Two overexposed stars trading quips, one of them slipping into the all-too-familiar “Ryan Reynolds-type” role of the unlikable, distant-from-his-family guy, and a string of flashy yet hollow action scenes—all while The Rock looms large. The Red One trailer could be used as a case of how to sink a film before anyone sees it. Rather than highlighting the movie’s best qualities, it clings to tired formulas, leaving audiences to write it off as just another generic blockbuster they’ve already seen a hundred times. Sure, there’s comfort in the familiar, but even that needs to feel fresh and exciting.
The irony? Red One actually delivers a fun, solid experience with a surprisingly clever premise at its core. The adventure, filled with creative moments, is far more enjoyable than the trailer lets on. There’s a quirky, offbeat twist on Santa Claus mythology, and the world-building is rich with charm—imagine toy stores doubling as transportation hubs, toys coming to life, and even witches, monsters, and shape-shifters. Unfortunately, these good elements are often overshadowed by some familiar, overplayed tropes, like the strained father-son dynamic and Johnson’s ever-reliable tough-but-kind hero. While these arcs are functional, the marketing, which focuses on their predictability, misses an opportunity to highlight the film’s more imaginative, unique qualities that truly set Red One apart.
Jake Kasdan, who previously infused surprising warmth and creativity into the Jumanji reboot, doesn’t quite capture the same spark here, though he still delivers a commendable effort. The action sequences—while occasionally overly polished and CGI-heavy—help propel the film forward with engaging energy. The pacing is lively, the tone spot-on, and there are some memorable moments, like a gripping beach sequence featuring Nick Kroll and a standout Krampus showdown with Kristofer Hivju (the makeup for Krampus alone deserves an Oscar nod). The villains are also decent, though we never truly feel that their plans will succeed. Still, these moments prove that Red One knows how to entertain when it embraces its quirky side.
The casting of its leads, however, is where Red One falters the most. We’ve seen Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans play these exact characters too many times to count. Johnson falls back into his familiar mold as the tough-but-likable hero, while Evans trots out his trademark quick-witted, slightly arrogant persona. Both actors have undeniable charisma, but here their performances feel like rehashes of roles we’ve seen countless times in other films. There’s no fresh take or surprising twist, and the chemistry between them feels non-existent, making the dynamic between their characters stale and predictable. A more unexpected pairing could have revitalized the film. The absence of a memorable score is a missed opportunity, with Henry Jackman frustratingly delivering weaker work here compared to his compositions for the Jumanji films. It’s all noise, lacking any clear, distinctive themes, and barely offering any Christmas-appropriate sounds.
Ultimately, Red One won’t be a holiday classic, but it’s far from a failure. It’s a fun, entertaining adventure that offers enough quirky moments to satisfy fans of lighthearted holiday fare. The marketing may have focused too heavily on the film’s more predictable elements, but it’s still a solid watch—perfect for some festive fun, even if it won’t leave a lasting impact.