Film Review: Red One – A Festive Action-Comedy That Falls Short of Holiday Magic

Introduction

The holiday season often calls for movies that deliver either heartwarming cheer or thrilling action—and sometimes, both. Red One, directed by Jake Kasdan and starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, aims to be the ultimate holiday action-comedy hybrid. With a reported $250 million budget and a star-studded cast that includes J.K. Simmons as a buff Santa Claus and Kiernan Shipka as a menacing witch, the film promises high-octane festive fun.

But does Red One deliver on its ambitious premise, or does it fall into the trap of being more spectacle than substance? Let’s dive into the sleigh ride of action, humor, and holiday chaos that defines Red One.

Plot and Characters

The story kicks off with Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), head of the North Pole’s elite E.L.F. (Enforcement, Logistics, and Fortification) unit—a kind of magical SWAT team for Santa Claus. When Santa (J.K. Simmons) is kidnapped by the vengeful witch Grýla (Kiernan Shipka), Callum enlists the help of Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans), a washed-up bounty hunter with a knack for hacking and a troubled past. Together, the unlikely duo embarks on a globe-trotting mission to rescue Santa and save Christmas.

• Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson): An intriguing concept—a towering, ageless elf who can shrink during combat—but the film underutilizes Johnson’s comedic potential in this role. The script leaves his supernatural backstory vague, which might frustrate viewers hoping for more depth.

• Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans): Evans shines as a snarky, down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, bringing charisma and impeccable comedic timing. His portrayal of Jack’s reluctant heroism provides the emotional core of the movie, though the subplot of his strained relationship with his daughter feels rushed.

• Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons): Portraying Santa as a muscular, battle-ready figure, Simmons offers a fresh take on the beloved character. While his role is limited, his presence adds gravitas and humor to the story.

• Grýla (Kiernan Shipka): Shipka’s performance as the villainous witch is competent but lacks the menace or charm needed to make her a standout antagonist.

The buddy-cop dynamic between Johnson and Evans is undoubtedly the highlight, with their banter and camaraderie elevating otherwise mediocre material.

Visuals and Action

For a film with a staggering budget, Red One delivers uneven visuals and action sequences:

1. Global Locations: While the story spans various international settings—including the North Pole—the visual representation of these locales feels generic and uninspired. Many scenes appear to have been filmed on studio backlots, diminishing the grandeur the plot demands.

2. Action Sequences: Despite Johnson’s proven action credentials, the fight scenes lack originality. Callum’s ability to shrink during combat, while a unique idea, is executed in a way that feels more gimmicky than thrilling.

3. Production Design: The North Pole’s depiction is serviceable but lacks the whimsical charm or immersive magic seen in other holiday films like Elf or The Polar Express.

The film’s visuals don’t always match its ambitions, leaving viewers with a sense of unrealized potential.

Themes and Tone

One of Red One’s biggest struggles is its tonal inconsistency.

1. Self-Aware Comedy: The film flirts with meta-humor, poking fun at holiday clichés, but these moments are sporadic and often feel forced.

2. World-Building: Attempts to establish the E.L.F. unit and its connection to a larger magical framework feel like setup for a potential franchise, but they come at the expense of a cohesive narrative.

3. Family Themes: Jack’s journey to reconnect with his estranged daughter provides emotional grounding, but the resolution feels rushed and lacks the depth needed to resonate.

While the film has moments of genuine humor and heart, it never fully commits to being either a parody or a sincere holiday movie, leaving it stuck somewhere in between.

Performances

The cast’s collective charisma is what keeps Red One watchable:

• Dwayne Johnson: While Johnson’s natural charm is evident, his performance feels restrained. The film misses an opportunity to fully embrace the comedic possibilities of an oversized elf with supernatural abilities.

• Chris Evans: Evans steals the show, balancing sarcasm, wit, and a surprising amount of vulnerability. His Jack O'Malley feels like a real person navigating an absurd situation, making him the most relatable character.

• J.K. Simmons: A muscular, action-ready Santa is an inspired choice, and Simmons brings both humor and gravitas to the role.

• Lucy Liu and Kristofer Hivju: Liu as the leader of MORA and Hivju as Krampus deliver solid, if underutilized, performances.

The chemistry between Johnson and Evans carries the film, offering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments even when the script falters.

Themes and Narrative

At its heart, Red One explores familiar holiday movie themes—family, redemption, and the magic of Christmas—but it struggles to do so with originality:

• Redemption Arc: Jack’s storyline as a neglectful father seeking to reconnect with his daughter has emotional potential but is too underdeveloped to leave a lasting impact.

• Good vs. Evil: Grýla’s motivations are thinly sketched, and her conflict with Santa lacks the stakes needed to drive the narrative.

• Christmas Magic: While the film incorporates magical elements, they feel like afterthoughts rather than integral parts of the story.

The narrative leans heavily on genre tropes without adding much new, resulting in a film that feels derivative rather than groundbreaking.

Comparisons to Holiday Classics

Red One borrows elements from holiday classics like Elf, Arthur Christmas, and Rise of the Guardians, but it doesn’t reach the same level of charm or innovation:

• Like Elf: It features an oversized elf navigating a human-dominated world, but lacks the warmth and humor that made Elf a beloved classic.

• Like Arthur Christmas: It incorporates high-tech Santa operations but doesn’t explore them in enough depth to feel fresh.

• Like Rise of the Guardians: It introduces action-packed takes on holiday legends, but without the cohesive storytelling or emotional resonance.

Ultimately, Red One feels more like an imitation of these films than a worthy successor.

Strengths

1. Star Power: The chemistry between Johnson and Evans is electric, carrying the film even when the script falters.

2. Lighthearted Entertainment: Red One works as a popcorn flick for families looking for festive action and humor.

3. Unique Premise: The concept of a magical North Pole security force has potential, even if it isn’t fully realized.

Areas for Improvement

1. Narrative Depth: The film’s plot feels shallow, prioritizing spectacle over substance.

2. Visual Cohesion: Despite its budget, the visuals lack the polish and creativity expected from a film of this scale.

3. Underdeveloped Villain: Grýla is a missed opportunity, offering little in terms of memorable antagonism or motivation.

   
   

Cultural Impact

Red One likely won’t achieve the status of holiday classics like Home Alone or Die Hard, but its star-studded cast and lighthearted tone may make it a staple of holiday streaming platforms and cable TV reruns.

While it may not redefine the holiday genre, Red One could pave the way for more ambitious sequels if its world-building is expanded upon in future installments.

Target Audience

This film is best suited for:

• Families: With its mix of humor and action, Red One is a safe bet for holiday family movie nights.

• Fans of Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans: Their charisma and chemistry are the film’s main draws.

• Holiday Movie Enthusiasts: For those looking to add a festive action-comedy to their seasonal lineup.

Personal Impact

While Red One didn’t fully deliver on its premise, I found myself entertained by the dynamic between Johnson and Evans. The film’s lighthearted tone makes it an easy watch, even if it lacks the depth or originality to leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion

Red One is a holiday action-comedy that coasts on the charisma of its leads and the novelty of its premise. While it offers moments of genuine entertainment, its lack of originality and uneven execution prevent it from becoming a true Christmas classic.

For viewers seeking a fun, low-stakes holiday diversion, Red One delivers enough laughs and action to justify a watch. However, those hoping for a fresh take on the holiday genre or a standout performance from its A-list cast may find themselves wishing for more.

As it stands, Red One is a festive popcorn flick that entertains in the moment but fades quickly—like a sparkler on Christmas Eve.

Enjoyed this review? Subscribe to That Love Podcast’s newsletter for more insights into films, books, and culture! Share this review with fellow movie lovers and spread the holiday cheer.

For more inspiring content, explore Transform Your Life and That Blissful Wellness Podcast.

FAQ

1. What is Red One about?

The film follows an elite North Pole elf (Dwayne Johnson) and a bounty hunter (Chris Evans) teaming up to rescue Santa Claus from a vengeful witch.

2. Who stars in Red One?

The film features Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons, Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Liu, and Kristofer Hivju.

3. Is Red One suitable for families?

Yes, it’s a lighthearted action-comedy suitable for family viewing.

4. How does Red One compare to other holiday movies?

While entertaining, it lacks the charm and originality of classics like Elf or Home Alone.

5. Will there be a sequel to Red One?

The film’s world-building hints at potential sequels, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

6. What is the tone of Red One?

The film blends action-comedy with festive elements, attempting to balance lighthearted humor with high-stakes adventure.

7. What is Dwayne Johnson’s role in Red One?

Johnson plays Callum Drift, a larger-than-life elf and head of Santa’s North Pole security team, tasked with saving Christmas.

8. What makes Red One unique?

Its combination of holiday cheer, action-packed sequences, and the star power of Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans sets it apart from traditional Christmas movies.

9. Are there memorable action scenes in Red One?

While the action is enjoyable, it doesn’t break new ground. Some sequences, like Callum’s shrinking combat ability, feel underwhelming despite their creative premise.

10. Should I watch Red One this holiday season?

If you’re a fan of Johnson and Evans or looking for a fun, easygoing holiday movie, Red One is worth a watch. However, if you’re expecting a groundbreaking Christmas classic, you might be disappointed.