Fatman

I think Gibson is a pretty good actor, and he isn't slacking here, but this movie is just plain off. It lacks the tongue on cheek outrageousness of 'Violent Night', and it doesn't work on a feel good Christmas movie level either (obviously). The best lines are all in the trailer. the rest of the film feels labored, slow and not very Christmas-magic-ky despite Chris' obvious special talents. Santa works his mojo on a run down farm in Alaska - even his house is run down. The elves' situation seems like a 3rd world sweatshop (although there are cookies), and they are contracted out to the US military. Huh? It is just generally disappointing despite the efforts of the 3 leads.

Graceless and failing badly at the dry humour it promises, this forgettable take seems more like a Mel Gibson power fantasy (an old icon that used to be loved and is now reviled and forgotten, exploited by bad-faith people in suits, guns down his enemies) than anything else. This "macho" version of Santa is just pathetic. It has all the tough-guy clichés: guns, grimaces while healing his own gun-wounds at the bathroom mirror, raging alcoholism, despondency against the system, punching bags to let off steam, muted plaid clothes and general squalor. Add to this the absolute lack of any emotional build-up, of any character development, of anything even remotely resembling a fleshed-out plot and you have this mediocre and humourless flick.

I get a lot of “No Country for Old Men” vibes from this film, and although there probably is some comparison to be made it still stands on its own. Walton Goggins and Mel Gibson is what drew me to this film, and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. 4/5 stars.

My husband and I enjoyed it...

A great take on an old story with a brilliant Mel Gibson and Walton Goggins... entertaining from A-Z...

It’s funny how people have a different view of different films. Fatman has become my Christmas morning movie as the kids have gotten older. I’m not up all night and I can sit and enjoy this movie and story for what it is, a good movie. I love Gibson and Jean-Baptiste’s play against each other and actually thought that it’s a nice touch that Mr. and Mrs. Claus are a biracial couple. If you come looking for a blockbuster, you won’t find it. If you’re here for a good time welcome to the flock.

It's not fun at all. Characters motivations are weak. Everything is a 'Martha' situation. The script is boring. The movie is slow and the jokes are not funny at all. Only movie in my life I've been thinking seriously to leave the cinema.

A New Family Tradition! Gibson is incredible in every scene, as is Goggins. A fantastic movie from start to end. I'd love to see a sequel!

One of my favorite christmas movie. It's an excellent dark comedy with a great cast. Walton Goggins steals the show and Mel Gibson kills it as a disenfranchised Santa. The kid actor was great as well. Lots of laughs for me.

Mel Gibson is fantastic. Good dark twisted adult Christmas classic.