The holiday season is often highlighted by festive celebrations, carols, and cinematic releases, and this year is no exception. Dwayne Johnson’s latest film, “Red One,” debuted in theaters mid-November with high expectations but has unfortunately received mixed to negative reviews from critics.
The film introduces Johnson as Callum Drift, the head of Santa’s security team, tasked with rescuing Santa Claus after his kidnapping on Christmas Eve. In a desperate bid to save Christmas, Drift collaborates with a group of soldiers and mercenaries played by notable stars such as Chris Evans and Lucy Liu. Advertised as an “action-packed mission to save Christmas,” the film has sparked questions about its overall message and execution.
Currently, “Red One” holds a dismal 31% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has underperformed at the box office. Analysts speculate it could incur losses of up to $100 million. This situation places “Red One” among a historical list of unsuccessful holiday action films, following in the footsteps of past flops like “Santa Claus: The Movie” and “Jingle All the Way.”
The tendency to blend action with Christmas narratives has often resulted in lackluster outcomes, despite some exceptions like “Die Hard,” which many consider a Christmas classic. This begs the question: Why does Hollywood continue to pursue this direction? Partly, it stems from the pressure to adapt to modern audiences and compete with the warm, comforting Christmas films of yesteryears, which have traditionally been popular among families.
Interestingly, as home viewing becomes the norm, audiences now seek the relaxation and warmth of watching classic holiday films in a home setting, often surrounded by loved ones. Meanwhile, cinematic experiences are designed to be grand and exhilarating—elements that may clash with the cozy atmosphere many seek during the festive season.
With Christmas movies increasingly being dominated by the Hallmark channel and Netflix offerings, audiences continue to connect with the nostalgia and sentimentality missing from large studio releases. Films with cheesier plots may resonate precisely because they evoke fond memories of Christmases gone by.
As the movie industry contemplates its contributions to future holiday traditions, audiences might need to reconcile their desires with the ever-changing landscape of holiday film offerings. There is a hopeful outlook, however, that as consumer preferences evolve, filmmakers might embrace the challenge of creating more heartwarming, festive films that capture the spirit of the holidays while still appealing to contemporary viewers.
In summary, “Red One” highlights Hollywood’s struggle to find the right formula for Christmas blockbusters, while also opening the door for new creative approaches that honor holiday traditions.