Mel Gibson's 'Fatman': Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about the black comedy action thriller
The last we saw Mel Gibson, he was a grumpy cop in 'Force of Nature', which was a damp squib. He is now back as Santa Claus in Eshom Nelms 'Fatman', a black comedy action thriller. It is an interesting plotline that sees plot an unorthodox Santa Claus who must fend off an assassin sent by a vengeful kid to kill him. And with Christmas just a month away, the timing could not be perfect to start off with some Xmas-themed films to end what has been a forgetful year.
The film opened to mixed reviews when it hit screens on November 13, and as we await the VoD release on November 24, here's a quick primer about the flick
Release date
'Fatman' releases on November 24 on VoD.
Plot
The official synopsis reads: "To save his declining business, Chris Cringle, also known as Santa Claus, is forced into a partnership with the US military. Making matters worse, Chris gets locked into a deadly battle of wits against a highly-skilled assassin, hired by a precocious 12-year-old, after receiving a lump of coal in his stocking."
Trust Gibson to mash a cute Christmas story with some intense action. The film has a 43% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with the consensus reading: "Fatman takes a surprisingly serious approach to a potentially ludicrous twist on the Santa Claus legend, aiming for edgy but mostly missing the mark."
Cast
Mel Gibson as Chris Cringle
Mel Gibson is best known for 'Mad Max' and as Martin Riggs in the buddy cop film series 'Lethal Weapon'. The Academy Award winner with an extensive list of films plays Chris Cringle, a man frustrated with the way the world works. Gibson's best work includes, 'Hamlet', 'Braveheart', 'Payback' and 'The Patriot'.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Ruth Cringle
The Academy Award nominee is known for her role in the 1996 comedy-drama film 'Secrets & Lies'. Jean-Baptiste plays Ruth Cringle, Chris' wife in 'Fatman'.
Walton Goggins as Jonathan Miller
The Primetime Emmy Award nominee has been one of the renowned names in Hollywood. He is known for playing Billy Crash in 'Django Unchained' and Chris Mannix in 'The Hateful Eight'. He plays Johnathan Miller in the film, and his character nurses a personal grudge against Cringle.
Chance Hurstfield, Susanne Sutchy, Eric Woolfe round up the rest of the cast.
Writer/Director
'Fatman' is written and directed by Eshom Nelms and Ian Nelms. The list of producers includes Todd Courtney, Nadine de Barros, Brandon James, Michelle Lang, Robert Menzies, and Lisa Wolofsky.
Trailer
If you like this, you'll love these:
'Home Alone'
'Santa Claus is comin' to Town'
'One Magic Christmas'
'Jingle All the Way' and
'Deck the Halls'
