Red One

For a while, I had been hoping for more movies that capture the struggle for good inside a character. To believe in good when it appears to be dying. I’m tired of the antihero story where the main character makes the all-too-easy decision to give in to his evil side and go full psychopath as we all are forced to empathize with them and justify their actions. I don’t find it inspiring or cathartic anymore, I just find it just makes me sadder. 

(Spoilers ahead, by the way.)

Well, it seems I got my Christmas wish on this one, because “Red One” delivers just that. Our main character is a jaded security guard (played by the rock) who is ready to retire. But he isn’t retiring because he’s old and can’t hack it anymore. No, he is more than capable physically. It’s his spirit that has had enough. He has given up because the naughty list keeps growing, and on this particular year there are more naughty people than nice ones. People are getting worse and he has had enough. That is, until Santa is kidnapped and he has to get him back. 

Like I said, I really liked seeing the internal struggle of good and evil inside of a character. I wouldn’t necessarily call the rock’s character evil, in any capacity, but he is most certainly at the end of his hope-rope. He is actually pretty similar to the movie’s villain, who sees the world as evil and in need of a good punishment. I was actually a little surprised that they didn’t highlight that a little more.

But the rock has a little bit of Saint Nick’s influence in him, which eventually takes hold. Saint Nick sees the good in everyone, even when they don’t see it in themselves. He has this quote (that I botched when I tried to copy it from memory,) where he says that every decision we make every day matters, and that those decisions make us good or bad. I like that quote, even if I can’t quite get it right. 

And as for the movie, I thought it was pretty solid. The plot keeps right on moving with enough action to satisfy a knucklehead like me, and enough character development moments for those who want a little bit more. Is it an absolute, out-of-the-park experience that I think will win movie of the year? 

Probably not. 

But it doesn’t have to be for you to enjoy it. I think this will be one of those that splits fans and critics. But where many times I can at least sympathize with what the critics are saying, today I can’t. I thought the visuals were great, the environments were fun, it had a big ol’ cast of characters, each with their own fleshed out motivations and developments, and the plot kept itself fresh and vibrant for the whole 2-hour ride.

And I liked this take on Santa Claus. Most of the time, they wind up circling back to the stereotype with only a few little tweaks to what we would all expect. But in Red One, Santa is lean, strong, and a little more mellow. He isn’t overflowing with jollines, but has a subtle glow and a calm, collected demeanor about him. He still spreads holiday cheer, but in his own way. I thought it was pretty fun, especially towards the end when they do a few scenes showing off his agility. What a treat to see the whole “delivering presents on christmas eve” thing executed like clockwork. That alone was worth the trip.

Overall, this was a good movie. If you saw the trailer and thought it looked like a good time, you will have a good time watching this. It’s fun, it’s funny, and it keeps itself alive right up until the credits roll. So go see Red One and let it bring you into the holiday spirit!

And if you feel like our main E.L.F, know that hope is still out there. That good still exists in every single person you meet. And the darker the world gets, the more we will need people to believe that there is still good in the world, still good in people. So take some time to do something good for someone else. Even if it’s just offering someone a stick of gum or holding the door for someone, start somewhere and see where it leads you. Who knows-it might wind up changing your life one day. 

Until Next Time

May Peace be your Guide.