Red One is ranked 6.9/10 by IMDb and 34% by Rotten Tomatoes which is rather low for this fun and funny movie that parents and kids alike will enjoy. The movie offers a fresh and unexpected take on the story about Santa and Christmas in a unique and compelling way. The film follows Santa Claus, known as "Red One," who is kidnapped from his North Pole home in a mythological world by a villain. An elite team of operatives called E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) is in charge of keeping Santa safe. To rescue him, they team up with the world's best tracker, and together, they race to save Santa and Christmas.

The movie's action scenes and high-tech effects can feel a bit excessive at times, but they align well with the expansive and imaginative world of Red One. This mythological realm is filled with animals and strange-looking creatures typically associated with Santa and Christmas, as well as wild scenarios that add excitement and mystery throughout the film. The blend of real characters, mythical beings, and unusual creatures creates an intriguing combination that works effectively within this elaborate Christmas fantasy. Since the film maintains a light-hearted tone, it makes sense to push the boundaries of imagination.

The plot of the film is unexpectedly thought-provoking, particularly with the inclusion of characters like Gryla, the Christmas witch, whose presence adds an interesting layer of complexity to the narrative. The film cleverly challenges the traditional notion that wrongdoers must be punished for their actions, emphasizing instead that everyone, including wrongdoers, can be forgiven if they truly deserve it.

The standout performances in this movie come from Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson in the roles of Jack O'Malley and Callum Drift respectively. Chris Evans delivers an excellent performance as Jack, blending subtle yet direct humor with a portrayal of an intelligent character. His reactions to situations that leave him in disbelief are particularly hilarious. Jack works smart rather than hard, making him the perfect counterpart to Callum, who has a more traditional, stoic demeanor—a role that seems like it was specifically designed for Dwayne Johnson. The dynamic between Evans and Johnson is great; their contrasting personalities create great on-screen chemistry that elevates the movie severely.

Overall, I found the film's cinematography to be just okay. It didn't particularly impress me, and at times, it appeared somewhat blurry. This could be due to the high volume of animation and digital effects, which may have made the execution a lot more difficult. Even so, the effort is commendable, and it works for most of the movie.

Red One was a lot better than I expected it to be and I would highly recommend you to go and watch it, it's a rewarding experience.

KenyaBuzz is grateful to Westgate Cinemas for access to the movie for this review.
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