By: Russ Matthews
When Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was released in 2017, no one could have predicted that this film would become one of the year’s biggest hits.
Yet, it has spawned a sequel, and most of its stars continue to headline some of cinema’s biggest worldwide franchises. To bring director Jake Kasden and megastar Dwayne Johnson together for another project must have had the studios drooling with anticipation. Especially as this one has the kidnapping of Santa Claus at the heart of the story during the Christmas season, most would think they could start printing money for this film release. Yet, will this Christmas jungle capture audiences’ hearts this holiday season?
Over the centuries, Santa Claus (J. K. Simmons) has proven to be a fascination for many as they attempt to determine how he makes the journey around the world in one night on Christmas Eve. The operation includes thousands of mythical creatures who assist and protect Father Christmas as they prepare for the big night. Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) has been the head of Santa’s security team for hundreds of years and has lost faith in humanity. This leads to his resignation from his post and looking ahead to his final run with the Big Man on Christmas. Except the winter witch, Gryla (Kiernan Shipka), has other plans that lead to the eventual kidnapping of Santa Claus to put into her own nefarious plan for all who are on the naughty list. These actions lead the MORA (Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority) to spring into action to find the Red One before Christmas Eve, which leads to recruiting a mercenary hacker named Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans) who claims to be able to find anything in the world including the North Pole’s secret location.
Not Your Typical Holiday Movie
Each year there are loads of Christmas films that are released for the sake of providing families to celebrate the holidays in cinemas. Red One looks to have all of the right credentials to make beautiful Christmas tunes as it gets the Jumanji band back together again, but something must have happened along the way that delivered a few sour notes. From the opening, everything looks to be a fun and original set up to the Christmas story with an extensive network of characters and an action packed twist to the journey. J. K. Simmons and Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Santa are great additions to the Saint Nick narrative and Dwayne Johnson is a crowd favourite that should draw audiences into the theatres. The creative method of transport and many of the delivery methods make this a potentially engaging option for audiences this holiday season. Yet, the screenplay goes down a dark path rather quickly that makes this whole Christmas tale less family friendly and more a child’s potential view of what Christmas would look like in hell.
As a morally fluid Christmas sceptic, Chris Evans is still an adjustment for all who still have him in their minds as Captain America. His natural charisma and appeal fail to connect with Johnson’s massive persona, making their chemistry less convincing. This makes it difficult to recommend to families with young children, primarily as they descend into the dark world of witches, assassin snowmen, and Krampus (Kristofer Hivju). The dialogue and settings become more horrific as Santa’s stepbrother and his former witch girlfriend are introduced to the storyline. While some could argue that this may appeal to the Goosebumps crowd, there are fewer magical moments in the Christmas story and more elements that will cause little ones to have nightmares after the screening.
Red One has the right pedigree and creativity to offer the familiar Santa legend something fresh. Yet, as things unfold on screen, families will quickly realise this movie is less for the celebration of the Christmas season and more as a warning to stay off the naughty list.
What parents need to know about Red One:
This is not a film for little ones to enjoy this holiday season. While there are some great discussion points about morality and grace on offer, they are masked by dreary aspects that will lead to potential bad dreams for young children and overly sensitive adults.
Reel Dialogue: What is Christmas really about?
Do people still believe in Santa Claus? His legend continues to come around every year. Yet, the true focus of this holiday is not on a man in a red suit but on a child—one who came to offer the greatest gift of all to the world—himself. This story may sound strange, but please read on.
The whole concept of Christmas could only come from the mind of God. It is a story brought to life by a supernatural being offering the people of this world a glorious gift. The first Christmas present was the birth of God’s Son, an offer of unconditional love and salvation—a one-time event unlike any other in history.
It sounds like a fairy tale, but this is an actual historical event. Every detail, every bit of drama and even the supernatural aspects that make such a beloved special event. Take some time this year to learn more about Christmas’s real meaning.
Article supplied with thanks to City Bible Forum.
All images: Movie publicity
About the author: Russ Matthews is a film critic at City Bible Forum and Reel Dialogue. He has a passion for film and sparking spiritual conversations.