in its pacing and storytelling. The first half of the film is bogged down by exposition and setup, making it feel slow and uneven. The plot relies heavily on its slightly clever gimmick—the idea of Santa being targeted for assassination—which isn’t enough to sustain the film’s runtime. Additionally, some jokes fall flat, and certain characters, like Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s Ruth, feel underdeveloped.

The film’s attempt at originality is commendable but ultimately falls short. While it tries to carve out a unique identity within the Christmas movie genre, it often feels like a mishmash of various influences—Die Hard-esque action, dark comedy, and fantasy elements—that don’t always blend seamlessly.

“Fatman” is a film that takes risks but doesn’t always pay off.

Tags: action, Mel Gibson, Eshom Nelms, Fatman, Ian Nelms, Marianne Jean-Baptiste