Red One in cinemas
Director: Jake Kasdan
Writer: Chris Morgan, Hiram Garcia
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons and Lucy Liu
Genre: Holiday Comedy, Action, Adventure
Running Time: 2 hr 2 min
Age restriction: PG-13 (Violence | Action | Language | Some Suggestive Material)
After Santa Claus (code name: Red One) is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.
Read on to find out all you need to know about this anticipated new film release.
What’s the new Red One movie about?
Ah, Christmas movies. They’re the comforting, feel-good, holiday hug we all look forward to every year. From the whimsical joy of Elf to the festive romance of Love Actually, and who could forget Home Alone — the holiday season is packed with classics that have set a high bar for yuletide cheer. Now, imagine that cosy holiday spirit infused with bulging biceps, action-packed adventure, and a little naughty humour.
The premise? Santa Claus (played by none other than the jacked J.K. Simmons) has gone missing. And who’s there to save the day? None other than Chris Evans and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. If that doesn’t sound like the weirdest Christmas miracle, then you haven’t been paying attention to Hollywood’s love affair with action comedies.
Let’s dive in. Chris Evans plays a man who’s permanently landed on Santa’s naughty list—go figure. And Dwayne Johnson? Well, he’s Mr. Nice List, of course. The problem? Evans, naughty to the core, annoys Johnson to no end, while Johnson won’t let Evans live out his questionable fantasies (and by questionable, I mean trying to get intimate with a life-sized Wonder Woman figurine… stay classy, Evans).
It’s an odd couple pairing that’s sure to deliver some chuckles along the way. But is Red One going to make it onto our Christmas classics shelf, or is it destined to be another stocking stuffer forgotten at the bottom of the pile? Let’s size it up against some of the greats.
Hit or Miss?
The Red One recipe certainly has the potential to be a new kind of Christmas hit. It’s got muscle, humour, and a holiday mission. But let’s be honest, the success of any Christmas movie lies not just in the jokes and the action, but in the heart. Will this odd couple of Evans and Johnson deliver those feel-good, festive moments we crave, or will it be more like trying to stuff too many protein bars into a Christmas stocking?
If you’re looking for a holiday film that’s more action-hero than jolly old elf, Red One might just be the perfect present. But if you’re hoping for a film to cosy up with by the fire, wrapped in a blanket of Christmas nostalgia, this one might feel a little too… ripped for your tastes. Either way, with J.K. Simmons playing the fittest Santa you’ve ever seen, Red One is going to be a wild, festive ride. Naughty list or nice, we’re all a little curious to see how this one pans out.
Get ready for some holiday action. Red One hits SterKinekor, Numetro and CineCentre cinemas on 8 November 2024. Don’t miss your chance to see this exciting Christmas adventure—click the link for more info.