In the new holiday movie with a twist for the festive season, ‘Red One’ follows the head of North Pole security teaming up with a notorious hacker in order to locate a kidnapped Santa Claus.
One thing I noticed about ‘Red One’ is, as the release date got closer, the initial reactions became more mixed. So, despite the mixed reactions, I still went into the movie with an open mind. And, overall, this is a fun movie for the holiday season!
‘Red One’ is a truly fun, festive movie that also captures the holiday spirit with a fresh twist. From start to finish, the movie delivers an exciting adventure that also does a great job blending action, humor and holiday cheer!
The story can seem sort of generic using the story of a couple people having to save Christmas before it’s too late. But, adding in a kidnapped Santa and many other surprises the movie gives us, it really gives this story a really exciting twist!
The action sequences that are featured in the movie are really creative since the movie mixes in some fun Christmas magic. There’s one sequence that features snowmen attacking the two main characters (played by Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans) in Aruba that is highly entertaining. Johnson’s character also has this power that can change his size and even the size of certain toys to use. For example, his character has made toy Matchbox cars bigger to use and even used Knock ‘Em Sock ‘Em robots as weapons.
‘Red One’ also introduces us to a couple characters from folklore - Krampus and Gryla (a monstrous entity who lives in the Iceland wilderness). The subplot that involves Gryla can be really interesting and a little dark. The Krampus scenes are also fun to watch and we see how they have him involved in the Christmas lore.
This latest Christmas movie can be really creative and even unique at times. The characters can also be really fun and Krampus can actually steal a few scenes! Sure, the story can be a little flawed and the visual effects could need some work. But, ‘Red One’ is great festive fun and a good time on the big screen.
One subplot in the movie that is really touching is the one that involves Jack and his son, who he hasn’t connected with in some time. And, throughout the movie, we hope they get to reconnect for the holidays. So, do they reconnect? Come see the movie on the big screen and find out!
There are a couple moments here and there that can be a little dark, but this is still an enjoyable holiday treat for the whole family!
Cast: Dwayne Johnson (Callum Drift); Chris Evans (Jack O’Malley); Lucy Liu (Zoe); J.K. Simmons (Nick’Santa); Kristofer Hiuju (Krampus); Bonnie Hunt (Mrs. Claus); Mary Elizabeth Ellis (OIivia); Wesley Kimmel (Dylan); Nick Kroll (Ted); Kiernan Shipka (Gryla); Reinaldo Faberlle (Garcia).
Writer/director: Chris Morgan (writer) (Shazam! Fury of the Gods; Hobbs & Shaw; The Fate of the Furious); Jake Kasdan (director) (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle; Jumanji: The Next Level).
Trivia: This movie was originally a Prime Video original, but got changed to be theatrical instead. This is the second time that J.K. Simmons played Santa after voicing the character in the 2019 animated Netflix Original Film ‘Klaus.’
Rating: PG-13 for action, some violence and language (123 minutes)
Santa refers to his reindeer as "ladies." While normally depicted as male, it actually stands to reason that his reindeer are female because only female reindeer keep their antlers in the winter. Male reindeer shed their antlers and grow back new ones in the spring.
Originally a Prime Video original, but got changed to theatrical instead.
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