The highly anticipated holiday film “Red One” finally hit theaters on Nov. 15, offering a unique combination of Christmas spirit, action, and humor. Directed by Jake Kasdan, this festive film features a well-known and impressive cast, which will likely contribute to a status as one of the most captivating holiday movies of the year.
The narrative of this film centers on Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), an agent from the North Pole, in an adventure to rescue the kidnapped Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) and to preserve the essence of Christmas. Drift collaborates with a talented hacker (Chris Evans) to track Santa. The film explores themes of collaboration, redemption and the lasting enchantment of Christmas.
The cinematography in “Red One” is undeniably amazing, transforming the film into a visual rollercoaster that’s breathtaking to watch. You may know Dan Mindel for his cinematography work on the film “Twisters” — both films he did amazing work on. The cinematography captures everything from the snowy and magical scenes of the North Pole to busy cities filled with explosions and chase scenes. One standout scene for me was a high-speed chase through a Christmas market. The camera swoops and dives, following the action from angles that make me feel as though I were alongside the characters. One thing I would change is some of the camera work during fight scenes that made it hard to follow the action.
Dwayne Johnson as Santa’s helper with a talent for martial arts is something I never expected to see, but he did not disappoint. Chris Evans delivered a powerful performance, portraying a character with a compelling personality. The chemistry between these two stars is palpable; Johnson exudes charisma, while Evans showcases a strong comedic edge. I enjoy watching these two actors in nearly any film, which made me excited to see them in this one. J.K. Simmons also steals scenes as an unconventional Santa Claus. I believe these three actors blend seamlessly together, and I loved them during shared scenes particularly.
The costume department had a field day blending traditional Christmas aesthetics with superhero vibes. Simmons’s Santa Claus suit was complete with a tactical belt and fur-lined boots which made him an instant icon. An intriguing aspect of this film is that the costumes convey a more realistic portrayal of the North Pole. The movie seems to be depicting what a contemporary North Pole might look like, and this vision is reflected mostly in the costumes. However, Drift and the other North Pole agents wore suits that had a distinctly sci-fi appearance. Some costumes popped out a lot more than others, and I didn’t like how most of the costumes were too forgettable. The outfit aspect might be a bit of a negative for this movie.
The script of “Red One” swings for the fences. The jokes land more often than not, featuring clever banter between Johnson and Evans. Although, I found the plot to be chaotic and somewhat confusing at times. While I think it’s a fun movie, don’t expect a story that rivals the classics. However, that’s what I appreciated about it; it offers a refreshing alternative to the films we’ve watched countless times during the holiday season. The soundtrack certainly did not disappoint, as it included a mix of orchestral pieces alongside Christmas classics like “Here Comes Santa Claus” by Ray Conniff. One standout scene featured a fight set to “Carol of the Bells” performed by a metal band, making it truly unforgettable. The soundtrack was for sure something that made this movie even better.
“Red One” is an unapologetically over-the-top holiday film that I enjoyed watching on the big screen. Although its script and costumes falter at times, the fun cast, striking cinematography, and lively soundtrack make it worth the price of admission. Whether it becomes a new Christmas classic or not, one thing is certain: you’ll leave the theater humming Christmas songs and craving cookies.
“Red One:” ★★★★☆
