Dwayne Johnson, affectionately known as "The Rock," is making headlines not just with his film projects but also through heartwarming family moments. This holiday season, Johnson's new Christmas movie, Red One, directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Chris Morgan, hits theaters. With a massive budget of $250 million, expectations were high, but early reviews have labeled it as a “festive flop.”
The action-comedy centers around the high-stakes adventure of rescuing kidnapped Santa Claus, voiced by JK Simmons. Johnson plays the top operative called to the rescue, partnering with Chris Evans, who portrays an accomplished tracker. Joining them are actors Lucy Liu, Bonnie Hunt, and Kiernan Shipka.
Despite the impressive cast and financial backing, critics haven't held back their harsh evaluations. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter described the film as “so ugly, artificial, and overlong” it could disillusion children about the magic of Christmas. He lamented, “This holiday entry, which could almost have been called A Fast & Furious Christmas, is the equivalent of a lump of coal in your Christmas stocking.”
Alison Willmore from Vulture echoed similar sentiments, stating, “If Red One were a disaster, it’d be more interesting. Instead, it’s technically passable, transparently stitched together from parts scavenged from other movies.” Among other critics, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian called the film “profoundly depressing and blandly sentimental,” reflecting the widespread disappointment.
Even the usually upbeat Luke Hearfield took to social media, tweeting, “Yeeesh! I don’t have the energy to sugarcoat it today guys, Red One is pretty bad,” expressing concern over the movie’s intended audience. He remarked, “It’s so unsure of itself. The writing is lame, the CGI ain’t up to par, and the cast chemistry doesn’t quite gel.”
One critic, William Bibbiani from The Wrap, offered a milder take, stating, “I actually kind of like it. It’s a reasonably entertaining three-star blockbuster with some fun ideas.” It seems opinions on Red One may diverge, but the initial wave of reviews paints a challenging picture for the film.
While Johnson's film dreams may have gotten off to rocky beginnings this holiday season, the actor also has delightful personal news to share. Behind the scenes, his daughters Jasmine and Tiana are making their mark with voice roles for the highly anticipated Moana sequel. On November 21, Johnson's wife, Lauren Hashian, shared an upbeat video on Instagram showcasing the girls as they stepped excitedly onto the recording booth at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
“Much Better Than Daddy!” Johnson reportedly joked as his daughters brought their energy and charm to the project. Dressed alike, Jasmine, 8, and Tiana, 6, are set to voice characters whose details remain closely guarded, but their counterparts appear to reflect their ages closely.
Lauren Hashian described the experience as “the sweetest and FUNNEST day,” expressing the family's joy at having their children involved with something they adore. “So exciting; the munchkins got to voice characters for Moana 2!! The MOANA-BE’s! Moana’s mini fan club on her island,” she wrote, noting just how meaningful the franchise has been for the girls.
The plot of Moana 2 follows the titular character (voiced again by Auli’i Cravalho) three years after her first voyage, embarking on another high-seas adventure. Johnson returns as the demigod Maui, bringing with him not just his talent but also his family as they leap back again for storytelling magic.
“I can't wait for fans to see the film, the technology, the effects, cutting edge. We all really went for it,” Johnson told Entertainment Tonight. He highlighted the advanced animation tech and the stunning visuals reflecting the pulse of the ocean, enhancing the film's storytelling substantially.
Moana 2 is set to make its theatrical debut on November 27, 2023, shortly after the release of Red One. Johnson's enduring dedication to family remains palpable as he blends personal moments with professional endeavors. This holiday season promises to showcase his multifaceted career and family life, setting the stage for both festive cheer and animated adventure.
Fans eagerly await what both films hold; yet beyond the reviews and early critiques, there's no denying the importance of family bonds and the magic of storytelling. Dwayne Johnson continues to captivate audiences both on-screen and off, with stories and experiences aimed to touch hearts around the globe.
