Red One Review | 5 Reasons Why It Was Not Great

Red One is a 2024 fantasy, action, Christmas-centered kid’s movie with a simple goal: save Santa Claus to preserve the Christmas cheer. 

With the film boasting an impressive cast consisting of Lucy Liu, J.K. Simmons, Dwayne Johnson, and Chris Evans, the optics are quite promising.

But does the fairly simple plot of Red One have enough magic, and uplifting, feel-good vibes to leave children starry-eyed while their parents reminisce about their childhood memories? 

Or does it leave children surfing their phones for the new Minecraft sensation in town while their parents nap and dream of eggnog? 

Spoiler alert – the latter is the case. 

This Red One review will give you 5 reasons why Red One is not as rad as the star-studded cast it boasts.

Red One Review | 5 Reasons Why It Flopped

1. The Dialogue Feels Like It Was Written By Toddlers

The dialogue had no intellectual sharpness.

None whatsoever. 

If the dialogue were to be forged into a sword, it would be a butter knife. 

You can’t help but feel sorry for the talented cast when you see them deliver their dialogue with a pensive look, struggling to add some depth to their lazily written, yawn-inspiring scenes. 

There are no smart comebacks, shockingly funny one-liners, impressive wordplay, or heart-rending monologues that make you cry rivers. 

Movies like Sharknado, Piranha 3-D, or Lake Placid look Shakespearean when compared to the soulless, monotonous script of Red One. 

Even a homeless junkie would have written better lines for this movie if he had been given enough liquid motivation.

2. Dwayne Jonhson’s Heroic Charisma Doesn’t Work This Time

The Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson’s, heartwarming, infectious, and devilishly handsome smile, didn’t work the wonders that it usually does in his typical heroic projects. 

He tried to save the movie by smiling a bit too much but unfortunately, it didn’t work.

And you can’t even blame Dwayne as there’s nothing meaty or mind-bending about the movie’s plot. 

Dwayne Johnson’s organic banter with Kevin Hart in YouTube interviews is more entertaining than seeing whatever he was told to do by Red One’s director. 

His character resembled a vulnerable kid rather than a larger-than-life hero. 

Basically, what I am trying to say is that there wasn’t enough ‘The Rock’ ness in Dwayne Johnson’s character. 

For the first time, Dwayne didn’t look convincing while playing the quintessential hero. 

He looked more like a jaded Hollywood action star who had to put on the costume once again for a few million dollars. 

The script, plot, and direction failed Dwayne in Red One.

3. Even Chris Evans’ Dynamic Performance Can’t Save The Bland Film

Chris Evan’s boy-next-door appeal is the most sincere part of Red One. 

In a movie full of overextended emotional moments, murky dialogue, and bland interactions, Chris Evans is a ray of sunshine, as he brings comedic relief with his careless, joke-cracking, rogue yet friendly demeanor. 

The pensive, brooding, and melancholic part of Chris’ acting will make you feel for his character almost instantly. He did the best job emoting with conviction compared to the other cast members. 

Chris’ character was an integral part of the movie while the other actor’s characters felt surface-level.

If Red One is a coal mine, Chris Evans is the diamond that comes out of it. 

There’s an endearing underdog energy that just oozes out of Chris’ character which is impossible not to fall in love with. 

Captain America saves the day again.

4. The Special Effects Don’t Enchant Or Mesmerize 

The special effects look muddy, scattered, overtly dark, and out of place. 

You feel as if you’re watching a half-baked product while looking at Red One’s VFX. 

The VFX looks forced and cartoonish. There is no soul in what was intended to look magical and awe-inspiringly gorgeous. 

The visuals of Robin Williams’ Jumanji were far simpler than those in Red One, but they were believable and immersive, so much so that they felt organic within the context of the movie. 

Contrarily, the visuals of Red One stick out like a sore thumb, feeling weird and idiosyncratic. 

Even the thickly pixelated world of Minecraft looks more convincing than Red One’s fantastical world. 

Instead of magical, heartwarming, and spellbinding, Red One’s visuals rather look glittery, artificial, and fake.

5. It Leaves You Feeling Like You Just Did A Chore

Red One’s plot feels like a school project that someone hurriedly wrote hours just before the deadline, simply for the sake of passing.

The dialogue doesn’t have any zing, tang, or flavor to it. 

The actors look disappointed to be a part of this lazy, run-of-the-mill script. 

While watching the Red One, you’re going to feel like taking a nap or checking your phone. 

Red One is a gripless worn-off tire, and you’re going to feel scammed emotionally and robbed of your time. 

There’s no riveting moment or laugh-out-loud instance that is going to give a hit of dopamine to your brain. 

You are going to feel jaded and tired after watching this movie as if you just did a chore. 

Impressively enough, the Red One is a brilliant alternative to a sleeping pill.

You’re much better off playing video games than watching this movie.

Thanks for reading.

Rating: 3/10

What did you think of Red One? Let me know in the comments below!

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Peace, love, and lots of popcorn,

IMO