{"id":12822,"date":"2024-11-15T13:38:15","date_gmt":"2024-11-15T20:38:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=12822"},"modified":"2024-11-20T12:40:27","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T19:40:27","slug":"hilarious-innovative-film-with-a-power-cast-thats-sure-to-get-you-into-the-christmas-spirit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2024\/hilarious-innovative-film-with-a-power-cast-thats-sure-to-get-you-into-the-christmas-spirit\/","title":{"rendered":"Red One * Hilarious, Innovative Film With A Power Cast That\u2019s Sure To Get You Into The Christmas Spirit"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12825\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.poster.jpg?resize=122%2C180&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"122\" height=\"180\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.poster.jpg?resize=203%2C300&amp;ssl=1 203w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.poster.jpg?w=473&amp;ssl=1 473w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 122px) 100vw, 122px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>After Santa Claus \u2013 Code Name:\u00a0RED\u00a0ONE\u00a0\u2013 is kidnapped, the North Pole&#8217;s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world\u2019s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calee N. comments, \u201cI found myself going, \u201cHo Ho Ho\u201d and \u201cHa Ha Ha,\u201d while watching the original Christmas movie, <em>Red One<\/em>. This hilarious, innovative film has a power cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka and more. It is full of action-packed adventure and comedy.\u201d Sydney S., adds, \u201c<em>Red One <\/em>is a very action-packed, high-energy film. From talking polar bears to \u201cThe Rock\u201d fighting a snowman, the film mixes humor, adventure, and fantasy all together in one. However, so much is happening at once that the plot gets confusing, making it difficult to keep up.\u201d See their full reviews and Calee\u2019s red carpet interviews below.<\/p>\n<p>Red One<br \/>\nBy Calee N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CeCSnPIT9Po?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12826 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.e.jpg?resize=224%2C149&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"224\" height=\"149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.e.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.e.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.e.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/>I found myself going, \u201cHo Ho Ho\u201d and \u201cHa Ha Ha,\u201d while watching the original Christmas movie, <em>Red One<\/em>. This hilarious, innovative film has a power cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka and more. It is full of action-packed adventure and comedy.<\/p>\n<p>The storyline follows Jack O&#8217;Malley (Chris Evans), a thief who sells information on the black market. Unknowingly, a mysterious buyer recruits Jack to give up Santa Claus&#8217;s whereabouts. The buyer kidnaps Santa, aka the Red One (J.K. Simmons), and plans to cancel Christmas by punishing everyone on the naughty list. Santa&#8217;s bodyguard, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), recruits Jack O&#8217;Malley to recover Santa before Christmas morning. It&#8217;s up to Callum and Jack to save Christmas.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5jumnFop69U?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12827\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.d.jpg?resize=221%2C147&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.d.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.d.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.d.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/>Red One<\/em> has an incredible ensemble cast, including some of Hollywood&#8217;s biggest stars. Dwayne Johnson brings his signature humor, heart, and action to the magical, larger-than-life role of Callum Drift. Chris Evans&#8217;s sharp wit and undeniable chemistry with Dwayne Johnson make their unlikely partnership a movie highlight. The memorable performances of J.K. Simmons, Lucy Lou (Zoe), Kiernan Shipka (Gryla), Wesley Kimmel (Dylan), Kristofer Hivju (Krampus), Bonnie Hunt (Mrs. Claus) and Mary Elizabeth Ellis (Olivia) create a holiday adventure like no other.<\/p>\n<p>The director, Jake Kasdan, infuses the holiday movie genre with fresh, new, festive, funny, and heartwarming energy. He balances the high-octane action scenes with some tender moments, producing a fun and unforgettable holiday movie. The imaginative characters of Red One are brought to life through the film&#8217;s CGI and costumes, which create an engaging, whimsical story packed with excitement.<\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-12824 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.a.jpg?resize=221%2C92&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"92\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.a.jpg?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.a.jpg?resize=768%2C319&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.a.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/>Red One <\/em>embraces the holiday spirit. The film&#8217;s message is that everyone deserves a second chance and that you should always look for the good in people. Jack O&#8217;Malley becomes an unexpected hero by turning around his past. He gets a second chance to help save Santa and become a better dad. Even with all the action scenes, Red One highlights the importance of family and friends and cherishing those relationships.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Red One <\/em>5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, adults. <em>Red One <\/em>opens in theaters on November 15, 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Red One<br \/>\nBy Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZmrYpTfvmpg?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-12823 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.b.jpg?resize=223%2C93&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"223\" height=\"93\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.b.jpg?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.b.jpg?resize=768%2C319&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.b.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 223px) 100vw, 223px\" \/>Red One <\/em>is a very action-packed, high-energy film. From talking polar bears to \u201cThe Rock\u201d fighting a snowman, the film mixes humor, adventure, and fantasy all together in one. However, so much is happening at once that the plot gets confusing, making it difficult to keep up.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12828\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.c.jpg?resize=221%2C147&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.c.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.c.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.c.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/>The plot takes us on a wild ride as Santa Claus gets captured by evil villains. A famous tracker and mythical forces team up to save Christmas. Along the way, they get slowed down by many \u201cobstacles\u201d (scary mythological creatures).<\/p>\n<p>The main characters are Callum Drift (Dwayne \u201cThe Rock\u201d Johnson), Jack O\u2019Malley (Chris Evans), Gryla (Kiernan Shipka), Zoe (Lucy Liu) and Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons). The two leads, Callum and Jack, have incredible chemistry and they bring distinctive and signature performances of their characters. Johnson and Evans are humorous, but their characters also share a deep life lesson. Callum needs to make a decision about who he wants to be in his life, by continuing to work for Santa or move on.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12851 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.h.jpg?resize=221%2C134&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"221\" height=\"134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.h.jpg?resize=300%2C182&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/RedOne.h.jpg?w=697&amp;ssl=1 697w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/>Meanwhile, Jack is trying to repair his relationship with his son. The actors embody their characters well. The camerawork is shaky and messy. In the beginning of the film, I couldn\u2019t even focus on the screen for a while because of the camerawork.<\/p>\n<p>However, apart from that, the graphics are captivating and add an exciting touch to some scenes. For instance, when Callum, Jack and Santa are fighting the evil witch, she\u2019s pictured as this gigantic ogre, and she looks very believable. In terms of the plot, there is so much going on with the characters that, by the end, it feels like there\u2019s a lot of unfinished business with all of them. As a result, the events in the story are pretty random and don\u2019t add up.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12852 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.g.jpg?resize=154%2C208&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"154\" height=\"208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.g.jpg?resize=222%2C300&amp;ssl=1 222w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.g.jpg?resize=756%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 756w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.g.jpg?resize=768%2C1040&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Redone.g.jpg?w=1108&amp;ssl=1 1108w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 154px) 100vw, 154px\" \/>Next, the music adds depth by matching the various scenes in the film. For example, when they\u2019re going to the evil witch\u2019s land, the music becomes dark. Before that, it was lighthearted Christmas music. My favorite part of the film is when Callum very seriously says, \u201cHe knows when you\u2019re sleeping\u2026\u201d (referring to Santa). The tone in this scene is perfect and it\u2019s very hilarious.<\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s message is to choose who you want to be. Callum states, \u201cWe choose who we want to be every day, in both small and big decisions.\u201d This applies to everyone\u2019s life. Be aware that there is mild cursing in the film.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>Red One <\/em>3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. <em>Red One <\/em>releases in theaters November 15, 2024.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/U8XH3W0cMss?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After Santa Claus \u2013 Code Name: RED ONE \u2013 is kidnapped, the North Pole&#8217;s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world\u2019s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Calee N. comments, \u201cI found myself going, \u201cHo Ho Ho\u201d and \u201cHa Ha Ha,\u201d while watching the original Christmas movie, Red One. This hilarious, innovative film has a power cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka and more. It is full of action-packed adventure and comedy. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15,14],"tags":[8394,245,426,8398,423,8397,3569,1093,7986,8395,6003,8399,674,8396],"class_list":["post-12822","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","category-film-screenings","tag-bonnie-hunt","tag-chris-evans","tag-chris-morgan","tag-dany-garcia","tag-dwayne-johnson","tag-hiram-garcia","tag-j-k-simmons","tag-jake-kasdan","tag-kiernan-shipka","tag-kristofer-hivju","tag-lucy-liu","tag-melvin-mar","tag-nick-kroll","tag-wesley-kimmel"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3kO","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12822"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12822\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12849,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12822\/revisions\/12849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}