I am starting to think that humanity is allergic to joy and fun. Why when I sat down to watch “Red One” was I entering ready to write a scalding review? I had this opinion about a movie I have never seen before simply because snooty movie critics deemed this modern classic un-watchable. However, I am proud to say that I not only sat through all of “Red One,” but I would do it again and again.
After Santa was kidnapped by an un-known force, his head of security, “E.L.F” Callum Drift (Played by Dwayne Johnson) must pair up with Christmas hater and bounty hunter Jack O’Malley (played by Chris Evens) to find him before he makes his run of gifts on Christmas night.
Sure, perhaps some tropes were somewhat predictable. The protagonist who hates Christmas, takes a magical journey to save Christmas and becomes Santa’s #1 super-fan. While over-done, tropes like these can give a sense of comfort to the viewer. We know that no matter what happens from Act 1 to Act 3, we will end this story holly and jolly.
While some aspects of the movie may have been slightly stale, the part I found the most entertaining was the impressive world building. Not only is Santa real in this universe, but so are any and all mythological creatures. Those creatures are all under the protection of the M.O.R.A, a governing body whose sole purpose is to maintain peace in this secret, magical world. With the expansion to all mythical creatures, we are given a real villain: Gryla, the Christmas Witch. Often times in Christmas movies, especially ones with “saving Christmas” as the main plot, there is no ‘bad guy ‘ for the audience to root against. Gryla’s presence adds depth to the story in that aspect. Her prominence in the story tells us that this underground magical world expands across cultures, with Gryla being of Icelandic origin. Krampus, the brother of Santa, plays a major role in our hero’s journey as well while representing Germanic culture.
In an attempt to not spoil this delight of a movie, I will only describe the feeling when I realized the massive twist. I felt as if I had swallowed a rock, tension building in my mind while I eagerly waited to see how Drift and O’Malley would find their way out of their problem.
This exciting tale climaxed with a tense final-fight, which is hard to come by in a Christmas flick. At the end, we got our classic Santa delivering gifts montage, along with a ride into the sunset on the sleigh with our main characters cheery as ever.
This Holiday season, do yourself and your family a favor and go see “Red One.”
