Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for “Red One.”
What do you get when you have an evil Christmas witch kidnap Santa Claus (nicknamed ‘Red One’) on Christmas Eve so that a Santa Claus Enforcement Logistics and Fortification operative and a hacker have to save Christmas? Movie magic.
“Red One” is the newest movie about saving Christmas for all the boys and girls in the world. The only difference? This one is completely unhinged. From the plot to the action to the dialogue, “Red One” goes completely off the rails before you can even make a dent in your popcorn.
The film begins as Cal, played by Dwayne Johnson, prepares for retirement after centuries as head commander of Santa Claus’s Enforcement Logistics and Fortification, or E.L.F., security and bringing Christmas cheer to the world. However, after a very ripped Santa, played by J.K. Simmons, is kidnapped on Christmas Eve and the E.L.F. Unit is completely hijacked, Cal has to team up with hacker Jack, played by Chris Evans, to save the holiday with aid from the Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority. Even more insane is the villain behind it all: Gryla the Christmas Witch, played by Kiernan Shipka, who traps naughty children in magical snow globes.
Much like your generic Christmas movie, “Red One” focuses on spreading the holiday cheer, although it seems to specifically draw on the point of being a bit nicer today than you were yesterday. Throughout the film, the Christmas saints and villains debate the best way to deal with the naughty, and by the end, we land on a very interesting message: Being nice can help set your inner child free. Perhaps not the most inspiring lesson to learn, but regardless, the film wraps up well.
Although the plot is generic and even overdone, the comedy brought to this film makes it a soon-to-be classic. “Red One” fits the over-the-top, action blockbuster formula perfectly with its cheesy dialogue and insane CGI choices. For a good chunk of the movie, you can almost convince yourself you’re watching a Marvel holiday special — in a good way. Between trying to teach Evan’s character, Jack, what it means to be nice and teleporting around the world, the film uses a bit of holiday imagination to keep you fully invested for the full two hours.
At the end of the day, “Red One” is a clear Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson action-comedy, but with aid from Simmons, Evans, Shipka and a bit of holiday spirit, “Red One” is a joyride. While it most likely will not be taking home any Oscars this awards season, it is two hours of fun. So, if you’re looking for a new holiday favorite or an insane movie to watch with friends and family, be sure to check out “Red One” this holiday season.
“Red One” is now playing in theaters.
