The festive season is upon us, a time synonymous with joy, celebration, and heartwarming films. Yet, Hollywood’s latest attempt to capture this festive spirit has drawn mixed reviews. Dwayne Johnson’s new film, “Red One,” which premiered in theaters mid-November, was designed to kick off a Christmas-themed action franchise. In this light-hearted adventure, Johnson plays Callum Drift, the leader of Santa’s security team. When Santa is kidnapped on Christmas Eve, Drift enlists the help of a motley crew of Santa soldiers and mercenaries, including Chris Evans and Lucy Liu, venturing across snowy landscapes to rescue him and save Christmas.
Unfortunately, “Red One” has struggled to resonate with audiences and critics alike, currently sitting at a mere 31% on Rotten Tomatoes and projected to incur substantial losses amounting to around $100 million. The film depicts a deeper trend in Hollywood—a series of ambitious yet ultimately disappointing attempts to merge action with traditional Christmas storytelling.
Historically, films like “Santa Claus: The Movie” and “Jingle All the Way” aimed to conjure holiday magic through blockbuster spectacle but ended in failure. Despite a few exceptions, like the beloved “Die Hard,” the attempt to merge action with the holiday spirit more often than not results in critical disappointment.
As Hollywood endeavours to navigate the changing landscape of holiday cinema, the challenge lies in shifting audience preferences. Traditional Christmas classics evoke warmth and nostalgia, often best enjoyed at home with family. In contrast, modern cinema pushes for grandiosity, which can feel out of place during this cozy holiday season.
The increased popularity of streaming platforms like Hallmark and Netflix, featuring more heartwarming, albeit cheesy Christmas films, reflects a yearning for the comforting narratives of yesteryears. While these movies are often light on substance, they resonate with viewers seeking joy and warmth during this festive time—a contrast to what blockbuster films are delivering.
Ultimately, the industry faces a pivotal moment. It needs to reevaluate the types of Christmas films it wishes to deliver, aligning them more closely with the spirit of the season that audiences want. As viewers, we may need to embrace the possibility that not every holiday film needs to be an action-packed adventure—sometimes, the most heartfelt stories are the ones that linger long after the credits roll.
In a world where cynicism can often overshadow joy, it’s crucial that we maintain hope for future Christmas movies that celebrate warmth, nostalgia, and togetherness. Perhaps the next holiday season will bring with it a new wave of films that better encapsulate the essence of Christmas—no fighting Santa soldiers required.