Red One (2024) || Movie Review.

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It has been a hectic few weeks for me with classes, assignments, and deadlines. Balancing university life is no joke, especially when you have exams around the corner. But now that the semester has come to an end, I finally have some breathing room to indulge in my favorite pastime—watching movies.

Last night, I was thrilled to kick off my Christmas break by watching Red One (2024), a movie I had eagerly anticipated for months. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, and J.K. Simmons, this holiday action-comedy promised to bring together an exciting mix of festive cheer, high-octane action, and humor. With it’s a-list cast and the allure of Christmas magic, how could I resist?

Directed by Jake Kasdan and written by Chris Morgan, Red One is a unique attempt to combine the charm of classic holiday tales with the intensity of a blockbuster action film. Produced by Amazon Studios, it boasts stunning visuals, thanks to the cinematography of Gyula Pados, and a dynamic score that adds to the festive yet action-packed vibe of the movie.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), a rugged operative, and Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), a tech-savvy yet reluctant partner, who are tasked with saving Christmas. Their mission? Protect Santa Claus (played by J.K. Simmons) from a villain threatening to ruin the holiday season. What follows is a whirlwind adventure that takes the duo across continents as they battle an army of high-tech mercenaries, uncover secrets about the origins of Christmas magic, and learn the importance of teamwork and the holiday spirit.

While the premise is ambitious and refreshingly different, the execution doesn’t always hit the mark. The narrative juggles between action, comedy, and heartfelt moments, but at times, it struggles to balance these elements. That said, the movie still manages to capture the essence of the holidays with its vibrant visuals and occasional heartwarming moments.

My Review and Rating

Let’s start with the positives. The chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans is undeniable. Johnson’s charismatic and larger-than-life persona pairs beautifully with Evans’ more grounded and sarcastic humor. J.K. Simmons as Santa Claus is a delight to watch—his tough yet lovable portrayal adds a unique twist to the character. The action sequences are well-choreographed and visually impressive, blending festive elements into the stunts and fights, which keeps the Christmas spirit alive throughout the chaos.

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The storyline feels predictable at times, and the humor can be hit-or-miss. I had hoped for a bit more originality in the script, considering the creative potential of the concept. Additionally, the emotional beats—meant to tug at the heartstrings—don’t always land as effectively as they could have, leaving some scenes feeling a bit shallow.

One standout feature of the movie is its visuals. The set designs are spectacular, with each location radiating holiday cheer. From a snowy village to Santa’s high-tech workshop, the cinematography immerses you in a magical world. The soundtrack, though not particularly memorable, does its job in enhancing the festive mood.

Despite its shortcomings, Red One is a fun watch. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s entertaining enough to keep you engaged, especially if you’re looking for a lighthearted movie to enjoy during the holiday season.

Final Thoughts

I would rate Red One (2024) a solid 7 out of 10 stars. While it may not become a Christmas classic, it’s an enjoyable blend of action, humor, and holiday magic. If you’re a fan of Dwayne Johnson or Chris Evans—or if you’re simply in the mood for something festive and action-packed—this movie is worth your time.

Watch the trailer:

All images above are from the movie screenshot.

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