The holiday movie season is officially upon us, and the buzz is all about Red One, the new action-comedy flick featuring big names like Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, and J.K. Simmons. Set for release on November 15, this festive film is stirring up quite the chatter, marrying high-octane action with the warm and fuzzy vibes of Christmas. But will it stand the test of time among holiday classics, or will it get lost in the shuffle like last year’s wrapping paper?
Directed by Jake Kasdan, Red One has the premise of Santa Claus getting kidnapped just before Christmas, thrusting us right smack dab in the middle of holiday chaos. J.K. Simmons takes on the role of Santa, also known as Nick (or code name: Red One), who is preparing for the busiest night of his year when things take a turn for the worse. Serving as his head of security is Callum Drift, played by Johnson, who feels disheartened after years of dealing with ungrateful adults. That resignation letter, well, it quickly turns irrelevant as the plot thickens.
Enter Jack O'Malley, portrayed by Evans, who’s not your typical hero. A hacker and struggling dad, he’s sucked back to the North Pole after seeking out the location for his own gains, only to find himself teaming up with Callum to rescue the kidnapped Santa from the clutches of the wicked winter witch, Gryla, played by Kiernan Shipka. If they don’t succeed, Christmas could be ruined forever. No pressure, right?
Even with this star-studded cast, early impressions of the film suggest it may not be the memorable holiday classic folks were hoping for. Critics are pointing out it lacks originality, feeling more like a collection of tired traps and formulas than something fresh and engaging. According to the reviews, the story’s predictability makes it hard to care about the outcome, and viewers may find their minds wandering to other beloved holiday films like Elf, The Grinch, or even Die Hard instead.
“It’s one of those movies where you can’t help but think of all the other holiday films you could be enjoying instead,” one reviewer remarked. The film, with its hefty budget of reportedly over $200 million, might have benefited from stronger storytelling elements. The comedy attempts through one-liners often come across as lackluster, failing to deliver the chuckles expected from such talented actors.
The film is loaded with references to North Pole organizations and complex supernatural mythos, which have left some viewers confused. If the adventurous spirit of action-comedy had been embraced, perhaps the audience would have been more forgiving of its flaws.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for Red One. Some reports highlight the chemistry between Johnson and Evans, hinting at the kind of likable banter viewers crave. Their dynamic apparently helps lift the film, giving it just enough warmth to distract from its chaotic shortcomings. “At least you can say you enjoyed watching these two on screen together,” another critic noted.
With mixed reviews and mildly promising box office projections between $30 million to $33 million for its opening weekend, Red One is becoming the topic of discussions among fans and critics alike. The movie has emerged boasting enough viewer curiosity to possibly shake up holiday box office records, as the film gears up to be one of the strongest openings for Amazon MGM Studios, which previously set the bar with releases like Killer of the Flower Moon.
Social media buzz has played its part, too, with Dwayne Johnson’s Instagram videos racking up millions of views leading up to the release. Many fans shared their excitement for the film, especially its take on holiday mythology and unique action-packed narrative. Comments like, “I’m happy for a Christmas Movie building on mythology!” alongside enthused notes about the visual spectacle, hint at a segment of viewers genuinely thrilled about this unconventional take on the holiday.
Yet, with such enthusiasm from viewers also come critiques. Some are sceptical about the visual effects, with comments pointing toward sloppy CGI work; “This movie makes no sense ... so many fakes in CGI,” suggested one disappointed viewer, highlighting the visual storytelling as its weak point. That same viewer scratched their head, trying to make sense of the film's aesthetics versus its narrative integrity.
If one thing is sure, Red One will be remembered as this holiday season's experimental magnum opus— at least for those who dare to enjoy the chaotic clash of action and Christmas spirit. Whether or not it will join the ranks of those beloved nostalgia-inducing annual highlights remains to be seen, but as they say, all publicity is good publicity. So come late November, the star power behind Red One might just be enough to lure families to theaters, if only for the joy of seeing familiar faces displayed against those festive backdrops.
So, what does the film promise, at least on the surface? A little holiday chaos, adventure, and plenty of opportunities for comedic moments. While its execution leaves some wanting, it does seem poised to spark conversations— if nothing else, it serves as yet another holiday movie for the yearly rotation.
With both kids and adults watching, and the holiday season gathering speed, Red One might find its spot under the tree as something people can enjoy—even if it’s just for the all-star cast leading to some enjoyable moments. Whether the mythology of Santa receiving the action-movie treatment works remains subjective, but the anticipation surrounding its release is undeniably present.
Let’s face it; some will love it simply for who’s on screen, and others may find it their new guilty pleasure. With holiday movie-watching being as much about the shared experience as the plot, Red One might just take flight— just not as high as the magic sleigh of Santa Claus.
