RED ONE breathes new life into the holiday film landscape, seamlessly blending action, comedy, and festive nostalgia in a bold, high-energy spectacle.
Directed by Jake Kasdan, the film stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Chris Evans as an unlikely yet engaging pair. The narrative ambitiously reimagines the holiday season through the framework of a high-stakes mission packed with holiday-themed action and humor.
Johnson brings his well-known mix of charm and muscle, but it’s Evans who shines by embracing a more down-to-earth, relatable character reminiscent of his role in “Ghosted”, moving away from the stoic heroics of Captain America. This shift allows Evans to showcase his range, delivering a playful, self-aware performance that matches Johnson’s larger-than-life persona. The duo's chemistry fuels the film, supported by witty dialogue that keeps the energy high.
A strong supporting cast, featuring Lucy Liu, adds layers of humor and intrigue. A standout is J.K. Simmons as a rugged, action-ready Santa Claus, bringing an unexpected twist to the iconic character. The partnership between Johnson and Evans delivers both laughs and thrilling moments, adding a fresh twist to the holiday-action genre. Kasdan maintains an engaging pace, with only a few slower moments. The set pieces combine classic holiday themes with dynamic action scenes, redefining what a Christmas movie can offer.
The North Pole is shown as a mix of advanced technology and old-world magic, while standout moments like a sleigh chase and snowman combat add a fun, inventive edge.
Visually, RED ONE impresses with vibrant cinematography and well-executed special effects. CGI is used effectively to enhance the festive environment and bring uniqueness to the action scenes.
The movie embraces an exaggerated, over-the-top style, balanced with self-aware humor that keeps it from feeling excessive. The humor is generally effective, though it occasionally leans a bit heavily on holiday puns and clichés. While the script favors spectacle over deep narrative development, leaving some character arcs slightly thin, the consistent light-hearted tone ensures continuous entertainment. The PG-13 rating is well-earned due to occasional language and mature elements, making it more suitable for older audiences.
One refreshing aspect is the incorporation of traditional Christmas folklore, such as nods to Krampus, which infuses an authentic holiday spirit often missing from contemporary Christmas movies. This combination results in a film that feels like a blend of a family-friendly Christmas adventure (reminiscent of “Noelle”) and the action intensity of “Die Hard”.
While RED ONE may not venture into new storytelling territory, it fulfills its promise of delivering a fast-paced, entertaining holiday movie with a twist. Themes of teamwork and surprising heroism echo the true essence of Christmas, wrapped in action-filled sequences and festive visuals. For those looking for a holiday movie that mixes heart, humor, and adventure,
RED ONE is a compelling addition to the seasonal lineup.
RED ONE is in theaters November 15th, 2024.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Daniel Schwartz (Contributor) is a New Jersey native who loves watching movies. His favorite genres include action, comedies, and sci-fi. Click Here to check out Daniel's Articles.