Mel Gibson’s “Very Weird” & Forgotten Action Thriller That’s “Filled with Violence” Slays on Streaming

by

Mel Gibson is potentially planning a return to the role of Jesus in a new film, The Resurrection of the Christ, slated for 2027. However, he’s also well-known as a successful actor, with memorable performances in films like Lethal Weapon, Mad Max, Braveheart, and Signs. His career has been remarkably diverse, and he’s played a wide range of characters – even a surprisingly disgruntled Santa Claus in a little-known action movie that’s recently gained popularity on streaming services.

Okay, so there’s this movie from 2020 called Fatman that kind of flew under the radar, probably because it came out right when COVID hit. It stars Mel Gibson as a really… cynical Santa Claus. He’s totally burned out and just fed up with everything, and his workshop in Alaska is barely staying afloat. It’s not your typical Christmas movie, that’s for sure! His wife, Ruth, is super supportive, but things get really crazy when a kid actually hires an assassin to take out Santa. Seriously! It’s this weird mix of action, thriller, and Christmas stuff, and there’s even a military angle thrown in. The movie’s about…

Chris Cringle, better known as Santa Claus, is struggling to keep his business afloat and reluctantly teams up with the U.S. military. Things get even more complicated when he finds himself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a professional assassin – all because a clever 12-year-old put coal in his stocking.

The movie Fatman had a brief run in theaters in November 2020, earning only $1.7 million before becoming available to rent or buy online. Surprisingly, it’s now one of the most popular films on Paramount+, likely because it’s almost Christmas and people are looking for holiday movies. However, Fatman isn’t a family-friendly choice – it’s filled with violence, adult situations, and dark comedy, making it best suited for mature audiences.

‘Fatman’ Divided Fans and Critics


Saban Films

The movie Fatman is proving to be quite divisive, with critics and viewers having very different opinions. While critics give it a lukewarm 43% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences seem to really enjoy it, giving it an 84% score. Many viewers found it entertaining, and it’s actually better than some might expect. Some have even praised it as a fresh spin on a classic tale or a potential new family favorite, with one fan capturing the sentiment perfectly.

This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies! It’s a really funny, slightly dark comedy with a fantastic cast. Walton Goggins is incredible, and Mel Gibson absolutely nails his role as a Santa who’s lost his way. The young actor is also really impressive – I laughed so much watching it.

Even though Fatman isn’t quite as good as Violent Night, it’s still an enjoyable action thriller to watch during the holidays. Mel Gibson is fantastic in it, making the movie worth seeing. Add it to your watchlist and stream it on Paramount+ when you have some free time.

Read More

2025-11-05 19:20