Red One

Don't go into this movie expecting a perfect plot or deep storytelling. However, if you're looking for an action-packed Christmas film with interesting holiday lore, cool characters, and fun gimmicks, it's worth checking out. While some character development feels lacking, the acting is solid overall and there are some genuinely funny moments if you're in the right mood. The movie blends Christmas magic with intense action sequences in an entertaining way, even though some parts of the story might feel unrealistic

Despite its flaws, it succeeds in delivering festive fun with a darker twist, making it an enjoyable watch for those who don't mind their holiday cheer mixed with some mayhem.

Just watched this at the cinema on release day. I actually enjoyed the movie. It's not my favourite Christmas film by any stretch but I enjoyed watching something a little bit different but still had lots of Christmas magic within.

It's very much an action/adventure/Christmas film all rolled into one. The storyline centres on the main characters quest to locate and return Santa Clause after he is kidnapped. Lots of adventure and jokes along the way. Some hit and some miss!

Like all Christmas films of this nature, just enjoy it for what it is. These types of movies should never be about real life but just immerse yourself for 2 hours in a world of action and magic.

Overall, a solid 7 out of 10 for me. Not the best or worst film I've seen but for this time of year it is certainly one I'd recommend.

But as I always say, don't worry about reviews! Everyone will see the same thing differently. Go and make your own mind up.

Going in I expected just a cheesy Xmas film but to its credit Red One tried to do something different in the vein of a dark fantasy action Christmas adventure. It should be commended for that alone. Not quite the well executed violence of Violent Night, Red One takes a more light hearted approach with its dark action fantasy that can cater to a broader audience. It did this by attempting to combine action, with a heartfelt message and Christmas lore. Although it faltered in its execution mainly due to plot points, CGI and not fully capturing the Christmas spirit, the ambition of the film should be commended and it was boosted by performances from its lead cast. Whilst it won't any prestigious Xmas shortlists, it's a stocking filler that can be enjoyed at family gatherings.

7/10

Red One is pure entertainment. It knows what it is, leans into it, and doesn't try to be anything else. Movies like this are a rarity these days-a fun, self-aware story that's well-executed without taking itself too seriously. Think The Toxic Avenger or other classics that knew they were dumb fun and embraced it. That's Red One, and it absolutely works.

What sets this movie apart is its solid storytelling. There are no plot holes that leave you scratching your head or logical inconsistencies that pull you out of the experience. Everything in Red One fits together in a way that makes sense for the world it creates. It's entertaining because it's well-written, even though it's a "bad" movie by traditional standards. That's the magic: it's a good bad movie, and it knows how to deliver on every level.

This isn't just a movie for kids, either. It's got plenty for parents to enjoy, too, from clever humor to genuinely heartfelt moments. It tells a wholesome story without being preachy, making it a perfect family film that's actually enjoyable for everyone.

It's frustrating to see some modern audiences trashing this movie. People seem to have forgotten what it means to just sit back and be entertained. Not every movie needs to be some deep, artistic exploration of the human condition. Sometimes, a film just needs to make you smile, and Red One nails that. Pure escapism.

If you're tired of agenda-driven, over-serious films that forget to actually entertain, Red One is a breath of fresh air. It's unapologetically fun, smartly written, and a reminder of why we love movies in the first place.

Unlike some, I found this film every bit as engaging as most any other Christmas film. Was it as moving as a few old time classics, It's A Wonderful Life, A Miracle on 34th Street, etc? Maybe not, but for my money, it certainly held its own with the greater compliment of holiday films I've seen in my 60 years of life. I definitely see this as a film I'll be revisiting again, more than once, every holiday season. It certainly helped in my feeling the fun of Christmas in an especially tough year. Everyone in the cast did a fine job, the script worked well and all of the artistic and technical aspects made be believe in the magic. I'm so glad I didn't buy what the critics had to say. Red One is solid Holiday Surprise in all of the best ways!