Red One, directed by Jake Kasdan, attempts a bold fusion of holiday cheer and blockbuster thrills. With a star-studded cast featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Chris Evans, the film aims to reinvent the Christmas movie genre by merging festive whimsy with explosive action. While the ambition is evident, the execution is uneven, leaving audiences with a mixed bag of entertainment.
The story follows Callum Drift (Johnson), the steadfast head of North Pole security, and Jack O'Malley (Evans), a resourceful hacker, as they team up to rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) from the clutches of the cunning Gryla (Kiernan Shipka). Their mission takes them across a sprawling, visually rich holiday world packed with both danger and delight. The premise has undeniable charm—a high-stakes holiday adventure—but the film struggles to balance its action-heavy narrative with the warmth audiences expect from Christmas stories.
Dwayne Johnson brings his signature charisma and physicality to the role of Drift. His performance occasionally feels subdued compared to his usual larger-than-life screen presence, but that's not levied as a criticism, rather a noting of maturity in delivery. Chris Evans equally feels slightly against type as he steps into a less heroic and more cerebral role as the tech-savvy O'Malley, giving a solid performance. The character lacks the depth to make him truly memorable, but then would that be expected from a movie like this? The chemistry between Johnson and Evans, while enjoyable in moments, doesn’t quite reach the dynamic heights you might expect from their star power.
The supporting cast, however, injects much-needed energy. J.K. Simmons shines as Santa Claus, reimagined as a gruff, cookie-loving warrior with a surprising amount of heart. His comedic timing and physicality add levity to the narrative. Kiernan Shipka’s Gryla brings a sinister edge (although she does risk being typecast as 'young witch' on the back of this and the Sabrina reboot), though the character’s motivations could have benefited from greater exploration. Lucy Liu as Zoe, head of the Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority (MORA), adds a touch of bureaucratic wit to the proceedings, though her role feels underutilised, perhaps lost in the final edit.
Visually, Red One is a treat, with vibrant set designs and festive visuals that capture the magic of the holiday season. The North Pole is rendered as a sprawling, fantastical hub that feels alive with Christmas spirit. The action sequences, while plentiful and energetic, sometimes overshadow the film’s lighter moments. The reliance on CGI is evident, and it's largely done very well, adding to the scale of the spectacle.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its willingness to take risks with its storytelling. The blending of action and holiday themes is a fresh concept, and when the film leans into its absurdity, it’s genuinely fun. There are moments of humour and heart that hint at what Red One could have been with a more focused approach. However, the tonal shifts between high-octane action and sentimental holiday moments can feel jarring, making it difficult for the film to establish a consistent identity.
The fact is, it's likely not worth the shelling out to see in a theatre, but fortunately for those with Amazon Prime, Red One is now included on the service (one of the bonuses of Amazon acquiring MGM Studies a couple of years back). So critically (and financially) it did underperform at the box office, with its disjointed narrative and over-reliance on action often cited to its detriment by critics. Audience reactions have been more forgiving, with many enjoying the film as light-hearted, escapist holiday fare. Its Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 90% suggests that, despite its flaws, the film has resonated with a segment of viewers looking for a festive adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Ultimately, Red One is an ambitious attempt to reimagine the Christmas movie for a modern audience. While it doesn’t fully succeed in blending action and heart, it offers enough spectacle and festive charm to make it worth a watch, particularly for fans of Johnson and Evans. It’s a film that asks viewers to embrace its over-the-top premise and enjoy the ride, even if it doesn’t quite stick the landing. As it's now available for home viewing, it's a perfectly enjoyable couple of hours for the whole family or those seeking a holiday film that dares to be different. Red One is not a perfect Christmas classic, but it’s a bold, entertaining effort that could pave the way for more genre-bending holiday stories in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment