Red One Movie Review

Opening in IMAX^®, Dolby Cinema and all premium large formats.

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The kids are going to love this new take on Christmas. Well, it’s a bit of a new spin anyway. It’s still sprinkled with Christmas cheer (sometimes), even when the violence joins this Christmas night. Honestly, be warned. The movie can be dark, and there’s some language. There are several “sh*ts” and a very well-placed “*ssh*le” that you won’t mind, but maybe it’s a bit much for the little guys.

I don’t want you to go in rolling your eyes and look down at the kids with doubt. You’ll have a good time with their choice of what to watch this weekend. Most importantly, they’re going to love you for taking them. It has fighting snowmen! They look like ordinary snowmen, but they pack a mean punch.

You’ll appreciate how the carrot nose is cleverly used, and it’s not as a weapon. Then, the youngsters will enjoy like the CGI. You may not, as much, as there’s so much of it that it makes it somewhat difficult to see what’s going on, but not to worry. It won’t take away your ultimate satisfaction from the story playing out before you because it doesn’t get in the way of what the children are having fun observing, and that’s what matters most.

You’ll like the part where Santa’s brother enters the picture, especially if you have seen movies about the character before. If you have, he’s a bit different here. Mum’s the word… don’t go reading reviews to find out who brother is. We start somewhat unconventionally, being introduced to everyone involved, and it continues that way, honestly, with new characters jumping in the whole time.

Santa has a loyal guard in Callum “Cal” Drift (Dwayne Johnson), who’s been working for Santa for 542 years. He has decided it’s time to hang up the Yuletide optimism. It’s his last ride because he can no longer see it. You’ll not find out what that ‘it’ is from me. The dialogue is spectacular and J.K. Simmons’ Santa couldn’t be better. Make sure not to miss everything being said. The little things count such as Cal’s conversation with Santa who’s working out. He likes to bench and has some incredibly cut arms! He works out A LOT, Cal spots him.

Santa is a tough cookie, and Simmons goes head-to-toe with Johnson in portraying these characters who must simultaneously sell kindness and anger. Chris Evans comes in earlier in the film as a younger character named Jack O’Malley. He grows up to be a bit of a degenerate, but it’s no surprise from where he started. His character is essential in the “Lesson of Christmas” that plays out in all these movies. This is a good one. I don’t want to give any more away except to say this is the ideal family movie to check out in IMAX this weekend!!