'Red One' review: Action-Packed Holiday Fantasy that lacks Christmas spirit

Amazon MGM Studios’ Red One, starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, attempts to bring a fresh twist to the Christmas genre with a holiday action-adventure storyline.

Directed by Jake Kasdan, the movie stars J.K. Simmons as Santa, who is kidnapped early on, leaving Johnson’s character, Cal, to team up with Chris Evans’ Jack on a globe-trotting rescue mission. While the film offers plenty of action, including battles with snowmen and encounters with Santa’s estranged brother, Krampus, the focus on spectacle and gadgets over holiday warmth leaves it feeling more like a blockbuster than a traditional Christmas movie.

Critic Owen Gleiberman notes that Red One reflects a growing trend in Hollywood of replacing Yuletide cheer with action and effects-heavy sequences. Despite an impressive cast, including Kiernan Shipka as the villain Grýla, the movie struggles to balance its buddy-cop dynamic with festive storytelling.

For viewers seeking a heartfelt holiday experience, Red One may feel lacking, but for action fans, the film's high-energy scenes and star power could offer seasonal entertainment.