RED ONE – A Streaming Success Review

The latest film fair from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is slightly different to his usual action packed, muscle pumping, adrenaline rushing flicks. Instead, he delivers a festive feature which all the family can enjoy. Released early last month on 6th November in theatres it didn’t go to plan as the studio hoped, with it only making $82 million domestically. I think this was down to a number of factors one – it being too early for a Christmas film and two – the decline in cinema goers which is very sad to see. Either way DJ has been saved by the millions of streamers with the film breaking Amazon prime records with a 50 million streams debut. And I was one of those millions who sat down and enjoyed the Christmas tale with a twist. Here is what I thought of it.

The film opens up with an introduction to a young Jack O’Malley who clearly isn’t a Santa believer and is on the rampage to convince all his friends too. Jump years ahead and we meet Jack again all grown up and in the form of Chris Evans. He hasn’t change much still very mischievous and up to no good this time just a little bit more serious. We then get to see our first sight of the big man in red or should I say ripped man in red played by J.K. Simmons alongside his trusted head of security Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) who seems to be loosing the spirit of Christmas and faith in people.  Once Santa has done his duty speaking to the young children it is time to depart back to the North Pole, in his traditional transportation, flying reindeer. This is the first moment we start to experience the magical feeling of this film. They have done their own twist of the trusted steads of Khris Kringle and made them exceptionally big and with personalities.

When Santa and Callum arrive back to the North Pole the surroundings look familiar however with a modern and vibrant look which is pleasing to the eye and would put a smile on any young child’s face. During the busy hustle and bustle of preparing for the big day, Santa and Callum take a moment to workout together and exchange words about Callum’s retirement after this Christmas. However this Christmas is about to get a whole lot more interesting and potentially never happen because

Despite Callum’s best efforts on a snow mobile chase which is creative and satisfying, Old St Nick has been kidnapped and there is only one man who can help find him. You guessed it Jack O’Malley, who actually was the man who sold the original data of Santa’s whereabouts on the dark web to the kidnappers in the first place. Now he has to pay for his sins by helping M.O.R.A (Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority) headed up by Zoe (Lucy Liu)

I have to mention a character we are introduced to during an interrogation scene which has comical moments which made me laugh a number of times, mainly because of a character or should I say Polar Bear named Garcia (Most likely named after DJ’S Business partner Dany Garcia) who is cuddly while scary at the same time.

The magic continues as Callum gets that look in his eye of determination and while inside having dissatisfaction that he has to work with this man named Jack. Picking up some supplies in a Toy Store on the way they find themselves in tropical Aruba. This is when we get to see the fighting style of Callum Drift which is something straight out of Ant Man and was one of my favourite elements of the film. The duo take on some frosty characters after releasing their enemy, who is none other that the evil witch Gryla (Kiernan Shipka)

Still with unanswered questions they must now go in search for Nick’s half brother yes your guessed it Krampus (Kristofer Hivju) himself. This is when the film goes slightly dark however remains child friendly with a funny exchange of Slapsies on the face. After quick thinking from Jack they escape the clutches of Krampus and now know where Nick is being held captive and what the witch has planned. Back to the North Pole they go. Along the way Jack’s son Dylan (Wesley Kimmel) gets stuck into trouble and only Jack can save him.

Back at the North Pole Callum and Zoe unwrap Gryla’s plan and put their fighting skills into action alongside the elves. Lucky for them Gryla underestimates the heart of Jack O’Malley and he puts a stop to her flight plan. Now in her true ugly form there is a final showdown between Callum and Gryla with some help from her ex boyfriend Krampus. Nothing seems to be stopping her until Santa Clause is awoken and asks for a little help from his pack of reindeer.

Christmas is saved! Now there is only one job left to do, to deliver presents to all the children in the World. One thing I like about this “Red One” is the new take on the traditional fat man Santa now a fully fit ripped man who is capable of running and flipping off buildings and down chimneys. Also the use of their size technology that can decrease and increase objects’ size comes in handy. 

The final moments of the film are heart warming. The two biggest character arcs in the film, Callum’s and Jack’s, come full circle and they both learn the true meaning of Christmas. Ho Ho Ho! 

My final thoughts on “Red One” DJ and his team set out to reinvent the Christmas movie and I truly believe they have done it with this. They have the right balance of sparkle, humour and action to keep the audience entertained. The casting was excellent and I would love to see more of Garcia the bear if a sequel ever materialises. 

I have already watch the film twice and I know it will be added to my stable annual Christmas film watch list.