Red One takes the classic holiday themes of family, redemption, and a good-natured brawl and runs them through a North Pole obstacle course, courtesy of a gym-buff Santa and a hyper-energetic Krampus. It’s a Christmas film but, weirdly, releasing long before the holiday season. Maybe they’re just trying to avoid squaring off with Mufasa (wise call, honestly).
Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson come together as a comedic duo, and while their chemistry is undeniable, not every joke hits the mark—think of it as Christmas lights where a few bulbs are flickering, but overall it’s still bright.
Lucy Liu’s return to action in Red One brings a much-needed burst of charisma, harkening back to her Charlie’s Angels days. Liu’s still got it when it comes to delivering high-energy, jaw-dropping fight choreography.
JK Simmon’s Santa is, well, as gym-bro as Santa could get, with a physique that makes you wonder how he fits down chimneys. Watching him execute athletic gift delivery is oddly hilarious, as he turns what could have been a quiet midnight activity into a full-on workout session.
The movie serves up some surprisingly deep dialogue on fatherhood and redemption, though it can feel a bit like lifting weights on Christmas morning: it’s heartfelt but not exactly the first thing you’d reach for with your cocoa. Still, it works more often than not, adding a sprinkle of seasonal sentimentality without overloading the sleigh.
Krampus, on the other hand, steals scenes with his chaotic, evil-Santa energy, dancing between sinister and laughable. The character designs also deserve a nod—Santa’s all biceps, the elves look like they’re auditioning for a mini-Dobby reboot, and Grylr, well, she’s… different, but fitting for this wacky take on the North Pole.
The themes are simple but well done, with even the naughtiest finding their way to the nice list in the end. The CGI could use a tune-up here and there, but it holds up well enough to keep you engaged through the action scenes. Red One isn’t aiming to change holiday cinema; it’s just hoping to be a part of your cozy Christmas watchlist (or maybe just your “streaming while wrapping presents” list). And that’s exactly where it fits best: fun, light, and ready to stream soon.
