I saw Red One

As an early-Christmas, imagi-movie gift, Red One, directed by Jake (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) Kasdan and written by Chris (Fast & Furious) Morgan (based on a concept from producer Hiram Garcia), slides its merry way into theaters. It's a jaunty blend of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, A Nightmare Before Christmas, Santa Claus (1959), Santa Claus: The Movie, and Ernest Saves Christmas, adorned by elements of Doctor Who (in particular, the story, "Once Upon a Time") and Mission: Impossible, each portion wrapped in festive, DC/Marvel garland that's trimmed with ample, steampunk, snow-globism. It's also aimed at kids, as well as adults, containing lots of silly splash for the former and lots of two-fisted gusto for the latter. 

J.K. Simmons plays the titular hero, a fit, no-nonsense Saint Nick, who acknowledges the gravity of his job and holds the unparalleled confidence to get it done ... until he's kidnapped. It's then up to Santa's ELF (security) team, led by Dwayne Johnson's Callum Drift and Lucy Liu's Zoe Harlow, to get him back, abetted by crackerjack hacker and reluctant recruit, Chris Evan's Jack "the Wolf" O' Malley. O'Malley is incredulous to the whole affair (being a long-time Santa cynic), and so naturally clashes with the Kringle-devoted Drift, who, if the truth be known, has grown a tad disenchanted with his job, after witnessing man's inhumanity toward man one too many times.   

Kiernan (Mad Men) Shipka's Gryla, a shapeshifting ogre-witch, is responsible for the misguided abduction, and along the way, we get Kristofer Hivju's frightful Krampus, who sports just the right, gnarly looks to please monster-movie fans of all ages. (Comprising the supporting cast is Wyatt Hunt as young Jack; Wesley Kimmel as Dylan, Jack's son; Mary Ellis as Olivia, Jack's ex; and Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus; along with an assortment of talented others who each lends a respectful, helping hand to the high-tech fable.)

In addition to the larger-than-life Krampus, Red One features Reinaldo Faberlle's Garcia the Polar Bear (perhaps the movie's top, CGI scene-stealer), joined by some humongous reindeer, ravenous hellhounds and really cool (pun intended), living/breathing, giant snowmen. The entrance of these entities adds much to the tall tale's punch, though the TARDIS-esque, toy-store passages were the towering highlight for me.

I guess one can deduce that I like Red One, even though my inner snob isn't suppose to, but since I dislike my inner snob, I'll take whatever criticism is thrown at me. You know, on further reflection, Red One does have a pervading, live-action, Rankin/Bass, The Year Without a Santa Claus feel about it, and if not for the slight cussing and over-the-top melees, the story would translate easily into a swell, 1960s/1970s, stop-motion event, though one, mind you, that would probably still rub all those humbugger snobs the wrong way.  

For those considering Red One for a view, if only to engage a little, Yuletide cheer, I say slip it on for size. If it doesn't turn out to be your all-time favorite, Christmas flick, so what? The odds still favor you'll appreciate its spirited tone.