By Danielle Cherry
“It is the choices you make that define you”
A technological Christmas wonderland awaits viewers of “The Red One,” filled with witty one-liners and seamless integration of Christmas culture from around the world. “The Red One” is a great film for older viewers, especially those seeking a thicker plot than an average Christmas movie and a thrill from suspenseful action sequences.
Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans) is a level-four naughty lister. He steals candy from children, creates mayhem and hacks into computer systems, selling to the highest bidder for a living. He has no desire to change until Callum Drift (Dwane Johnson) forcefully enters Jack’s life.
Often Santa’s role in Christmas is portrayed as a whimsical job, but in this film, Christmas day is a special operation of the highest level. Callum acts as a secret service agent for Nick (J.K Simmons), protecting him at all costs. Task forces call out commands and prepare endlessly for December 25th, prepping Nick for every likely occurrence he is sure to face.
Chris Evans, Dwayne Johnson and J. K Simmons, all big-name actors, carry this film with their talent for subtle emotion and familiarity. As a fan of Chris Evans’ work I have to admit seeing his name on the poster was a big draw for me. The chemistry between Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson is at the forefront of the movie, bouncing off of each other’s retorts and replying with witty comebacks.
In this magical world, childhood is symbolic of innocence and kindness. Callum sees pain in the world, expressing that he is unable to see the child in every person. As a Christian, it was moving to see a big blockbuster portray evil in the world in a real way, although not attributed to sin. Callum sees evil in a way that none of the other characters do, and he sees no hope through it.
Systematically advanced, the animation used to create the North Pole is incredible. The viewer is immersed in a technological landscape, filled with luminescent buildings and slide systems to transport packages. I was amazed at the subtle detail of a snowflake being used as the outline for the opening and closing of the force field that surrounds the North Pole.
As an action movie fanatic, I loved the ingenious way that this movie combined Christmas spirit with action. I was worried this movie would be primarily cheesy in its action, as many Christmas movies are, but I found myself genuinely terrified as buffed-up snowmen leapt out of the back of an ice cream van. The integration of fight sequences mixed with heavy animation was seamlessly done. I almost forgot that snowmen with rippling muscles really don’t exist in real life. And thank goodness for that.
The music within the movie is a crescendo of action tones and Christmas chimes. A resounding drumline is accompanied by the dainty clinks of a triangle, heralding in the Christmas spirit.
Amid all the jolly Christmas fight sequences, the villain Gryla (Kiernan Shipka) emerges by possessing a man. My genuine reaction was fear, as the movie took a dark turn I didn’t anticipate. Utilizing Christmas traditions from across the world, the Christmas witch Gryla originates in Iceland and desires to punish all of the naughty people in the world, condemning everyone to life in a snow globe.
It was interesting how heavily this movie pressed into the topic of condemnation. Throughout the movie, Callum realizes that everyone has done something that constitutes being “naughty,” and because of this Gryla would be condemning the whole world. The reality was penetrating.
Regardless of whether the writers intended for this movie to deal with the topic of a fallen world, it does. I found myself pointing at the screen thinking this is why we need Jesus. I was amazed that a secular Christmas movie could pick up on the disparity in the world and the need for hope in the midst of it.
Furthering this theme of disparity is Krampus’ role in the film. Originally a German folktale, Krampus is the brother of St. Nick, seeking to punish children who have been naughty. Growing up in Germany, the film captures the fear that Krampus inspires in German children before Christmas.
The ability to choose is a major driver for the film, asking audiences the question of how they will choose to live. Jack portrays this the best, beginning as a person unwilling to help anyone,
throughout the film begins to choose helping someone in need over saving his own skin.
At the very beginning of the film, Nick expresses that it is the choices we make that define who we are. These words echo throughout the film in the actions of the characters and their own restating of the message. It is subtle, but there is an element of truth in these words making the message impactful for viewers. I found myself moved and honestly provoked to take a hard look at the motivations behind my choices.
This movie was a lovely shift from the typical Christmas film, integrating action and international Christmas stories in a unique way. Although the language and content are more mature, this movie is perfect for an older audience seeking a break from Hallmark Christmas movies, and desiring a movie with a genuine theme and intense action.
“Red One” is currently playing in theaters.
Danielle Cherry is a freshman Communications major and writer for Cedars A&E and Sports. She is a Missionary Kid from Germany and loves a good cup of coffee.
Images courtesy of MGM
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