The holiday season of 2024 brings a fresh twist to Christmas movies with Red One, an action-packed adventure comedy directed by Jake Kasdan. From the dynamic team of Seven Bucks Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, this high-budget spectacle combines festive cheer with explosive action, taking audiences on a thrilling ride that redefines holiday cinema.
Plot Overview
Set on Christmas Eve, this film takes viewers through the adventures of Callum Drift, head of North Pole security, who finds himself in a hot pursuit of hacker and bounty hunter Jack O’Malley to locate and rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) from a sinister plot that threatens the magic of Christmas. Along the way, they confront formidable foes like Krampus (Kristofer Hivju) and form unlikely alliances, including with the North Pole’s anthropomorphic polar bear agent, Agent Garcia, voiced by Reinaldo Faberlle.
The action-humor-heart hybrid could make it a promising first installment in a line of films that will breathe life into holiday traditions and give them an adrenaline-pumping boost.
The Cast: A Star-Studded Ensemble
Red One boasts a stellar lineup of Hollywood heavyweights and rising stars:
- Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift, the tough-as-nails North Pole security chief with a mission to save Christmas. Johnson reportedly earned $50 million for his role.
- Chris Evans as Jack O’Malley, a tech-savvy bounty hunter with a knack for mischief and a complicated family dynamic involving his son Dylan (Wesley Kimmel).
- Lucy Liu as Zoe Harlow, a character shrouded in mystery who plays a key role in the story.
- K. Simmons as Santa Claus, offering a gruff yet endearing portrayal of the beloved figure.
- Kristofer Hivju as Krampus, adding a menacing edge to the holiday lore.
- Kiernan Shipka as Grýla, a figure drawn from Icelandic folklore, adding a unique mythological twist.
Supporting performances from Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus, Nick Kroll as Ted, and Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Jack’s ex-partner Olivia round out the dynamic cast.
Production Highlights
The idea for Red One came from Hiram Garcia at Seven Bucks Productions and was developed with a screenplay by Chris Morgan. The film was shot from October 2022 through February 2023, mostly in Atlanta, Georgia. Production was not without its challenges, including delays blamed on Johnson’s lateness, which drove the budget up to $250 million.
Despite these obstacles, however, the production team does deliver a visually stunning film with cinematography by Dan Mindel and a rousing score by Henry Jackman, whose compositions capture the excitement of the action sequences and the warmth of the Christmas theme.
Release Timeline and Distribution
Originally slated for a Christmas 2023 release, Red One faced delays due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. The revised schedule includes a staggered release:
- November 6, 2024: International theatrical debut in the United Kingdom.
- November 15, 2024: S. theatrical release by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
- December 12, 2024: Exclusive streaming release on Amazon Prime Video.
In an effort to elevate the cinematic experience, the film is also being presented in IMAX, a move championed by Dwayne Johnson after he experienced the immersive format while viewing another blockbuster.
Box Office Performance and Reception
Red One has collected $165.1 million with an enormous production budget, reaching $200-$250 million. Though it wasn’t a box office winner but a moderate commercial victory at the box office, its review from the viewers received a lot of critical opinion. Early reaction included appreciation for the charmful presentation of Johnson and Evans while decrying the pacing and cohesion the film lacked.
Thematic Elements and Unique Features
Red One distinguishes itself by merging traditional Christmas tropes with high-octane action. The film explores themes of family, redemption, and the spirit of giving, wrapped in a narrative filled with cutting-edge technology, mythical adversaries, and a heist-style plot. It also hints at expanding the Christmas-action genre into a broader franchise, opening up possibilities for future installments.
Trailer and Soundtrack
The official trailer offers a glimpse into the film’s dynamic action sequences, heartfelt moments, and witty banter. Featuring an energetic soundtrack composed by Henry Jackman, the music underscores the blend of festive cheer and cinematic thrills. Original songs, along with classic Christmas tracks, add to the movie’s holiday vibe.
Filming Locations
The picturesque settings of Atlanta, Georgia, serve as the backdrop for much of the film. The vibrant cityscape, combined with North Pole-inspired set designs, creates a visually captivating experience that balances realism with fantasy.
Conclusion
Red One aims to be more than just a Christmas movie; it seeks to redefine the genre by combining action-packed storytelling with heartwarming holiday spirit. While critical reception has been mixed, its star-studded cast, ambitious production scale, and unique premise make it a standout addition to the 2024 holiday season. Whether you’re a fan of Dwayne Johnson’s larger-than-life persona or Chris Evans’ effortless charm, this film promises to deliver a memorable Christmas adventure.
