Red One is a story about rescuing a kidnapped Santa. Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) is over it. For as long as he can remember, Cal has overseen security at the North Pole. His primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons). But as the years have gone on, Cal only sees a rise in cynicism. More people than ever are on the Naughty List, and the decline in spirit has taken an emotional toll. Right before Christmas Eve, unknown forces breach Santa’s village. The villains abscond with Saint Nick, putting the holiday at risk. As Cal prepares to find Santa, he realizes he’s going to need help. Cal reluctantly teams up with Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), a famous hacker and bounty hunter. Unfortunately, Jack’s persistent skepticism and selfishness about Christmas are the exact things fueling Cal’s disillusionment. Working together will not be easy.
What works in Red One is the mix of humor, action, and lore. Johnson and Evans have fantastic comedic chemistry as a mismatched pair. Watching them go to toe to toe with wit is an absolute delight. Next, director Jake Kasdan (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) really knows how to stage a fun adventure sequence. He picks locales across the globe to stage thrilling chases and battles, all of which make creative use of each environment. Finally, the screenplay by Chris Morgan (multiple Fast & Furious films) is a treasure trove of mythology. Perhaps Red One’s biggest fun surprise is how Morgan weaves together legends, characters, and traditions from various cultures. The combination of magnetic performances, and a script that will make holiday historians geek out, will keep people highly entertained.
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People who don’t enjoy inherent silliness at the expense of reality, or are less familiar with Christmas folklore, may not enjoy Red One as much as others. If names like Krampus and Grýla don’t ring a bell, it could result in some people feeling like they are not in on the joke. Red One attempts to take various global ideas and iconography about the Christmas story and weave them into a patchwork. But, for those who don’t catch the myriad of references, they may find the final result full of holes. Finally, Red One is purposely ridiculous. If the idea of snowmen warriors fighting on an Aruba beach—and all the puns that such a situation inevitably produces—is too ludicrous for you, this may not be the holiday film you’re looking for.
Red One is a fun holiday romp, even after the holidays are over. While the snow and cold weather still lingers, you and your family may be seeking one last seasonal film. If that’s the case, Red One is a pretty great choice. It’s got plenty of laughs and a sneakily sharp story that will keep audiences of all ages engaged. Recommended.
Recommended if you enjoyed: Rise of the Guardians, Elf, The Rundown
Red One is now available to stream on most digital platforms.
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