This article contains spoilers.
Amazon MGM Studios’ “Red One” redefines the idea of the classic holiday movie with a mix of humor, action, and festive spirit that’s hard to resist. Led by Dwayne Johnson as a dedicated E.L.F. operative and Chris Evans as his cynical, candy-loving partner, this high-energy film adventure follows their mission to rescue Santa from a holiday villain.
Director Jake Kasdan delivers an imaginative world where Christmas legends blend with action-movie intensity, creating a refreshingly playful take on holiday magic. With dazzling settings, unexpected laughs, and a unique dynamic between Johnson and Evans, “Red One” is poised to become a new seasonal favorite for families and action fans.
One of the first things I noticed about the movie is that Kasdan confidently takes the directing reins. He leaves behind the mixed reception of his last “Jumanji” film and dives headfirst into a holiday world with creativity and wonder. Kasdan crafts a universe that feels deeply rooted in classic holiday lore while adding his twist, with nods to ancient myths and urban legends that create an immersive, exciting world.
From the magical gadgets and advanced tech at the North Pole’s E.L.F. headquarters to Krampus’ chilling lair and Gryla’s eerie domain, every setting builds on the world’s mythology, creating a playground where the wonder of Christmas meets the thrills of an action-adventure. Kasdan relishes the chance to explore these holiday themes with fresh eyes, and he doesn’t hold back in his use of playful Easter eggs and references to holiday legends.
Johnson, “The Rock,” knows precisely how to make a concept as outlandish as “Red One” work by playing it with total seriousness. His character, Callum Drift, approaches Santa Claus’ safety with the stoic intensity of a Secret Service agent protecting a head of state, even while surrounded by elves, reindeer, and enchanted toys. Johnson’s commitment to the bit is hilarious because he treats every whimsical scenario with the same deadpan focus.
One standout moment in the film is when the audience sees him patrolling a mall with the same stone-faced determination he’d bring to a high-stakes mission, making it absurd and genuinely funny. The film’s tone is essentially “Mission: Impossible” meets the North Pole—a hard-hitting action thriller that just happens to center around Santa’s workshop.
Alongside Johnson, Evans brings his trademark humor and self-awareness to his role as Jack O’Malley, a grumpy, candy-stealing rogue with a surprisingly warm side. Evans, who seems to be reveling in roles that let him depart from Captain America’s clean-cut image, dives headfirst into playing a charming dirtbag. His humor often comes down to sheer disbelief—his character’s constant exclamations of “Holy sh*t!” as he’s introduced to the bizarre rules of this magical world are endlessly amusing, especially when he’s the only one reacting while everyone else is unfazed. It’s a running gag that could easily have felt tired, but Evans’ timing and delivery keep it fresh, turning what could have been a one-note joke into one of the film’s consistent comedic highlights.
In one of the film’s funniest moments, a troll who has been “scouring” the internet to gather intelligence appears. Instead of a raspy or monstrous voice, he speaks with the most average, everyday tone imaginable. It’s a perfect example of the film’s playful subversion of fantasy tropes; instead of leaning into what we expect from magical creatures, it delights in flipping those expectations. The contrast between the mythical setting and the real-world quirks makes for some of the biggest laughs in the film.
Johnson and Evans create a dynamic that brings the best out of the movie’s festive but edgy set. The film’s commitment to treating fantastical situations as high-stakes, life-or-death moments gives it a unique charm, pulling viewers into a world where the mythic and the mundane collide in the best possible way. Whether it’s Johnson’s deadpan focus or Evans’ hilariously jaded reactions, the film keeps a light-hearted sense of fun that makes it a joy to watch. “Red One” may be one of the most entertaining and unconventional Christmas comedies in years, offering a refreshing take on holiday magic with action and laughs in equal measure.
One of the film’s most vital qualities is its ability to be genuinely funny and appealing to kids and adults without compromising for either audience. With sharp, witty dialogue and a few surprising zingers, it delivers approachable and clever humor. Though it sticks to a PG-13 rating, the film doesn’t feel watered down—in fact, it strikes a remarkable balance that brings laughs while keeping a family-friendly tone. The chemistry between Johnson and Evans elevates the comedy, turning their dynamic from wary allies into a hilariously mismatched pair that’s easy to root for.
Henry Jackman’s score adds an unexpected layer of epic drama to the film. Sweeping, grand, and sometimes humorously over-the-top, the music transforms simple moments into scenes with larger-than-life impact. It’s the kind of soundtrack that gives the film an extra dose of flair, making the stakes feel even higher and the action even more intense. It’s a surprising highlight that leaves a lasting impression.
“Red One” doesn’t entirely break new ground regarding Christmas movie themes. Many of its story beats—rediscovering holiday spirit, questioning the logistics of Santa’s journey, and even the familiar “save Christmas” mission—are standard fare in the genre. While these elements are handled throughout the film, they aren’t especially memorable.
However, one standout moment is a tender conversation between Callum and Santa early on, which dives into Santa’s history in a refreshingly heartfelt and genuine way. It’s the kind of scene that momentarily elevates the story, adding emotional depth to the film’s lighthearted tone. Ultimately, “Red One” shines brightest in humor, worldbuilding, and character dynamics. It’s a film that families can enjoy together, and its mix of action and Christmas magic makes it an easy holiday classic in the making.
Though it doesn’t always hit the mark on emotional depth, “Red One” brings so much charm and fun to the screen that it’s hard not to enjoy the ride. This is a festive action-comedy with broad appeal, and it’s likely to become a seasonal favorite for years to come.
“Red One” is now in theaters nationwide.
