Greetings fellow movie goers from around the globe. Thanksgiving is officially over. We got two holidays left in 2025. Christmas & News Year’s Eve. I got plans to watch a few Christmas movies throughout December in order to get into the holiday spirit. My first holiday themed review of December 2025 is an action dark comedy starring Mel Gibson as Chris Cringle struggling to maintain his job during production issues and an assassin (played by Walton Goggins) hired to hunt him down. The Premise I’m referring to is none other than “Fatman.”
Released in 2020, (same year Ghost or Tsushima came out) it received mixed reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Besides reviewing Christmas movies, I have two reasons why I wanna share my thoughts on Fatman.
- Mel Gibson will direct “The Resurrection of the Christ.” A two-part sequel to “The Passion of The Christ” with Jakko Ohtonen taking over Jim Caviezel’s role as Jesus. Parts 1-2 will be released in 2027.
- Walton Goggins will reprise his role as The Ghoul in Fallout’s second season on Prime Video. It’ll stream on December 17, 2025. Approximately eight days before Christmas.
This review contains SPOILERS. Which Christmas movies should I review next? Please leave a comment and don’t forget to subscribe.
Nice & Naughty Aspects
Nice: Mel Gibson & Walton Goggins both did a solid job for their respective performances.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.
An interesting concept of a jaded Santa Claus struggling to maintain production, keeping an eye on many kids during the holiday season. It’s not easy being the big man in a red suit.
Only good part is the battle between Chris & Miller.
Naughty: The Nelms didn’t do a good job crafting a cohesive narrative.
I couldn’t take that spoiled brat, Billy seriously. He looks like the love child of Ben Shapiro & Princess Morbucks from “The Powerpuff Girls.” Billy’s the reason he hired Miller to hunt down Chris. Why does Billy have beef with Chris? The latter gave him coal. What’s next? Rachel Maddow as the magician in a full-length live action movie of “Frosty the Snowman?”
Pacing’s off. Pretty jarring for a 90-minute movie. Too much emphasis on Chris’ financial problems, the military funding his workshop, and lack of proper buildup.
Although labeled as a black comedy action holiday movie, there’s not enough Action Sequences. Only one in The Climax. When I saw a trailer for Fatman, I expected a legit action packed movie with Santa Claus going all out like John Wick. Have Jolly Old Saint Nick riding a tank instead of a sleigh. Heck, ride a fighter jet like Maverick from “Top Gun.”
Near the end, Chris confronts Billy? What does he do? Gives him a warning. Should’ve taken him to a juvenile detention center. Billy has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
The Final Verdict: C, FOR COAL IN STOCKING!
I wanted to like Fatman. The concept of Santa Claus having a hard time during Christmas was interesting. Unfortunately, it was poorly executed. If you wanna see Santa in John Wick mode, I highly recommend “Violent Night.”
Nickthemoviecritic.com 