The new holiday action film Red One bursts onto the scene with a high-octane premise: Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) has been kidnapped, prompting a global rescue mission spearheaded by Callum Drift (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson), the formidable head of ELF (Enforcement Logistics and Fortification). Teaming up with his boss Zoe Harlow (Lucy Liu) and a rebellious hacker, Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), Drift embarks on an epic journey spanning the globe—and even supernatural dimensions.
Red One is a no-holds-barred Christmas action extravaganza, a two-hour, big-budget thrill ride reminiscent of those over-the-top, fictional movie trailers from “Saturday Night Live.” With echoes of “Men in Black,” “Harry Potter,” “The Santa Clause,” and “The Fast and the Furious,” the film blends humor, fantasy, and relentless action into a festive spectacle. Cleverly crafted moments keep the audience engaged, especially as we experience this fantastical world through O’Malley’s wide-eyed perspective. Meanwhile, Johnson shines in his signature role as the charismatic anchor for an unforgettable adventure.
Action-packed Christmas movies are rare, with “Die Hard” being the perennial point of comparison—and debate. But unlike the gunplay in that holiday staple, “Red One” leans heavily on kinetic hand-to-hand combat. The film knows its audience—young boys and teens—and delivers with explosive, high-energy sequences involving brawls, aerial stunts, and magical portals hidden in toy shops. A particularly imaginative visit to Krampus’ sinister domain introduces a host of fantastical creatures, and some scenes might be too intense for younger viewers.
Not everything hits the mark, however. The frequent use of profanity feels jarring in a film targeted at younger audiences, potentially limiting its appeal as a family favorite. There’s also a scene that features scantily clad female beachgoers. Despite this, the movie has heart. Beneath the nonstop action, there’s a genuine message about reconnecting with loved ones and preserving the magic of childlike wonder.
For Drift, who starts the film ready to resign, the mission reignites his lost Christmas spirit. Witnessing the stress and consumerism that have overtaken the holiday, he rediscovers its true essence—love, kindness, and the joy of togetherness.
Directed by Jake Kasdan and featuring an ensemble cast including Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel, and J.K. Simmons, “Red One” debuts this week via Amazon MGM Studios.
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