No Christmas is complete without Santa Claus and it is no wonder that he is displayed prominently in many Hollywood movies which make their way to the theatres as the end of the year draws near. Jake Kasdan of the ‘Jumanji’ fame’s action, adventure and comedy ‘Red One’ is no exception. However, what is significant here is that over time how movies based on the jolly old man with a long beard who climbs down chimneys to give gifts to citizens on earth have grown inevitably and unforgivably silly. After all, one of the most commercialised characters in the West can only have so many plausible commercial twists.
When a villain kidnaps Santa Claus from the North Pole, the world’s most skilled tracker, Jack O’Malley, teams up with an E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative to track him down and save Christmas. Will Jack be able to find enough spirit of the season to assist, though, as he is a regular on the naughty list? This is the question which seems to be on the minds of the viewers as the story unfolds.
This Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans vehicle occasionally seem to justify cynicism, which is positively demanded by such an approach. Even with the focus-group priorities that appear to have shaped the film elsewhere, Kasdan is a competent enough director to find some heart and some humour.
The film opens with a rather pointless scene in which viewers meet O’Malley. This episode seems to have been introduced to show that O’Malley has always been extremely pessimistic but life hasn’t always been easy. He then takes on his adult avatar, carelessly stirring up trouble and robbing others to fund a gambling addiction and a life that has been wasted. Across town, Santa Claus and his heavy, Cal, are going to a mall to get some exercise before Christmas. After that, he is led back to a US Air Force base, where his reindeer await his return. He is abducted there, though, and Cal and Jack have to work together to track him down and save him and yes, Christmas.
One would expect the movie to be a stunning hit with A-list actors in the likes of Johnson and Evens taking the lead. However, their very presence seems to have worked against the film which seems to ask what if the Santa Claus story is like a Marvel movie? It tries to cash on the presence of Evans’ Captain America essence. For example, Johnson is made to lead a team which resembles agents from S.H.I.E.L.D. to protect Santa Claus who is known under the code name ‘Red One’.
The film’s heart and stunning visuals are unexpected, but what’s even more surprising is the number of fight scenes, chases, and creative ideas involved. At times the movie also takes on a strange turn which is more adult-centric than child-friendly. The Motion Picture Association has even given it a PG-13 rating due to its action, some violence, and language.
Equally uninspired are the action scenes, which frequently seem clichéd and badly choreographed. This could have been a memorable holiday action movie, but the stunts lack the excitement and accuracy that they need. On the whole, ‘Red One’ seems like a squandered chance when combined with a dull plot.
The main problem with the film is its tonal ambiguity. Neither does it succeed as an exciting action movie nor does it fully commit to being a joyful family film. ‘Red One’ clumsily veers between genres, making the narrative difficult to follow and frustrating to invest in. Generally, a Christmas action film should be entertaining, but this one lacks the charm and excitement to succeed.
