THAT SLAP ECHOED IN THE ROOM

Red One (2025), directed by Jake Kasdan, is a holiday action-comedy that blends the magic of Christmas with high-octane adventure. The story follows Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), the Commander of the E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable), who is tasked with protecting the North Pole. When Santa Claus, affectionately referred to as “Red One” (J.K. Simmons), is kidnapped, Drift must team up with an unlikely partner—Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), a skilled but reckless bounty hunter. Together, the mismatched duo embarks on a globe-trotting mission filled with explosive set pieces, fantastical creatures, and a surprising amount of holiday spirit, all while racing against time to save Christmas.

The film balances its over-the-top action with lighthearted humor and heartfelt moments, delivering both spectacle and warmth. Johnson’s tough but good-natured persona pairs perfectly with Evans’s sharp wit, making their reluctant partnership one of the film’s biggest strengths. With a star-studded supporting cast that includes Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Liu, and Nick Kroll, Red One mixes holiday cheer with blockbuster thrills, creating a fresh spin on Christmas lore. At its core, the film is about teamwork, redemption, and the belief that the holiday season can bring out the best in even the most unlikely heroes