Red One, the holiday action-comedy starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, has opened to a disappointing reception with a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Jake Kasdan, known for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the film follows Johnson as the North Pole’s Head of Security and Evans as a bounty hunter in a global quest to rescue Santa Claus. Despite a high-energy premise and star-studded cast including Lucy Liu and J.K. Simmons, critics have found the film lacking in holiday charm and criticized its overdone visuals and inconsistent humor.
Early reviews have suggested that Red One’s mix of action and festive elements may not land well with all viewers. Screen Rant’s Simon Gallagher rated it 3 out of 10, calling it big on spectacle but missing holiday warmth. Although fan-favorite stars Johnson and Evans may still draw viewers, the film might appeal more to those seeking light-hearted escapism than to traditional holiday movie fans. The film is set for a wide release on November 15, 2024.