New Santa Flick Doesn’t Quite Make the Cut

A Review of ‘Red One’ on Amazon Prime

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why. Santa Claus is coming to town!” goes the famous Christmas song.

But this time, St Nicholas of Myra has a whole new vibe. Gone is the jolly belly, and instead, he’s rocking a chiselled physique that would make any gym bro jealous. His bushy white beard? Let’s just say it’s more “hot old man” than “ho-ho-ho.”

Inspiration from a Mix of Yuletide Legends

In “Red One,” Jake Kasdan’s latest holiday adventure, JK Simmons steps in as Santa with a twist, alongside Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift, Santa’s centuries-old bodyguard. The film gives a fresh, action-packed spin to the Santa Claus myth, pulling inspiration from a mix of Yuletide legends – like the fearsome Christmas demon Krampus from Central European folklore, and Iceland’s Christmas ogress, Gryla.

JK Simmons stars as a buff Santa, kidnapped just two days before Christmas. (Amazon Prime pic)

Entertainment Value But Lacking in Heart

The world-building is surprisingly elaborate for a Santa film, and Kasdan’s effort to reimagine this familiar lore for a post-MCU audience deserves a pat on the shoulder. The CGI and prosthetics, especially for Krampus, along with the action sequences, are a jolly treat. And if you’re a fan of myths and legends, the film’s mythological elements will definitely pique your interest.

The scenes with Krampus the demon, played by ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Kristofer Hivju, are some of the most fun. (Amazon Prime pic)

Shallow Roles and Unoriginal Jokes

On the other hand, the film is packed with annoyingly clichéd, uninspired, and downright dull jokes. The actors deliver these lines with such seriousness, as if they’re delivering the most dramatic monologue ever – but instead of laughs, the result is mostly cringes. Chris Evans and Lucy Liu, both talented comedic actors, are reduced to one-dimensional roles.

What Chris Evans and Lucy Liu are doing in this mindless film is a Christmas mystery. (Amazon Prime pic)

A Disappointment

If Santa was real, he might give “Red One” a Code Blue. Overall, “Red One” feels like a beautifully wrapped Christmas gift – flashy paper, a shiny ribbon, and a cheerful holiday greeting. It’s all aesthetically pleasing, promising something exciting inside. But once you unwrap it, you might be disappointed to find a rather uninspiring, “meh” gift within.

‘Red One’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.

Conclusion

While “Red One” has its moments, it ultimately falls short in terms of delivering a true Christmas classic. With lackluster jokes, uninspired characters, and shallow plot, it’s difficult to recommend this film beyond a mindless holiday popcorn flick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who stars in the film “Red One”?
A: The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, JK Simmons, and Kiernan Shipka.

Q: What is the storyline of “Red One”?
A: The film follows Callum Drift and Jack O’Malley as they team up to rescue Santa, who has been kidnapped just before Christmas.

Q: Will I enjoy “Red One”?
A: The film has its moments of entertainment, but it also lacks heart and depth, making it a mediocre Christmas flick.