The Rock And Chris Evans’ Red One Finally Screened, And Critics Are Going Down Separate Chimneys: ​’On The Naughty List For 2024’

by

As a longtime fan of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Christmas movies, I must admit that my holiday spirit was somewhat dampened after reading some of the early reactions to “Red One.” Having grown up watching Johnson’s action-packed films, I was eagerly anticipating this yuletide adventure. However, the trailers alone had me expecting an over-the-top spectacle filled with humor and heart.

November is not only the month of Thanksgiving, but also a period when cinemagoers can anticipate the arrival of Christmas-themed films. In 2024, one such film is the highly anticipated holiday blockbuster titled “Red One“, featuring stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chris Evans, and J.K. Simmons, among others. With less than two weeks until its release on the movie schedule, early screenings for critics have been held. So far, reactions seem to be somewhat divided, with some potentially labeling it as a “naughty” film, while others might consider it “nice.

What Kind Of Reactions Lean Towards The “Naughty” List Placing?

In the upcoming holiday movie, “Red One,” directed by Jake Kasdan (known for his work on the last two Jumanji films), Dwayne Johnson plays the leader of the North Pole’s security team. He needs to enlist a disillusioned hacker to help rescue Santa Claus who has been kidnapped. The movie trailers suggest an action-packed adventure with big-name stars. However, some critics, like Matt Neglia, have expressed strong opinions about why they believe the film doesn’t deserve a watch in 2024, placing it on their “naughty list.

2024 finds RED ONE on the naughty list. It’s not funny nor appealing visually; the action fails to ignite excitement or entertainment. The standout scene is where Kristofer Hivju, in full-body prosthetics as Krampus, spanks coal from Dwayne Johnson. Most actors seem uncomfortable, delivering absurd dialogue about saving Santa, preserving Christmas, and spreading holiday joy—all while Chris Evans expresses frustration with each new plot twist, device, or mythical ability by exclaiming ‘What?!’ This over-the-top production squanders both talent and funds.

Among the many appealing factors of the movie is Mr. Johnson, who’s also starring in other notable films soon. Yet, it appears that at least one enthusiast of the former wrestler-turned-actor felt let down following their viewing. Peter Gray from The AU Review shared his perspective on why he believed the film fell short:

As a fan of Mr Dwayne Johnson I obviously wanted [Red One] to provide mild entertainment, but it sadly misses the mark on spreading festive fun. There’s a promising world made here and the cast are all reliable, but it sadly has no idea who it wants to cater for.

Jonathan Sim from ComingSoon.net spoke candidly about the film directed by Jake Kasdan, and he didn’t shy away from offering an unsparing assessment of it. In essence, he labeled the movie with a frank and straightforward evaluation.

One of the most unbelievably silly Christmas films I’ve come across is RED ONE. It has moments that are enjoyable, but the director Jake Kasdan treats the outrageous plot as if it were a genuine action-thriller, occasionally halting to have Chris Evans exclaim, “What on earth is going on?!” every now and then. The film’s stupidity is mind-numbing, excessively costly, and manages to look cheap at times.

In summary, many viewers found this movie lacking in fostering the holiday spirit. On the other hand, some individuals hold a different perspective when it comes to The Rock and Chris Evans’ recent film production.

What Kind Of “Nice” Things Are Critics Saying About Red One?

It appears that “Red One,” initially intended for streaming, is turning out to be an enjoyable cinematic experience for many viewers. Included in this group is Mike Reyes from TopMob. He has expressed his admiration for the movie on social media, and even compared it to two other festive films when describing its atmosphere.

[Red One] offers a delightful blend of espionage and holiday cheer, reminiscent of a fusion between Elf and Silent Night. Chris Evans plays an engaging anti-hero dad, while J.K. Simmons continues to dazzle as Santa Claus. This film has earned its spot on my list of favorite holiday adventures.

On the same wavelength as Mr. Reyes’ opinion on the movie, Pop Culture Planet’s Kristen Maldonado expresses only favorable sentiments. She commends the film for introducing some novel aspects that she finds particularly appealing.

In my opinion, [Red One] delivers an exhilarating clash of holidays, but what truly captured my heart was the intriguing introduction of mythology! They elevate the familiar magic of our holidays, while breathing new life into mythological characters that are seldom seen. It’s a thrilling experience for everyone in the family!

Indeed, while a production like this is undeniably a team effort, a significant amount of acclaim is being directed towards the main actor – Dwayne Johnson. Critic Kevin Fenix, who thoroughly enjoyed the film, has given some well-deserved recognition to the former Fast & Furious star. From his comments, it appears viewers can expect a multifaceted performance from Johnson in this production.

As a gamer, I’ve gotta say, Red One is pure holiday enchantment! It’s bursting with fun, laughter, and all the warm fuzzies you’d expect during the most magical time of the year. Not only that, but the unforeseen depth in its world-building leaves me craving more. And let me tell ya, The Rock’s performance was unexpectedly moving – it had me shedding a few tears, for real!

Despite varying opinions, it seems likely that some enthusiasts are eager to watch the movie. Given the mixed reviews, it’s unlikely this film will be hailed as a classic Christmas movie in the future. However, it has potential to build a dedicated fanbase and endure rewatches for years. Only time will reveal whether viewers find the movie delightful or forgettable over the next few weeks. I myself am intrigued to discover what others think of the film in the near future.

Ultimately, what matters here, though, is what you think about the film and, if you’re willing and able, you can check it out in cinemas starting on November 15. And, at some point, it’ll be streamable with a Prime Video subscription.

Read More

2024-11-04 19:42