Nom de code: Rouge

This isn't a flawless movie; some of the CGI and character designs are terrible (e.g. The Krampus cantina scene); the tone is an inconsistent mix of earnestness and moderately profane PG-13 snark; and the conclusion is predictable (as it is with virtually every Christmas movie, to be fair.) Nevertheless it has enough strange notions along the way that it's entertaining in spite of its flaws. The worldbuilding is inventive and the story combines Icelandic, Alpine and Nordic traditions in satisfying ways. The acting is decent. The protagonists are well-developed and they're just barely sympathetic enough that their redemptions are rewarding. Some of the dialogue is deceptively sharp. Overall the movie isn't trying to be anything other than unconventional bombastic fun and it mostly succeeds.

This isn't a future classic or reinvention of a genre but it is enjoyable, quirky and affable. I'm perplexed by the overwhelmingly negative critical response; but having gone into it with low expectations because of same I was pleasantly surprised.

Unlike some, I found this film every bit as engaging as most any other Christmas film. Was it as moving as a few old time classics, It's A Wonderful Life, A Miracle on 34th Street, etc? Maybe not, but for my money, it certainly held its own with the greater compliment of holiday films I've seen in my 60 years of life. I definitely see this as a film I'll be revisiting again, more than once, every holiday season. It certainly helped in my feeling the fun of Christmas in an especially tough year. Everyone in the cast did a fine job, the script worked well and all of the artistic and technical aspects made be believe in the magic. I'm so glad I didn't buy what the critics had to say. Red One is solid Holiday Surprise in all of the best ways!

Going in I expected just a cheesy Xmas film but to its credit Red One tried to do something different in the vein of a dark fantasy action Christmas adventure. It should be commended for that alone. Not quite the well executed violence of Violent Night, Red One takes a more light hearted approach with its dark action fantasy that can cater to a broader audience. It did this by attempting to combine action, with a heartfelt message and Christmas lore. Although it faltered in its execution mainly due to plot points, CGI and not fully capturing the Christmas spirit, the ambition of the film should be commended and it was boosted by performances from its lead cast. Whilst it won't any prestigious Xmas shortlists, it's a stocking filler that can be enjoyed at family gatherings.

Initially I thought that Dwayne Johnson and a Chrismas movie was a strange mixture, but then again, Schwarzenegger pulled it off with the 1996 movie "Jingle All the Way", and thus I opted to actually give Dwayne Johnson the benefit of the doubt.

And color me impressed, because "Red One" was definitely a movie worthy of being an action-star's contender to "Jingle All the Way". It was a movie that combined the archetypical action and punching that you get in Dwayne Johnson movies mixed with an actually well-written Christmassy storyline. And it worked out wonderfully. In fact, I will say that "Red One" actually is a notch better than "Jingle All the Way".

The storyline in "Red One" is enjoyable and entertaining. I found it to be a well-written and interesting script, because it was a fast paced narrative, but at the same time, it was a story that reeled in the audience and took us along on a Christmassy thrill-ride. Thumbs up to writers Chris Morgan and Hiram Garcia for accomplishing this with the script.

Now, you know what you get when you sit down to watch a movie that has Dwayne Johnson in a leading role, and "Red One" is no different, for better or worse. But the movie also have some great performances from Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju and J. K. Simmons. I have to direct the spotlight to J. K. Simmons, because he really was phenomenal in this movie.

The special effects in the movie are good, and they look realistic, which just made the movie all the more magical to sit through.

Now, something that I have to applaud in the movie are the creature designs and the creature effects. When the storyline comes to Krampus's castle, I was blown away by the practical creature effects and make-up there. It was phenomenal. I loved that segment of the movie so much, as I've always been a huge fan of interesting creature designs and especially when they look as realistic as they did in "Red One". Thumbs up to the creators for that accomplishment.

While "Red One" does not have the contents to be a returning Christmas classic, it definitely is a Christmas movie that you have to watch at least once.

My rating of director Jake Kasdan's 2024 movie "Red One" lands on a seven out of ten stars.

Bursts onto the scene with a dynamic and inventive twist on the superhero genre, seamlessly blending action, humor, and holiday spirit. Directed with flair, it brings together a talented cast that elevates the narrative into something more than your typical action-packed adventure. Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans share an electric on-screen chemistry, each delivering standout performances that keep the audience engaged from start to finish. Their playful banter and contrasting personalities inject a sense of fun that is often missing in more conventional superhero films.

What makes Red One stand out is its refreshing approach to familiar tropes. While the movie has its fair share of explosive set pieces, it never forgets to ground itself in heart. The film's pacing ensures you're never bored, offering just enough depth and intrigue to keep the plot moving forward without overloading you with unnecessary complexity.

The visual effects are top-notch, providing a thrilling experience that matches the film's ambitious scale. Whether you're a fan of the genre or a newcomer to superhero films, Red One offers a thrilling yet lighthearted experience that redefines what an action movie can be during the holiday season.