Red One – A New Christmas Action Adventure with Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans

Red One brings a unique twist to the holiday genre, delivering festive action with an all-star cast including Dwayne Johnson as the warm-hearted yet resilient Callum Drift, Chris Evans as the laid-back, sharp-witted tracker Jack O’Malley, Lucy Liu as Zoe, and J.K. Simmons as an unexpected yet instantly lovable Santa Claus. Directed with a flair for combining heartfelt moments with high-energy sequences, Red One takes viewers on a journey that, while predictable, provides plenty of enjoyment and memorable performances.
The story begins when Santa Claus is kidnapped from the North Pole by a formidable villain. Enter Callum Drift, a skilled E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative, who teams up with the world’s best tracker, Jack O’Malley, to save Christmas. Yes, the premise sounds almost like it’s straight out of a comic book, and it’s certainly packed with thrills and holiday spirit. While the plot doesn’t attempt to subvert expectations, its predictability doesn’t detract from the movie’s entertainment value. This isn’t about twists or layered mystery—it’s a classic holiday action-adventure that knows how to deliver fun.
Dwayne Johnson brings his A-game, surprising fans with a character that feels refreshing. Rather than relying on his typical tough-guy persona, Johnson’s Callum Drift brings a sense of empathy and charm, leaning into his softer side with just enough strength to pull off the E.L.F. role. It’s reminiscent of his earlier family-friendly films like Tooth Fairy, but with added depth and maturity. Callum Drift comes across as both likable and relatable, a character you genuinely root for throughout. Johnson’s performance demonstrates his versatility, showing he can balance action heroics with warmth—qualities that make him a fitting lead in a family-oriented Christmas adventure.
Chris Evans steps away from his iconic Captain America role and takes on a more cynical, laid-back character in Jack O’Malley. From the start, his nonchalant attitude and reluctance to get involved add an amusing dynamic to the action. Evans’ portrayal evolves gradually, transforming Jack from an indifferent tracker into a team player. It’s not an award-winning role, but it’s one that gives Evans room to showcase his range and charm. He brings a refreshing take to the “reluctant hero” trope, adding humor and sincerity that perfectly complements Johnson’s Callum Drift. Evans’ performance hints at his potential for even more complex roles in the future; it’s exciting to imagine the heights his career will reach in the coming years.
In terms of supporting cast, Lucy Liu and J.K. Simmons stand out. Liu, who plays Zoe, commands authority as the mastermind behind the mission to rescue Santa. While her role doesn’t call for major character development, she’s a perfect fit, managing to bring intensity and humor as the brains of the operation. Simmons, as Santa Claus, is a standout in the limited screen time he’s given. Simmons has an uncanny ability to balance warmth with a wry edge, making him the ideal modern-day Santa. His scenes feel magical and bring an extra layer of authenticity to the film. If there’s one complaint, it’s that Simmons wasn’t given enough screen time—his presence is missed whenever he’s not on-screen, and his moments are among the film’s most memorable.
The villain, however, is where Red One loses some points. Initially underwhelming and unconvincing, she takes time to establish herself as a credible threat. As the plot progresses, her menacing nature becomes more apparent, making her tolerable by the film’s climax. Still, it feels like an opportunity missed; a more complex or charismatic antagonist could have added additional layers to the story.
From a production perspective, Red One is best viewed on the big screen. IMAX amplifies the impact, with sound effects that immerse you in every chase and battle. The film’s special effects are solid, particularly in creating the North Pole and the action sequences. J.K. Simmons brings a subtle nod to his portrayal of Jonah Jameson from the Spider-Man movies, adding a dash of clever humor for attentive fans.
Overall, Red One is the kind of film that, while predictable, fulfills its purpose as a holiday action movie. It’s fun, family-friendly, and packed with the kind of action that appeals to all ages. This movie might not change your life, but it will certainly bring joy and laughter, especially when enjoyed with family. Johnson and Evans’ surprising chemistry, combined with J.K. Simmons’ lovable Santa, create a unique holiday movie worth watching. So grab some popcorn, get your family together, and make a night of it.

-Jay Katz