The holiday season is often associated with warmth, joy, and festive traditions, but this year, the anticipation is met with mixed reviews for Dwayne Johnson’s latest venture, “Red One.” Released globally in mid-November, this Christmas-themed action film has received poor critical acclaim, currently holding a mere 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Its box office performance has been lackluster, with analysts projecting potential losses of around $100 million.
In “Red One,” Johnson portrays Callum Drift, who heads Santa’s security team, ELF, as they embark on a mission to save Santa after he is kidnapped on Christmas Eve. The film attempts to blend action with festive cheer, featuring notable actors like Chris Evans and Lucy Liu. However, the overall narrative and execution have left many viewers questioning its appeal—an aspect that seems to reflect a broader trend in Hollywood’s approach to Christmas films.
Historically, Hollywood has struggled when trying to meld action-adventure genres with Christmas themes. Films like “Santa Claus: The Movie” and “Jingle All the Way” aimed to capture the spirit of the season but ended up disappointing audiences and critics alike. Even well-received films such as “Arthur Christmas,” despite their positive reviews, did not fare well financially.
The persistence of action Christmas films suggests that Hollywood is grappling with an identity crisis in holiday storytelling. In years past, the industry produced timeless classics that defined the Christmas viewing experience. Today’s preference for action-packed spectacles contrasts sharply with the cozy atmosphere many seek during the festive season. The rise of streaming platforms, which offer heartwarming holiday films, has left traditional cinemas at a crossroads.
As consumers continue to seek comfort in familiar movies—often made by companies like Hallmark and Netflix—the movie industry may need to reevaluate the type of Christmas films it generates. There remains hope, however, as the popularity of festive films—even the kitschier ones—indicates a strong desire among audiences for heartwarming narratives that resonate with the spirit of the season.
This situation serves as a call for Hollywood to take a step back and reflect on what audiences truly want from their Christmas film experiences. In doing so, they can create new classics that capture the hearts of viewers and help them feel the magic of the holidays once again.