Red One (2024) makes an early entrance as a family-friendly film infused with a festive spirit. Featuring Chris Evans and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this movie promises a delightful blend of humor and action that is likely to amuse viewers of all ages. Red One constructs an enchanting mythological realm populated by figures from Christmas folklore. While many are familiar with Saint Nicholas (commonly known as Santa Claus), fewer may recognize the likes of Krampus and Gryla, who also play a role in the story.
This film presents a unique experience that feels somewhat detached from reality—not due to its extraordinary nature, but rather because it lacks the authenticity that typically imbues a film with genuine meaning and purpose. This approach has been a hallmark of Dwayne Johnson’s career, contributing to his successful business ventures, albeit with some current instability. This film appears to be an effort by Johnson to capture audience interest during the holiday season.
The narrative transitions from one elaborate scene to another in a grand adventure that seems entirely crafted within a studio, which accentuates the film’s artificiality in every frame. Given the reported budget of $250 million, it is somewhat disheartening to consider that such a significant investment has resulted in a product that feels devoid of depth, despite the professionalism exhibited by 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?: This film may appeal primarily to devoted fans of Chris Evans or Dwayne Johnson; otherwise, there are superior Christmas films available.