In a world where Santa Claus' influence is waning, a down on his luck Chris Cringle (Mel Gibson) is forced to take on a contract with the US military to make ends meet. But that's not his only problem, because one of those naughty kids (Chance Hurstfield) is none too happy about finding a lump of coal under his Christmas tree, so he puts a contract out on jolly old Saint Nick. And he's picked the perfect hitman for the job - one with a strange obsession with the Fatman.
Now this is my kind of Christmas movie! Bad language, gunfights and explosions, intertwined with some good humour and a little festive cheer; what more can you ask for? The Nelms brothers have struck the right balance between fantasy and reality, and in so doing have created a world where Santa Claus' existence is at least plausible. One in which he is seen as an economic stimulus. It certainly helps that the brothers made some inspired casting choices; as strange as it may sound, Mel Gibson is the perfect man for the titular role. Obviously he can handle the action scenes, not to mention the beard, but he brings more to it than simply looking disgruntled. Through his performance we can feel Chris' struggles with his job, within himself, and with the world at large. A prominent scene sees him almost brought to tears by photos of some of the people he has helped over the years. Gibson can also bring the funny, which tends to come up when Chris uses his ability to recognise anyone and know their naughty/nice history - as one bar patron is shocked to discover.
It's not that hard to believe that Santa would struggle in the 21st century - physically, emotionally, financially - with kids being very different, not to mention a fluctuating workload thanks to that ever changing naughty/nice list. It's lucky then that Chris has a great partner in life and this incredible endeavour we call Christmas. This new take on Mrs Claus (or Ruth as she's known in the movie) may be good at baking cookies but she's also tough as nails, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste carries it well. It's not hard to believe that she's the one who keeps the operation running smoothly. But there's also a genuine chemistry between Jean-Baptiste and Gibson, warmth even, like they really have been at this whole Christmas thing for many, many years.
Despite a fair amount of doom and gloom however, there is some Christmas spirit to be found here, especially in Chris and Ruth's struggle to deliver Christmas no matter what - even if it means some extra work in the off-season. Although I never thought I'd see Mr and Mrs Claus in partnership with the US military, or any military for that matter. That said, it's rather funny seeing a convoy of military vehicles rolling into Santa's grotto, not to mention upgrading the onsite security measures - not that this seems to help much, later on. This oddly realistic (for want of a better word) approach to the holiday myth really is cemented by the performance of Eric Woolfe (Elf 7, workshop foreman) as he explains to the military guys how things work up there. His delivery is fantastic - totally deadpan - and the look he gives Captain Jacobs (Robert Bockstael) when the good captain questions it all - especially the elve's diet - really sells it.
But where things get really interesting is with young Billy Wenan (Chance Hurstfield), and his not so festive decision to hire a hitman to kill Santa Claus. Hurstfield is deliciously evil as what I can only describe as a mini Patrick Bateman. The young actor's chameleon-like approach to the role is perfect, with Billy switching between his two different personas (kid and miniature adult). He and Walton Goggins have a great back and forth, with the latter having to put up with the "Little Shit" and his annoying demands/interruptions. "I'm not shaving off a dead man's beard!" being one of their more colourful exchanges. Goggins brings a deranged intensity to this contract killer, and his mysterious grudge with Santa Claus only adds to this, although it isn't quite as cut and dry as you may initially think.
The Skinny Man's (as Goggin's character is known) methods, as well as his hunt for the Fatman actually make for the funnier parts of the movie, that and his best friend who's dragged along for the ride. Watch out for his phone call to information, in which he asks for the number for Chris Cringle. But the tension continues to build as the hunter closes in on his prey, until we arrive at their inevitable confrontation. Despite being a tad on the short side - I was definitely left wanting more from this duel - it does have a few surprises in store and is a worthy conclusion to this most peculiar of Christmas movies.
If you're looking for an alternative Christmas movie, something a little different to the usual holly jolly stuff, but you still want a little of the spirit, you can't go far wrong with Fatman. It's a fun and interesting look at the life of Santa Claus, at the very least it shines a different light on the man and his work. Maybe the Nelms brothers are providing a warning: don't mess with the Fatman, he's got his eye on you.
8/10
What did you think of Fatman? Will you be adding it to your Christmas movie list? Leave a comment below or find us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also email us at moviemoustache@gmail.com.
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