There’s something uniquely thrilling about Christmas-themed action movies that makes them incredibly fun to watch. It’s the perfect mix of holiday cheer and a high-stakes adventure — a blend that feels both cozy and exhilarating. The contrast of festive decorations, snow-covered landscapes and twinkling lights set against explosive action scenes and tense moments brings out an unexpected excitement.
Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in seeing heroes navigate holiday chaos with as much wit and charm as they do fistfights and car chases. It’s like adding a bit of adrenaline to the season’s warmth and wonder, making these films a holiday treat that’s hard to resist.
The holiday season invites a sense of magic and whimsy, so it feels perfectly fitting to add fantasy elements that push beyond what we’d expect in the real world. Whether it’s a protagonist lifting a car to rescue someone or an unexpected appearance of a creature lurking among the Christmas lights, these movies embrace the idea that, during the holidays, anything can happen. And it’s that break from reality, that joyful acceptance of the absurd, that brings an extra layer of fun and excitement to the viewing experience.
Red One is the latest addition to the Christmas action-adventure fantasy-comedy genre, blending holiday magic with high-stakes thrills. When Santa (J.K. Simmons) is abducted from the North Pole by a black-ops team led by the sinister witch, Grýla (Kiernan Shipka), his fiercely loyal bodyguard, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), takes the kidnapping personally.
As the commander of the elite Enforcement, Logistics and Fortification (ELF) team, Callum vows to rescue his boss and friend before Christmas is ruined. Partnering with Zoe Harlow (Lucy Liu), the sharp-witted Director of the Mythical Oversight and Restoration Authority, Callum tracks down Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), a tech-savvy hacker who unwittingly aided Grýla.
Together, Callum and Jack embark on a global quest, piecing together clues to find Santa and restore holiday cheer before time runs out.
Red One undeniably delivers all the elements for a top-notch Christmas-themed thrill ride. Dwayne Johnson brings not only his formidable screen presence but also a nuanced portrayal of Callum Drift, the rugged yet emotionally layered bodyguard to Santa Claus. Johnson’s ability to convey Callum’s inner struggle, often through a simple glance or subtle gesture, makes him a complex character — tough and unyielding, but with a hint of compassion that reveals itself just enough to be endearing.
Callum’s world-weariness is rooted in his disillusionment with humanity as the “naughty list” grows each year, chipping away at his faith in the holiday spirit.
On the other side, Chris Evans’ Jack O’Malley is full of sarcastic wit and reluctant charm. Evans delivers Jack’s humor effortlessly, making him a compelling contrast to Callum’s seriousness. Over the course of the film, Jack’s journey from cynic to believer becomes a heartwarming evolution. Jack’s motivation stems from his relationship with his son, Dylan (Wesley Kimmel), which brings a deeply personal angle to his otherwise jaded character.
Through their globe-spanning adventure, Callum and Jack rediscover the spark of holiday magic they thought they’d lost. The unlikely camaraderie that grows between them becomes the emotional anchor of the story, making Red One more than just a seasonal action spectacle; it’s a story of redemption, friendship and the power of hope amid the holiday chaos.
The film is packed with an impressive array of fantastic creatures that add both spectacle and depth to its story. Among them, Agent Garcia, an anthropomorphic polar bear who serves as a field agent for the ELF team and is voiced by Reinaldo Faberlle, makes an unforgettable introduction. As the first non-human character we meet, Garcia immediately sets a high standard for the film’s visual effects, showing the studio spared no expense. The realism in his fur, the expressiveness in his face and the meticulous attention to detail make him feel both endearing and formidable.
But the true standout among these mythical beings is Krampus, portrayed by Kristofer Hivju, who brings a menacing, larger-than-life presence to the screen as Santa Claus’ estranged brother. Towering at over nine feet and covered in sinewy muscle, shaggy fur and imposing horns, Krampus is a masterpiece of practical effects and makeup, a rarity in today’s CGI-dominated landscape.
The choice to use practical effects here adds a level of physicality and authenticity that makes Krampus even more terrifying — and awe-inspiring — in action. Alongside his motley crew of mythical creatures, Krampus is integral to the story’s tension, delivering some of the most intense fight scenes and laugh-out-loud moments. These creatures don’t just add visual flair; they bring personality, humor and stakes to the film, making Red One a visually rich and wildly entertaining holiday spectacle.
Red One deserves a solid five out of five stars, especially when judged within the realm of Christmas-themed action films. This rating isn’t about high drama, deep nuance or intricate character studies; rather, it’s based on the pure, unapologetic holiday fun that this film delivers. If you’re searching for a complex, layered narrative, it may not be the film for you. However, if you’re in the mood for a holiday adventure packed with thrilling action, laugh-out-loud moments and a surprising dose of warmth, then this movie should top your holiday watchlist.
Red One succeeds precisely because it knows exactly what it wants to be. From the larger-than-life characters and epic creature designs to the blend of holiday cheer and blockbuster excitement, this film stays true to its mission of delivering an over-the-top Christmas action spectacle. The story doesn’t get bogged down with unnecessary subplots or complicated twists; instead, it offers a straightforward, feel-good ride that entertains from start to finish.
With its impressive visuals, endearing cast and heartwarming message about the holiday spirit, Red One is the ultimate holiday escapism, making it a must-watch for anyone ready to embrace the season with a dash of adventure.