Chante JVR

⭐✨

Red One had so much potential. With its high-octane premise, a star-studded cast, and a mix of holiday cheer and action, it seemed like a perfect recipe for an entertaining blockbuster. Unfortunately, this film never quite delivers on the promise of its concept.

Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans are reduced to playing out a script that lacks heart and depth, despite how hard it tries. While their performances are competent, there’s little chemistry between them, and the dialogue they’re given falls flat more often than not. The film’s attempts at humour often feel forced, with the jokes failing to land in the way you’d expect from a movie with such a dynamic cast.

The pacing is another major issue. Red One bounces between chaotic action scenes and awkwardly placed moments of forced sentimentality, never finding a rhythm that feels cohesive. The visual effects are flashy, but they can’t mask the lack of emotional depth or meaningful character development. The film doesn’t know whether it wants to be a full-on action flick or a light-hearted holiday comedy, resulting in a jarring and unsatisfying blend.

The plot itself, revolving around secret agents, holiday themes, and supernatural elements, could have been fun, but it instead feels like a missed opportunity to create something fresh, instead, wanting to leave the door open for future potential spin-offs. It could have leaned in to its quirky potential, but instead it falls back on tired tropes and clichés that ultimately leave you feeling uninspired.

Final Thoughts

While Red One might offer a few fleeting moments of enjoyment for fans of the leads or those seeking mindless action, it lacks the heart and excitement to make it anything more than a forgettable watch.