Review: Red One

It’s the season for holiday movies! In this action-packed holiday heist, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans team up to save Santa, played by J.K. Simmons. Will Red One be the perfect Christmas gift for families, or will it turn out to be just a lump of coal?

When Santa (J.K. Simmons) is captured by an evil Christmas Witch (Kiernan Shipka), his loyal ‘bodyguard’ Callum (Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson) recruits bounty hunter Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans) to save Christmas.

The premise of Red One is entertaining, and there are some new magical ideas that are enjoyable to see on screen. However, it feels like a familiar experience for Dwayne Johnson, who once again plays a soft-hearted hero who fights his way to victory. The true standout of the film is Chris Evans, who steps away from his Captain America persona to portray a despicable member of the naughty list. Despite his character’s terrible actions, Evans’s charm is captivating. Unfortunately, the film itself does not possess the same charm.

When it comes to holiday movies, especially those centered around Christmas, the heart of the films is often found in the stories of children. However, in this action movie aimed at kids, there are hardly any prominent child characters. Instead of fully developing Jack’s character alongside his son, we only see the talented young actor, Wesley Kimmel, at the beginning and end of the film. It feels as if the filmmakers forgot about the child and only included him at the last minute to wrap up the story.

Another issue is the villain. Kiernan Shipka could have portrayed her “evilness” more effectively, but the film hardly gives her enough time to shine. Instead, they have her communicating through characters like Nick Kroll in an attempt at humor, which quickly becomes annoying and loses its comedic impact.

Red One is an entertaining and humorous movie but lacks heart. While the action isn’t particularly thrilling, it is well-choreographed. The film tends to slow down during the Krampus (Kristofer Hivju) chapter, but this segment is a fun addition, even though the makeup might be a bit frightening for children.

I watched it in a 4DX theater, which simulates a motion ride experience during the movie. This immersive setup includes seat hydraulics, as well as effects like rain, snow, wind, and even smells. Many of the laughs came from the sudden movements of the seats, making it difficult to determine if the audience was enjoying the film or the ride itself.

Overall, this movie feels like it was made for streaming. If you’re hesitant about the ticket price, watching it at home might be the best option. However, if you’re interested in the 4DX experience, I believe it’s worth it.