Red One (2024) makes an early debut as a festive family film infused with holiday spirit. Featuring Chris Evans and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this movie promises a delightful blend of humor and action that appeals to viewers of all ages. Red One crafts an enchanting mythological universe, introducing characters from Christmas folklore. While many are familiar with Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus), the film also brings to light lesser-known figures like Krampus and Gryla.
This film feels somewhat surreal, not due to its extraordinary nature, but because it lacks authenticity, resembling more of a commercial product than a meaningful story. This approach has been a hallmark of Dwayne Johnson’s career, contributing to his business success, albeit with some instability recently. This film represents his latest effort to capture audience interest during the holiday season.
The narrative transitions from one extravagant scene to another in a grand adventure that appears entirely staged, amplifying the artificiality in every frame. Considering the reported budget of $250 million, it’s hard to believe that such a sum was spent on a project that feels devoid of depth, despite the professionalism of the cast and crew.
Red One Movie Review Rating:
Star Cast: Chris Evans, Dwayne Johnson, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, and J.K. Simmons
Director: Jake Kasdan
Language: English (with subtitles).
Available On: Prime Video
Runtime: 124 Minutes
Watch or Not?: Only consider watching if you are a devoted fan of Chris Evans or Dwayne Johnson; otherwise, there are superior Christmas films available.