It’s Christmas, a time for decorations, presents and quality family time. And of course, plenty of sitting around the television as a family watching Christmas movies. Christmas-themed movies hold a special place in our hearts, bringing warmth, joy, and a touch of magic to the holiday season. From timeless classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life or White Christmas to modern favourites such as Elf or Home Alone, or those films that promote arguments as whether they are Christmas movies or not such as Die Hard or Lethal Weapon. Whatever your choice of Christmas movie, these films capture the spirit of Christmas, some loosely, reminding us of the importance of family, love, and generosity. They transport us to a world where miracles can happen, and where the impossible becomes possible. This Christmas, a new addition to the holiday movie lineup is Red One, an action-packed festive adventure that promises to deliver a unique twist on the traditional Christmas tale.
Red One is a festive romp that sees Santa, code name Red One, teamed up a superhero type protector, mythical creatures and plenty of magical action. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Bonnie Hunt and Kiernan Shipka. It follows the story of Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) who is kidnapped just before he embarks on his biggest day of the year. Cal Drift (Dwayne Johnson) is Commander of the ELF, the North Pole’s Head of Security and bodyguard for Santa Claus. When Santa is kidnapped by Gryla (Kiernan Shipka), Cal teams up with Jack “The Wolf” O’Malley (Chris Evans), the man who can find anything, and together they embark on a globe-trotting mission to find Santa and bring him back, saving Christmas for the world. Along the way, they encounter mythical characters like Gryla, Krampus and killer snowmen, adding a fantastical element to their adventure.
Overall, Red One is a different kind of festive film that is fun and a nice change. While it still has plenty of Christmas spirit and the importance of family, it also explores themes of belief, redemption, and the power of teamwork. And there is plenty of festive magic as well as action.
The cast is excellent, with Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans leading the charge. Johnson’s portrayal of Cal Drift is both charismatic and intense, while Evans brings his usual charm and wit to the role of Jack O’Malley. J.K. Simmons shines as a modern, bench-pressing Santa Claus, adding a unique twist to the beloved character. The supporting cast, including Lucy Liu and Kiernan Shipka, also deliver strong performances, adding depth to the story.
The inclusion of mythical characters other than small elves, add a darker, more fantastical element to the story, making it stand out from traditional Christmas movies as it features shapeshifting witches and trolls. These characters serve as formidable antagonists, challenging the heroes and adding tension to the plot.
Red One is an entertaining addition to the Christmas movie genre. I doubt it will become a holiday classic, it does offer a fresh and action-packed take on the traditional Christmas story. With its star-studded cast, fun plot, and impressive visuals, Red One is sure to be a hit with fans of both action movies and holiday films.
As it is an action move, it does feature some violence, foul language and is only suitable for children aged 12 and over. It has a run time of approximately 123 minutes.
Rating: 4/5
Available to watch in cinemas or on Amazon Prime (subscription required)