Red One

Don't go into this movie expecting a perfect plot or deep storytelling. However, if you're looking for an action-packed Christmas film with interesting holiday lore, cool characters, and fun gimmicks, it's worth checking out. While some character development feels lacking, the acting is solid overall and there are some genuinely funny moments if you're in the right mood. The movie blends Christmas magic with intense action sequences in an entertaining way, even though some parts of the story might feel unrealistic

Despite its flaws, it succeeds in delivering festive fun with a darker twist, making it an enjoyable watch for those who don't mind their holiday cheer mixed with some mayhem.

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.

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!

I watched Red One yesterday, and I really enjoyed it. I thought it would be kind of trashy , but it was well made. It felt like what you'd get if Marvel made a Christmas movie-full of action, humor, and holiday spirit. The cast brought a lot of energy, and Kiernan Shipka stood out as the evil witch;

That said, the characters didn't have much depth, and the movie had this odd mix of feeling like a kids' film that isn't really for kids. Dwayne Johnson's character as E. L. F was a quite fun fit. This movie was giving my boyfriend and me plenty of laughs throughout. Overall, it was wholesome, light, and fun.

I wouldn't rush to see it in theaters, but it's perfect for a cozy night on the couch. If you're looking for a feel-good Christmas movie to watch at home, I'd definitely recommend it.

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.