Red One: Is This Holiday Hijack Worth Your Prime Time? A Deep Dive (Spoiler-Free, Mostly)
Wondering about "Red One"? It stars Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans. Is it the Christmas miracle your streaming queue needs? Or should it stay unopened under the cinematic tree? Let’s see what's inside this film.
Critics' Naughty List: The General Reception
Before you even press play, critics have whispered not-so-sweet things about "Red One." They weren't decked out in praise. Think of it as finding coal in your stocking, repeatedly.
One review snippet ponders, "Before opening, the movie is about the North Pole's head of security (Johnson) who teams with a bounty hunter (Eva..." The phrase trails off into existential dread. Another headline exclaims, "'Red One' Is Already One of the Year's Worst-Reviewed Movies." Ouch. That's colder than ice.
Collider.com mentions the "abysmal early response from critics." It seems family audiences may not thaw this reception either. The consensus? "Red One received harsh reviews before opening." It’s like showing up to a holiday party in last year's ugly sweater. Trouble ahead.
Hit or Miss? More Like a Misfire
Despite the criticism, "Red One" gathered a Santa-sized sleigh of viewers on Amazon Prime Video. It had "the most-watched film debut ever." The critics might sip eggnog laced with vinegar, but the public tuned in. However, box office numbers tell a different story. "Red One had a modest theatrical run..." which means "it didn’t set the box office on fire." A flickering candle in a snowstorm.
Worth a Watch? Temper Your Expectations Like Eggnog
Is "Red One" worth your streaming time? Opinions are like fruitcake; everyone has one. Some are better left uneaten. One blunt review argues, "Red One could be a fun watch, but it's too long, bad CGI, and some actors didn’t care." That’s direct and sounds like a dry holiday dinner. Entertaining in a train-wreck sort of way, but not gourmet.
Why the Bah-Humbug Reviews? Unpacking the Naughty List
What landed "Red One" on the critical naughty list? Several recurring themes from critics appear.
Hollow Laughs and Tired Tinsel
Apparently, despite its festive premise, "Red One" isn’t a laugh riot. One review states: "Despite its silly premise, it's not frequently funny. There are chuckles here and there, but it’s largely a hollow action comedy that leans into tired tropes." "Tired tropes" - the cinematic equivalent of getting socks for Christmas. Functional, maybe, not thrilling.
CGI-mas Tree Gone Wrong
Another major grievance? "Bad CGI." In an age of great visual effects, "bad CGI" is a sin. Critics say "...too much bad CGI..." suggests the North Pole looks less like a wonderland and more like an outdated video game cutscene. No one wants Santa battling villains from years past.
Content Check: Is "Red One" Family-Friendly or Fright Night?
The critics are grumpy. But what about the kids? Is "Red One" safe for family viewing? Let’s peek under the wrapping paper of content appropriateness.
Teenagers and Adults Welcome, Tots at Your Own Risk
"Red One is meant for a broad audience, including teenagers and adults, looking for a fun Christmas movie." Sounds great, right? But there’s a “but”: "Some say the movie's dark elements might frighten young viewers." Uh oh. Suddenly it sounds less like "Elf" and more like "Nightmare Before Christmas" after coffee.
PG...ish? Decoding the Age Rating
"Red One has been rated PG, meaning guidance is advised." And also "Rated PG-13 for action, violence, and language." The 12A rating pops up as well, meaning moderate violence and implied strong language. Confusing? Yes, like deciphering Santa's naughty and nice list – criteria seems arbitrary.
The Motion Picture Association slapped a PG-13 label on it for “action and language.” So, it's not exactly "Frozen," but it isn’t "Die Hard." It’s an awkward middle school dance of movie ratings.
Creepy Crawlies in Santa's Sack: Dark Fantasy Alert
Let’s explore these “dark fantasy elements” that could scare toddlers. "Red One has dark fantasy elements that may frighten young viewers." Creepy characters include a cliffhanger! A display of horror awaits! Mini-meltdowns required.
The catalog of holiday horrors features: "an evil witch, giant ogre with tentacles, ram-like demigod, headless horseman, sinister jack-o-lantern, living gargoyles." Sounds like Santa's North Pole invaded by a Dungeons & Dragons convention gone wrong.
Violence and Vague Vulgarity: Not Exactly Silent Night
"Red One is rated 12A for moderate violence and implied strong language." Moderate violence might mean anything from slapstick to more intense fights. And "implied strong language" – is Santa cursing? Probably not, but implied allows room for parental guesswork.
Suggestive Santa? Partial Nudity Under the Tree?
Brace yourselves for awkward territory. "The Kids-In-Mind.com evaluation shows some suggestive remarks, partial non-sexual nudity, and numerous fights without visible injuries." Hold up! "Partial non-sexual nudity"? In a Christmas movie?
Not Santa, but we do encounter “multiple close-ups of cleavage” and “a female character wears a thong.” Nothing says "holiday cheer" like strategically placed thongs and cleavage shots. Also there are “minor sexual innuendos” thrown in, adding questionable ingredients.
Not for the Tiniest Tinsel Toes
"As the film goes on, it becomes clear that “Red One” is not for young audiences." So despite the PG rating, this may be better suited for older kids and adults who can handle dark fantasy, moderate violence, implied cursing, and buttock-revealing attire. Save this for after the little ones are tucked in bed.
Controversy Claus: The Mature-ity Debate
Let’s stir the pot about "controversial elements" that have raised eyebrows and possibly angry tweets.
Too Mature for its Mistletoe?
"Some viewers have complained about the film's supposedly inappropriate “maturity," Mei's willful nature, and teen girl issues." "Inappropriate 'maturity'" – in a Christmas movie? Are they discussing existential angst over gingerbread? It sounds absurd.
nature"? Is this some teen angst drama? And "the generalized problem of teen girls"? Are we unpacking societal issues in a holiday action flick?
Periods and Peril: The Teen Girl Trouble
The "mature issues" refer to... periods. "First, the “mature issues” — namely teen girls getting their periods." Yep, periods. In a Christmas movie. Some viewers are upset about menstruation in a holiday adventure. It’s like complaining your gingerbread house has too much ginger. That's the point.
The "generalized problem of teen girls" is murky. It seems tied to Mei's "willful nature" and the presence of teenage girls in a film about bodily functions. Some viewers seem to want sanitized, sparkly Christmas movies lacking human biology hints. But hey, periods exist even in the North Pole. Perhaps the elves have special menstrual pads?
Plot Twist: Saving Santa, the Action-Comedy Way
Alright, enough about periods and creepy characters. Let's focus on the plot. What's "Red One" really about, besides traumatizing toddlers and sparking period debates?
Santa Snatchers: The Core Crisis
The premise is straightforward: Santa gets kidnapped. Classic Christmas crisis. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars as an E.L.F. working with Chris Evans' Jack O'Malley to rescue Santa from kidnappers. "Red One follows an operative (Dwayne Johnson) teaming with a tracker (Chris Evans) to save Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) from trouble." When a villain grabs Santa from the North Pole, an operative takes charge to save him. It’s like "Home Alone" mixed with "Die Hard," sprinkled with... periods?
The Rock as an E.L.F. Boss: Callum Drift to the Rescue
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson portrays Callum Drift, a unique Christmas elf. "Johnson plays Callum Drift, the commander of E.L.F. (Enforcement, Logistics, and Fortification) and leads security for “Red One,” Santa's code name." Drift tracks down Santa, not alone. "In the movie, Callum Drift is the commander of E.L.F." So, he is the North Pole's head of security, a Christmas спецназ commander. Santa's Secret Service just got muscular.
Chris Evans, Tracker Extraordinaire: Jack O'Malley Joins the Party
Joining The Rock in this escapade is Chris Evans as Jack O'Malley, a tracker. "Red One features Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as a Christmas E.L.F. who teams with Chris Evans' tracker Jack O'Malley to rescue Santa." Callum Drift needs Jack's skills, as even strong commanders can’t always find kidnapped Santas. "He first grabs Jack and explains, demanding Jack reveal Santa's location." Kidnapping a tracker for help? That's... efficient? Or weirdly aggressive holiday cheer?
Spoiler alert (not really, it's a Christmas movie): "Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) and Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans) save Santa Claus and Christmas." Phew. The crisis is resolved. The world can return to arguing about whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie.
E.L.F. Explained: Not Just Pointy-Eared Helpers
What’s this "E.L.F." organization Callum Drift leads? "They are E.L.F., which stands for Enforcement, Logistics and Fortification." Johnson’s Callum is head of E.L.F., which safeguards Santa. E.L.F. functions like the North Pole's Secret Service. They keep Christmas running smoothly and handle any Santa-snatching threats efficiently.
E.L.F. isn’t just human and pointy-eared helpers. "The polar bear named Agent Garcia belongs to E.L.F." Polar bear mercenaries in Santa's Secret Service? Now that's cool. Way better than regular elves. Do polar bear mercenaries get paid in fish? Just wondering.
Agent Garcia, Polar Bear Mercenary: Furry and Formidable
Agent Garcia, the polar bear mercenary deserves mention. "The polar bear in Red One is named Agent Garcia and is voiced by actor Reinaldo Faberlle." Garcia works with E.L.F. Presumably, he provides "Enforcement," using his size against kidnappers. Hopefully, he's not too cuddly when capturing enemies.
"Red One" = Santa? Code Name Claus
"Johnson plays Callum Drift, the commander of E.L.F., head of security for “Red One,” Santa's code name." So, "Red One" isn’t just the movie title; it’s Santa’s secret agent moniker! Even Santa needs a cool name for dealing with international gift-giving logistics and kidnapping threats. "This is Red One, requesting reindeer backup." Over.
Santa Saved! Christmas Miracle Achieved
"Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) and Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans) successfully rescue Santa Claus and save Christmas." Santa is rescued, Christmas survives, Agent Garcia likely gets fish bonuses, and Drift and O'Malley might high-five under mistletoe (perhaps). The end. Roll credits. Cue Mariah Carey.
Behind the Scenes in Santa's Workshop: Production Details
Ever wondered where "Red One" was filmed? Spoiler alert: not the North Pole. Even Santa's movies film in less snowy places.
Hawaii and Georgia: Santa's Sunny Stand-ins
"The 2024 movie Red One filmed in Hawaii and Georgia." Hawaii and Georgia aren’t typical winter wonderlands for Christmas films. Unless Santa’s North Pole is a tropical paradise and humid state. Maybe global warming affected it more than we thought.
Honolulu Holidays: University and Coffee Shops
Part of "Red One" filmed in "Honolulu, capital of Oahu." Specifically, "Bilger Hall, University of Hawaii" and "Morning Brew coffee shop at 685 Auahi Street #113, Honolulu." The fictional “National Oceanic Geology Administration” is in real life “Bilger Hall.” So visiting Hawaii means seeing a fake oceanic geology center doubling as Santa's North Pole in a movie.
Atlanta Antics: Toys and Malls
Atlanta also joined the Christmas fun. "Atlanta, including Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, where Wondrous Toys store existed" and "scenes at Perimeter Mall." So, if you’re in Atlanta, walk where Dwayne Johnson saved Christmas. That’s interesting.
Conyers, Savannah, Jekyll Island: Georgia's Cinematic Gems
Aside from Atlanta, other Georgia locations got...
Some screen time: "Conyers," "Savannah," and "Jekyll Island." Conyers, Savannah, and Jekyll Island – they sound like stops on a Southern road trip, not a movie. But Georgia's landscapes are diverse. Maybe they doubled as snowy mountains or enchanted forests (just kidding... mostly).
Budget Breakdown: $200 Million for Christmas?
What does it cost to save Christmas? Around $200 million. "Filming began in October 2022, ending in February 2023." That's a big number! More than some small countries' GDPs. For a Christmas flick! With Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, polar bears, and CGI, maybe $200 million isn't too wild in Hollywood.
Budget Blowout? On-Set Shenanigans
But, there's more to the budget. "Recent reports about Red One revealed on-set issues with Johnson." What exactly happened? Did The Rock demand a gold trailer? Did he wreck half the set during a scene? Did he need exotic birds between takes? Details are vague, but "on-set issues with Johnson" sounds like Hollywood drama behind the Christmas magic.
Money, Money, Christmas Money: Financial Aspects
Let’s discuss the financial side of "Red One." Who got paid what? Did the movie buy Santa a new sleigh?
The Rock's Rock-Solid Payday: $50 Million and Counting
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson doesn’t come cheap. His "Red One" contract was big. "$50 million includes fees for acting and producing, along with a buyout for both roles." That’s a record! Fifty million dollars! Enough to buy countless Christmases. "Johnson's salary is the largest fee-plus-buyout for streaming film history." "Red One" was a major payday for The Rock. Guess Santa's mission worked out for someone.
Supporting Cast Salaries: Millions for the Merry Crew
While The Rock earned big, the supporting cast made money too. "Lucy Liu is reportedly the third-highest earner, taking home $850,000." Not bad! For possibly wearing a thong (if she did). "J.K. Simmons, as Santa Claus, earned $700,000." Good money for Santa, and likely health benefits too! "Kiernan Shipka and Mary Elizabeth Ellis both received $500,000." Suddenly, my Christmas bonus feels... lacking.
Box Office Blues: Not Exactly a Cash Cow
Despite the stars and big budget, "Red One" wasn't a box office hit. "It ended its run with $185.8 million worldwide." But it needed at least $500 million to profit. Ouch. Made less than it cost. That’s a financial blow to Amazon. "Red One made $185,694,850, below its $200 million production budget." Looks like someone will receive a grumpy talk from the studio this Christmas.
Streaming Savior? Prime Video's Viewership Victory
There’s a silver lining in the streaming numbers. "Red One became Amazon Prime Video's most-watched film debut with 50 million viewers in its first weekend." A lot of people watched! "Red One" might not have conquered the box office but found an audience online. Maybe it will become a classic, despite mixed reviews.
Streaming Santa's Sleigh: Where to Watch "Red One"
Curious about "Red One," despite the reviews? Here's where to find it.
Prime Time for Prime Video: Free for Subscribers
"Yes, Red One is free to stream on Amazon Prime Video for subscribers." If you're a subscriber, "Red One" is on Amazon Prime. Just log in, search, and see what "Red One" is all about.
Buy or Rent Elsewhere? Digital Download Options
No Prime? No worries! "Red One is also available for purchase or rent on Amazon Prime Video." Plus, you can buy it on Apple TV, Fandango At Home, or Microsoft Store. Plenty of ways to explore if you want to watch "Red One."
Netflix and Hulu? Not on Santa's List
"The movie won’t be on Hulu, Netflix, or other platforms." Sorry, Netflix and Hulu fans, "Red One" is an Amazon Prime exclusive. If you're hoping to catch it elsewhere, it's unlikely. Unless you subscribe or buy it.
Sequel Shenanigans? "Red Two"? "Red One-der Woman"?
Given the lukewarm response, is a sequel likely? Let’s look into the future.
Sequel Unlikely: One and Done?
"No, it seems there won’t be a sequel to the 2024 movie Red One. Its performance was disappointing." So a sequel seems unlikely. "Disappointing performance usually kills sequels in Hollywood." Looks like "Red One" could be a one-time holiday tale.
Spinoff Spectacle? M.O.R.A. Mayhem?
But there's a hint of sequel potential. "While a sequel is unlikely, spinoff ideas exist." The movie has a secret group called M.O.R.A. protecting mythological creatures. That sounds intriguing! A spinoff about M.O.R.A. battling rogue unicorns could be cool. "M.O.R.A.: Mythological Operations and Rogue Anomaly Division" sounds catchy.
Miscellaneous Merry Musings: Random "Red One" Revelations
Let’s sprinkle in some fun facts about "Red One" before we end this deep dive.
"Kavalame!" Santa's Battle Cry?
Did you wonder what Santa yells in "Red One"? In a key scene, Santa yells 'Kavalame!' at his reindeer. Sounds odd but theatrical. "The word sounds like made-up language." Santa is unconscious but finds strength to call out 'Kavalame' to his reindeer. Sounds festive!
Female Reindeer? Antler Anatomy Explained
Did you hear Santa call his reindeer "ladies" in "Red One"? There's a reason! "Santa refers to his reindeer as 'ladies'. While typically shown as male, it’s an interesting take and highlights gender portrayal during the holiday season."
The reason Santa's reindeer are female is due to their antlers. Female reindeer keep their antlers in winter. Male reindeer shed them during this season. They grow new antlers in spring. Mind blown! Santa's reindeer are female. Who knew that reindeer anatomy mattered in a Christmas movie? "Ladies, Kavalame! Let's go save Christmas!"
Red One Hair Wax? Holiday Haircare?
Product placement alert! There is a brand of hair wax called "Red One." "Red One Wax The Red Aqua Hair Wax" is the best-selling product. The wax has a strong formula and a strawberry scent. It works for all hair types. The Blue Aqua Hair Wax has a bubblegum scent. Strawberry and bubblegum hair wax? Festive vibes? "Red One's QuickSilver Aqua Hair Wax" smells like cologne. It offers a long-lasting hold and shine. Plus, it does not flake. A strong hold? Non-flaking? Maybe Callum Drift uses Red One to style his commander hair when saving Santa. Product synergy!
PG-13 Reasons: Action, Violence, and... Language
The reason "Red One" has a PG-13 rating explains its content. "Red One" is rated PG-13 due to action, violence, and language. Action, violence, language— the elements of a PG-13 movie. If you want a gentle Christmas classic, adjust expectations. "Red One" is a PG-13 action-comedy. With reindeer. And polar bear mercenaries.
So there you have it — a look at "Red One." Is it a critical flop? Yes. Is it a streaming hit? Apparently. Is it good for kids? Debatable. Is it worth watching? Only you can decide. At least with this "Red One" knowledge, you can impress or bore family and friends this holiday. Merry Christmas, and may your movie choices be less complicated.
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