Stories about Santa Claus have been around forever, or so it seems. Some people believe in the story about one who delivers presents around the world in one night, others do not. Director Jake Kasdan’s Red One gives us a mix of the people who don’t, those who do and one who wants to dismantle what exists, kicking Nick to the curb to create a new narrative of what the holiday should be. Red One may not earn the title of a “perfect” film, but to some viewers, it is yet another in a stream of stories set in a more modern world for this current generation. There was some clapping at the end of the screening I attended – mostly minors – so there is that response from those who still want to believe.
Santa Claus, “Jolly St. Nick” is portrayed by J.K. Simmons who gives it his best shot to be positive while visiting in a mall, or at the North Pole. “Nick” is certainly concerned about gaining weight from all the cookies, so he works out in his home gym with the help of his head of North Pole security, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson). Ok, so you have a health-conscious Santa Claus instead of the overweight one.
In this modern world, Nick is one of several characters that come from the mythological world, again, one that some people believe exists, and others don’t. For Nick and others in their world, there is a Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority (MORA). If this sounds like the creation of another universe, like other action – adventure films, well it is an attempt. Another “believe it or not”.
Returning to the North Pole after visiting and listening with children in Philadelphia, the head of North Pole security, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), confirms his plan to retire after this year’s watchful eye over Nick delivering gifts. It is not long before Callum discovers a breach in security and Nick is abducted. Grýla (Kiernan Shipka) is a witch that paid for a tracker to find Nick, take him for her devious plans. Unfortunately, the tracker Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans) who made the deal anonymously, had no idea it was tied to plans to ruin Christmas for many. Mrs. Claus (Bonnie Hunt) keeps the shop going anyway.
When MORA (run by Director Zoe, Lucy Liu) finds out it is O’Malley, he is forced to confront Callum and the company members to find Nick before it is too late. Their reluctance is very evident, but the choice is limited.
While looking for the witch, Callum mentions that Nick has an adopted brother, Krampus (Kristofer Hivju), who may be helping dismantle Nick’s legacy. There are some humorous scenes when Callum and Jack find their way inside the compound, which they are prohibited from entering. Callum and Krampus play Krampusschlap and slapping each other across the face somehow is made to be humorous for a few minutes. The two actors make it look like they are really taking the punch. Krampus is really made to look menacing, and his make-up is well done. For this and other reasons, Red One is rated PG-13.
The action-adventure film is 124 minutes long. The film opens in theaters on November 15, 2024.
Source: Amazon MGM Studio
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