Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Released 11-15-2024
Watched 11-17-2024
Reviewed 11-19-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"There’s worse ways to go out than trying to save Santa Claus."
“Red One” offers a refreshing, action-packed addition to the holiday movie landscape, blending Christmas cheer with a unique spin on Santa’s story. Directed by Jake Kasdan and featuring a star-studded cast led by Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, the film is an entertaining family-friendly adventure that brings some unexpected holiday legends to life. As the head of North Pole security, Johnson’s character, Callum Drift, must team up with a notorious hacker, Jack O’Malley (Evans), to rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons). The movie delivers humor, action, and festive warmth, making it a worthwhile experience for all ages.
At its heart, “Red One” successfully reinvigorates the Santa mythos by exploring intriguing elements of Christmas folklore. The introduction of Krampus, Santa’s estranged brother, and Grýla, a winter witch, adds an exciting twist to the usual holiday film setup. Instead of merely presenting Krampus and Grýla as villains, the movie explores their backstories, providing depth and making them compelling additions to the holiday universe. These antagonists keep the narrative fresh and give parents something unique to enjoy as they watch alongside their kids.
The film also excels in creating a sense of holiday spirit while balancing adventure with comedy. Johnson and Evans have great on-screen chemistry, with Evans playing the charmingly roguish hacker who ultimately discovers his own holiday spirit. Their contrasting personalities lead to plenty of humorous moments, and their camaraderie adds warmth to the film. J.K. Simmons as Santa brings a touch of gravitas to the role, capturing a Santa who is both kind-hearted and formidable.
Visually, the film is a treat. With a production budget that’s clearly well-spent, the North Pole and its magical equipment are vividly imagined. The holiday setting is rich in color and detail, making it a pleasure to watch on the big screen. The action scenes are well-executed, providing a balance between festive fantasy and lighthearted intensity suitable for family audiences.
While “Red One” isn’t likely to dethrone holiday classics like Elf or The Grinch, it holds its own as a movie worth rewatching during the holiday season. Its action-comedy approach may be polarizing for critics, but for families looking for something new and entertaining, “Red One” fits the bill. It’s fun, it’s heartwarming, and it celebrates the importance of family and redemption in a way that aligns perfectly with the season.
Though it may not be destined for “new classic” status, “Red One” is a welcome addition to the Christmas movie lineup. It brings back some holiday magic and introduces mythological elements that make it more than just another Christmas caper. For families and kids excited about festive adventure, this is one worth catching in theaters and adding to the yearly rotation.
Comments