Holiday movies often fall into two categories: the overly saccharine Hallmark-style stories or the edgy, grown-up alternatives (Die Hard, anyone?). But every now and then, a film comes along that bridges the gap, offering just enough heart for family night while delivering enough action and humor to keep parents entertained. Red One, the new action-comedy starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, hits that sweet spot. It’s a PG-13 thrill ride that leans into festive fun while acknowledging that not all holiday films need to be squeaky clean to be enjoyable.
What’s It About?
The setup for Red One sounds straight out of a kid’s wildest Christmas dream. Santa Claus gets kidnapped, threatening the holiday as we know it. Enter the E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) division, led by Dwayne Johnson’s no-nonsense operative, and Chris Evans as a world-class tracker who’s charmingly flawed. Together, they embark on a globe-trotting mission to save Christmas.
It’s part Mission: Impossible, part holiday special, and while it doesn’t take itself too seriously, it manages to be surprisingly heartfelt.
Fun for Families, but Not Exactly Hallmark Clean
Let’s address the PG-13 rating right off the bat. This is not your squeaky-clean Hallmark movie. There’s some mild language, action-packed violence, and a few moments that are more geared toward teens and adults than younger kids. That said, Red One never crosses the line into anything overtly inappropriate. If your family enjoyed Marvel movies or Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, this should be right up your alley.
For families with older kids or teens, it’s a great movie night pick. Younger kids, however, might find the fight scenes a little intense, and some of the humor may go over their heads. It’s the kind of movie you can enjoy together as a family without feeling like you’re sacrificing entertainment value for holiday schmaltz.
Chris Evans, Relatable and Hilarious
One of the most delightful surprises in Red One is Chris Evans. As parents, we’re used to seeing him as the stoic and virtuous Captain America. Here, he plays against type, portraying a self-absorbed father who’s hilariously out of his depth. His character’s journey to reconnect with his son gives the film an emotional core that’s both relatable and touching.
Parents will appreciate the dynamic between Evans and his on-screen son, a good-hearted teen who just wants his dad to be present. It’s a refreshing take on the often overused trope of the sassy, eye-rolling teen. Their evolving relationship will hit home for any parent who’s tried to juggle work, family, and the pressure to be there for the big (and small) moments.
Dwayne Johnson, Ever the Charmer
Dwayne Johnson is, as always, a reliable presence on screen. His character may not stray far from the charismatic action hero archetype he’s perfected, but it works. Johnson’s charm and comedic timing pair effortlessly with Evans’ more sarcastic humor, making their dynamic one of the film’s strongest elements. Whether they’re bickering over mission strategies or teaming up in a fight scene, the duo’s chemistry keeps the energy high.
Action and Holiday Magic
Here’s where Red One sets itself apart from your average holiday movie. It doesn’t shy away from big-budget action sequences. There are high-speed chases, inventive fight scenes, and moments that wouldn’t feel out of place in a summer blockbuster. But instead of desert landscapes or city skylines, these sequences unfold against a festive backdrop of snow, sleighs, and twinkling lights.
J.K. Simmons makes a brief but impactful appearance as Santa Claus, bringing warmth and gravitas to a small role that leaves you wishing for more. Meanwhile, Lucy Liu delivers a standout performance as a no-nonsense North Pole operative, balancing humor and toughness in a way that feels pitch-perfect. And as a fan of the TV show Mad Men, it was great to see Kiernan Shipka in the film taking on the role of Gryla, the Christmas witch.
Themes Parents Will Appreciate
While Red One is packed with action and humor, it doesn’t skimp on the emotional beats. At its heart, the movie is about choices—choosing to show up, to do the right thing, and to embrace the messiness of being human (or an operative saving Christmas). It’s a message that lands well, especially during the holidays, when we’re all reminded to be a little kinder and more present.
Parents will also appreciate the film’s humor, which balances silly gags for younger viewers with wittier moments for adults. It’s a rare mix that keeps everyone engaged without feeling like it’s trying too hard to cater to one group or the other.
Red One is a reminder that holiday movies can be so much more than predictable plots and over-the-top sentimentality. With its blend of action, humor, and heart, it delivers something rare: a family movie that doesn’t feel like a chore for parents to sit through. Yes, it’s PG-13, and yes, it’s a little edgier than your average holiday fare. But that’s what makes it stand out.
