Thu Nov 14 23:30:00 UTC 2024: ## “Red One” Review: A Soulless Holiday Blockbuster
“Red One,” the latest action-comedy from Amazon, takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of the world through secret portals hidden in toy stores – a premise that would make any child wonder if such stores still exist. Ironically, Amazon, the very company that effectively eradicated brick-and-mortar toy stores, bankrolled this film.
The film portrays a surprisingly corporate Santa Claus, played by J.K. Simmons, who runs his operation with the efficiency of a billionaire mogul. Even the North Pole resembles a high-tech fulfillment center, with elves working tirelessly year-round. This starkly contrasts with the traditional image of a jolly, benevolent Santa, leaving a distinctly Bezosian aftertaste.
The plot revolves around the kidnapping of Santa by a Nordic witch and the unlikely alliance of his head of security, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), and a cynical hacker, Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans). The action is predictable, relying on a barrage of special effects that range from impressive to downright jarring. The humor is mostly flat, relying on canned witticisms and predictable scenarios.
“Red One” fails to deliver on its promise of a heartwarming holiday film. Instead, it feels like a soulless commercial enterprise, preaching a sentimental message about the true spirit of Christmas while simultaneously embodying the crass commercialism it supposedly critiques. The movie feels like a generic, expensive toy, flashy on the outside but ultimately shallow and forgettable.
Despite the star power of Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, “Red One” falls short of being a captivating holiday experience. It’s a missed opportunity for a film that could have been genuinely entertaining, instead opting for generic action, shallow humor, and a cynical portrayal of the holiday season.
First Piper 