Red One, directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Chris Morgan, is a festive action-adventure film that blends holiday charm with high-octane entertainment. Starring Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift, the head of Santa’s security, and Chris Evans as Jack O’Malley, a tech-savvy bounty hunter, the movie creates a globe-trotting escapade that reimagines the holiday genre in a modern and comedic light. The cast also features J.K. Simmons as a grizzled Santa Claus, Lucy Liu as the director of the Military Operations Research Agency (MORA), and Kiernan Shipka as Grýla, a menacing holiday villain inspired by Icelandic folklore.
The plot introduces Callum and Jack as reluctant partners on a mission to save Christmas from the schemes of Grýla and her accomplice, Krampus (played by Kristofer Hivju). Grýla’s plan to harness Santa’s magic for nefarious purposes sets the stage for a battle between good and evil, filled with comedic bickering, daring escapes, and larger-than-life action sequences. The story explores themes of redemption and the power of kindness while juxtaposing holiday nostalgia with thrilling spectacle.
Despite its exciting premise, the film has faced mixed reviews. While some praise the creative spin on holiday traditions and the chemistry between the leads, others criticize its uneven tone, clichéd character arcs, and lackluster action choreography. Scenes like Callum’s pursuit of Grýla’s henchmen during a snowstorm are noted for their chaotic execution, although smaller comedic moments, such as a slapstick showdown between Callum and Krampus, offer engaging breaks from the heavier action.
The production process of Red One was itself a spectacle, with delays caused by Johnson’s late arrivals to set and extensive visual effects work. Initially scheduled for a 2023 release, the film was delayed to November 2024, premiering globally with a significant push for theatrical and IMAX screenings.
While Red One delivers holiday cheer with a modern twist, its reception has highlighted the challenges of balancing humor, action, and heartfelt storytelling in a festive blockbuster. The film is a bold attempt to carve a new niche in the holiday genre, appealing to fans of action comedies and Christmas adventures alike.