Movie: Red One (2024) Caution: Spoiler Alert

 Red One

Came out; 2024

Time; 2 hour 3 Minutes

Watched: Amazon

Rated: PG-13 for action, some violence and language

IMDB Rating; 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes:

Tomato Meter 30%

Popcorn Meter 90%

Caution; Spoiler Alert

Staring;

Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift

Chris Evans as Jack O'Malley

Lucy Liu as Zoe

J.K. Simmons as Nick

Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus

Kristofer Jivju as Krampus

Kiernan Shipka as Gryla

Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Olivia

Wesley Kimmel as Dylan

Story Line;

After Santa Claus is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security must team up with a notorious hacker in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas

Thoughts:

I thought this was cute, it was different than most of the “Christmas” movies out there. It kept my interest and had a good plot with decent twists.

My brother thought this movie was “trash”, that there were too many plot holes and that it didn't make sense.

The only plot hole that I really see is this: If Gryla really is a witch, then she didn't need a middle man for Jack to get the coordinates for Santa.

CAUTION; Spoiler Alert

Christmas is in grave danger in The Red One, a thrilling action-comedy where the fate of the world's most beloved holiday is thrown into chaos. It all begins when Santa Claus, famously referred to as "The Red One" by his top-secret North Pole team, is kidnapped in the middle of the night, just days before Christmas Eve. Without Santa at the helm, the North Pole falls into disarray, the elves panic, and the holiday season teeters on the brink of collapse.

The responsibility to save Christmas falls squarely on the broad shoulders of the North Pole's stoic and highly capable Head of Security, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson. Known for his no-nonsense attitude, strength, and unwavering dedication to protecting the magic of the North Pole, Johnson's character has spent years ensuring the safety of Santa and the seamless operation of Christmas. But this year, the threat is greater than anything he's ever faced. Santa is missing, and with him, the very heart of Christmas is in peril.

The Head of Security quickly learns that recovering Santa won't be a job he can handle alone. Reluctantly, he's forced to team up with the world's most infamous and unpredictable bounty hunter, played by Chris Evans. Evans' character is the polar opposite of the North Pole's seasoned protector. He's brash, sarcastic, and has built a notorious reputation as a rogue with questionable morals. Known for getting the job done, regardless of the methods, the bounty hunter is a man who operates outside the law, tracking down dangerous criminals across the globe for the right price. He has no sentimental attachment to Christmas or the traditions it represents-but the high stakes of this mission might just change that.

Despite their opposing personalities, the two form an uneasy alliance and embark on a high-stakes, globe-trotting adventure that takes them far from the snow-covered safety of the North Pole. Their mission: to rescue Santa Claus from the clutches of his mysterious kidnappers and restore Christmas before the world wakes up on December 25th to find stockings empty and chimneys cold.

The pair's journey spans a variety of exotic and dangerous locations, from snow-capped mountains to dense forests and even bustling cities. Along the way, they must confront not only external threats but also their own vastly different approaches to problem-solving. The Head of Security believes in order, rules, and honor, while the bounty hunter thrives on chaos, improvisation, and a good fight. Their constant clashing leads to plenty of comedic moments, especially as they try to outwit each other in sticky situations, but their growing respect for each other's strengths gradually transforms their working relationship.

The challenges they face are as diverse as they are perilous. From tracking down the leads on Santa's whereabouts to battling rival factions who want to seize control of Christmas for their own gain, every step of the mission is a race against time. But amid the car chases, daring escapes, and hand-to-hand combat, the magic of Christmas still finds a way to seep into their journey. They encounter people around the world who are clinging to the hope that Santa will deliver presents on Christmas morning, reminding them of what's truly at stake. Slowly, even the bounty hunter begins to realize that this mission is about more than just saving one man-it's about preserving the hope, joy, and wonder that Christmas represents to millions of people.

At the heart of The Red One is the unlikely bond that forms between Johnson and Evans' characters. While the Head of Security starts the mission determined to maintain control and keep things strictly professional, he's gradually forced to loosen up and trust his impulsive partner. Similarly, the bounty hunter, who begins the story as a lone wolf driven solely by personal gain, finds himself rediscovering a sense of purpose and camaraderie as he becomes invested in saving Christmas. Their evolving partnership adds a layer of heart to the action, as the two characters realize that even the toughest missions can't be accomplished without trust, teamwork, and a little holiday magic.

Of course, no Christmas movie would be complete without a few lighthearted, festive moments, and The Red One delivers in spades. Whether it's a high-speed chase through a city decorated with twinkling lights, a fight scene in a toy factory filled with malfunctioning gadgets, or a race against time in the middle of a blizzard, the movie masterfully blends action with humor, keeping the tone lighthearted even as the stakes remain high. The film's holiday setting is ever-present, with nods to traditional Christmas imagery, from candy cane weapons to sleigh-inspired vehicles, ensuring that even in the most intense scenes, the spirit of the season shines through.

As the duo edges closer to their goal, the mystery surrounding Santa's kidnapping deepens. Why would anyone want to steal the world's most beloved figure? And who is truly behind the plot to sabotage Christmas? The answers unravel in a thrilling climax that pits Johnson and Evans' characters against a powerful enemy determined to rewrite the rules of the holiday. With time running out and the weight of the world's expectations on their shoulders, the pair must give everything they've got to bring Santa home and restore the holiday magic before it's too late.

In the end, The Red One is more than just an action-packed Christmas movie. It's a story about the power of belief, the importance of teamwork, and the lengths we go to in order to protect the things we cherish. With its blend of explosive action, hilarious banter, and heartwarming moments, the film is destined to become a holiday favorite for years to come. Whether you're watching for the thrill of the chase, the festive cheer, or the dynamic chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, The Red One offers something for everyone, proving that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the magic of Christmas is worth fighting for.