Red One (2024): Dwayne Johnson Delivers Holiday Action in a Big-Budget Christmas Adventure
Red One (2024) is a bold and ambitious attempt to reimagine the traditional holiday movie through the lens of high-octane action and fantasy spectacle. Directed by Jake Kasdan and starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson alongside Chris Evans, the film blends holiday cheer with superhero-style heroics, creating a unique Christmas experience aimed at both families and action fans. With a production budget reportedly exceeding $200 million, Red One marks one of the most expensive and high-profile holiday films in recent memory.
In Red One, Dwayne Johnson plays Callum Drift, the head of security at the North Pole. When Santa Claus—portrayed in epic, muscular fashion by J.K. Simmons—is mysteriously kidnapped, Drift is forced to team up with Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), a cynical former bounty hunter, to travel across the globe and rescue Christmas. What unfolds is a wild, fantastical adventure filled with mythical creatures, elite commandos, enchanted realms, and action-packed set pieces.
Dwayne Johnson brings his signature charisma and physical presence to the role of Callum Drift. As the stoic yet determined protector of Christmas, Johnson balances toughness with occasional comedic charm, portraying a character who believes deeply in the magic and responsibility of the holiday. His chemistry with Evans serves as the emotional core of the film—Evans plays the reluctant, sarcastic counterpart whose redemption arc adds emotional depth amid the chaos.
Visually, Red One is an impressive spectacle. From the high-tech North Pole command center to exotic locations like a sun-drenched tropical island and wintry mythological landscapes, the film is packed with CGI-heavy environments and creature effects. The villain, Grýla (played by Kiernan Shipka), adds a dark fantasy element to the story, commanding an army of snow beasts and attempting to harness the magic of Christmas for her own twisted ends.
Despite the film’s grand ambition and star power, Red One received mixed reviews. Critics praised its creativity, energy, and family-friendly themes, but many felt the plot was overly cluttered and the tone inconsistent. The film currently holds a low critic score on review aggregator sites, with some reviewers calling it “a chaotic holiday mess” and “visually impressive but emotionally hollow.” However, audience response was far more favorable, with many praising the film’s festive fun, likable cast, and entertaining action. It quickly became a popular title on Amazon Prime Video, reportedly racking up over 50 million views in its first week of release.
While Red One may not become an instant holiday classic, it offers something fresh in the crowded Christmas movie landscape. It’s loud, fast, and unapologetically ridiculous—but also sincere in its message about belief, family, and the spirit of giving. For fans of Dwayne Johnson, the film delivers exactly what’s expected: larger-than-life action with a heart of gold. And for those seeking a break from traditional Christmas fare, Red One provides a fantastical, popcorn-fueled alternative worth streaming.
