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The latest Christmas-action film, Red One, unfortunately falls into the trap of being too reminiscent of the numerous movies starring Dwayne Johnson over the past decade. Despite the festive backdrop, this film struggles to carve out its own identity, offering a somewhat predictable experience that may leave viewers wanting more originality and depth.
UNVEILING THE PLOT: In this holiday adventure, Santa Claus, portrayed by J.K. Simmons, is dramatically kidnapped from the North Pole just before Christmas. This prompts his head of security, Callum Drift (played by Dwayne Johnson), to join forces with a potentially unreliable tracker, Jack O’Malley (brought to life by Chris Evans). Together, they embark on a thrilling mission to rescue Santa and save not just Christmas but the entire world from impending chaos!
DETAILED REVIEW OF RED ONE: The film Red One epitomizes what viewers have come to expect from streaming content. While it does receive a theatrical release, its structure and pacing seem engineered to cater to algorithms and audiences seeking an easily digestible family action flick. Clocking in at just two hours, its construction closely mirrors the successful Red Notice, showcasing a series of generic action sequences that feel more like a patchwork of set pieces rather than a cohesive narrative. The film’s design seems aimed at establishing a franchise for Prime Video, but its theatrical debut raises questions about its broader appeal and potential for streaming success as the holiday season approaches.
In all honesty, this type of movie seems better suited for a home viewing experience. In a theater, it can feel like a challenging watch, primarily due to the so-called “buddy” chemistry that never truly develops. Johnson’s character, the principled Callum Drift, is paired with Evans’s scheming Jack O’Malley. The initial tension between them is meant to evoke charm in classic buddy-cop fashion. However, the chemistry falls flat, reminiscent of failed pairings we’ve seen in past films. While some duos hit the mark perfectly, like Deadpool & Wolverine, Johnson and Evans stick too closely to their established roles without bringing any fresh humor or self-awareness to the table. This formula feels repetitive, leaving audiences to wonder if it’s ever truly worked.
Red One immerses viewers in a technologically advanced North Pole, featuring a buff J.K. Simmons as Santa, who runs a security system that could rival the Pentagon’s. Dwayne Johnson plays Drift, Santa’s right-hand man, who has recently resigned, disheartened by the ever-growing naughty list. When Santa’s kidnapping occurs, Drift teams up with Lucy Liu, who plays the head of MORA (Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority), embarking on a quest to rescue Santa and restore holiday cheer.
Director Jake Kasdan, well-versed in crafting films of this nature, previously directed Dwayne Johnson in two Jumanji installments, and Red One follows a similar comedic style. The film attempts to playfully position Johnson as a modern-day ELF, with several jokes about his imposing stature. However, the question arises: is Johnson still the action star we once found intimidating, or has his role become predictable? Audiences have grown accustomed to seeing him portray these larger-than-life yet soft-hearted characters, which detracts from the novelty of his casting.
Chris Evans as Jack O’Malley is similarly uninspiring. His character is introduced as a scoundrel, even stealing candy from a baby in the opening scene, yet he is later revealed to have a strained relationship with his son, suggesting an inevitable arc of redemption. It’s almost a foregone conclusion that by the end of the film, this character will experience a significant change of heart, which detracts from any potential surprise or depth.
Interestingly, Red One has a distinctly Marvel-esque feel, minus the superheroes. It features extensive CGI creatures and an underwhelming villainess, Kiernan Shipka‘s witch, Grýla, who lacks the menace needed to engage viewers. The film feels as though it was created by an algorithm that blended elements of Jumanji, Marvel films, and Christmas cheer, resulting in a product that lacks originality. The screenplay, penned by Chris Morgan, one of the architects of the Fast Saga, is disappointingly generic.
Ultimately, there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking about Red One; its content has been executed far more effectively in other films. For those seeking a truly thrilling Christmas action flick, Violent Night stands out as a superior option. If you’re desperate for light-hearted entertainment suitable for the family, Red One might suffice, but for others, it may simply feel like a missed opportunity—a lump of coal in the stocking.
