I Asked The Red One Cast About Making A Real, Practical Movie Like Red One. They Got Real About The Challenges, Including ‘Not Getting Eaten By The Suit’

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As a long-time film enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of special effects, I must say that the making and success of “Red One” is a breath of fresh air. The practical effects used in this movie harken back to the days of my childhood when films like Labyrinth and The Neverending Story captivated me with their tangible magic.

2024’s movie schedule saw some unexpected outcomes initially struggling, later finding its stride. A standout instance of this trend is Amazon-MGM Studios’ action-adventure film starring Chris Evans and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, titled Red One. This production performed poorly in theaters but thrived on streaming platforms instead.

Moments like those strengthen the conviction of those who believe in following the process. Interestingly, although director Jake Kasdan hadn’t previously worked on a practical effects project, his inexperience was invigorating when faced with this festive challenge. Upon learning Kasdan’s explanation for taking up such uncharted waters, it’s quite commendable.

We never even considered doing it CG. We always wanted to do it [practically]. … When you get an actor like this who takes on the challenge that Kristofer [Hivju] did, [thinking] ‘How do I make this performance shine through so that it’s not eaten by the suit? So that the character isn’t really the suit?’ We’ve spent months developing that look, but then he’s acting it and it’s just this explosive, energetic thing that, you know, lights everybody up. So it was one of the great kinds of fun sequences I’ve ever had a chance to do.

Speaking of Christmas miracles, let me share an unexpected delight from my film-viewing experience that reminded me of one. During a screening to pen my review for Red One, I was among the initial viewers taken aback by how much I enjoyed the movie. As time passed, the swell of fans grew steadily stronger, even garnering approval from esteemed members of the TopMob team such as our very own Rich Knight, who couldn’t help but express their positive sentiments about the film.

The fantastic news led Dwayne Johnson to express his gratitude towards Red One’s fans, not because it was a last-minute publicity stunt for a film on the verge of flopping. Instead, the charm was inherent from the start; it simply took some individuals a while longer than others to fully embrace the magic and become devoted followers.

During a recent virtual gathering, we had the pleasure of witnessing Chris Evans, a star from upcoming/former Marvel Cinematic Universe films, expressing his enthusiasm over the exceptional acting that managed to shine despite the constraints of “being overshadowed by the costume.” In a previous interview with the cast of “Red One,” TopMob discovered some fascinating insights:

I was raised on films such as Labyrinth and The Neverending Story, which were largely practical effects and seemed incredibly real. These fantastical scenes, unlike anything encountered in daily life, made a lasting impression. As an adult, I realize that most movies are heavily reliant on computer-generated imagery (CG). However, when a film still utilizes practical effects, it maintains the same impact as it did back then.

Despite initial skepticism among movie enthusiasts about the release of Red One, opinions are shifting daily regarding this potential new tradition. The coming weeks promise to be intriguing, as we approach the end of 2024 and anticipate a decline in interest towards Amazon-MGM Studios’ holiday production.

Just as Chris Evans and Jake Kasdan mentioned earlier, when actors bring the realistic world of “Red One” to life, it truly impacts the viewers. If you’re planning to join Santa’s rescue mission, whether at home or in a theater, here are your options: catch it on the big screen or stream it from the comfort of your couch. For the streaming experience, you’ll require a Prime Video subscription and perhaps a steaming mug of hot cocoa. After all, who can resist that cozy winter treat?

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2024-12-27 05:07