The most unfortunate thing about “Red One” is that it has all the pieces to be a successful Christmas classic. It just can’t quite put the puzzle together.
Jake Kasdan, directing his first film since “Jumanji: The Next Level” in 2019, is no stranger to big-budget action. That experience shows, as the intense action sequences are the strongest moments in “Red One.”
The film’s first act is easily its best, both establishing an interesting premise, as well as capturing the Christmas spirit to the fullest degree. It really is a shame, because if the film had continued on the tracks it laid in the first 20 minutes, it truly could’ve been something quite good. Unfortunately, it doesn’t.
Once three new characters are introduced in the second act, the film immediately begins its descent into mediocrity. The first new character is Jack O’Malley, played by Chris Evans. Jack is a talented con-man, but a deadbeat dad to his son. The problem is that Evans has established too much of a charismatic and likable personality in past films to be convincing in the role, making his smug demeanor seem forced.
Jack’s son, Dylan, is somehow even worse. Dylan is played by Wesley Kimmel, nephew of the popular late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel, and he is not good at all in the film. While Evans has the baseline acting charm that makes him watchable, Kimmel just doesn’t seem to have that talent, with monotone line delivery and an annoyingly whiny tone throughout the entirety of the movie.
On top of Jack and Dylan, there is the Christmas witch Gryla, played by Kiernan Shipka. Shipka is truly a talented up-and-coming actress, establishing herself in projects like the 2023 Amazon Halloween film “Totally Killer” as well as “Longlegs” and “Twisters” earlier this year. That being said, Shipka is easily the worst part of the film, as her character is absolutely insufferable. It almost feels like she is acting on Disney Channel, with there being a certain corniness and vapid nature to her performance.
In terms of positives, Dwayne Johnson is surprisingly pleasant as the North Pole head of security and Santa’s right-hand man, Callum Drift. What makes this so surprising is the negative atmosphere currently surrounding Johnson, especially related to this movie. With allegations of Johnson being late to set and rude to crew members, as well as the seemingly tongue-in-cheek remarks that he made comparing “Red One” to “Oppenheimer,” it was odd to see him give one of his best performances in recent memory.
In terms of the film itself, it does exceedingly well at capturing the Christmas spirit — in the first half, at least. When the story focuses on J.K. Simmons’ Santa, which is another strong point of the film, and takes place at the North Pole, it’s very enjoyable. But the film makes the odd decision to become a globe-trotting adventure, heading to places like Aruba and Krampus’ dark lair, places that don’t exactly embody the spirit of Christmas.
As a whole, “Red One” isn’t entirely unwatchable. Certain characters are exactly that, but most shortcomings are made up for with engaging action and decent performances from Johnson and Simmons. It’s not the worst film ever put to screen, but it certainly won’t become a Christmas classic going forward.
