· Red One · by Jake Kasdan @ Duncan Library

It’s time to get crazy for our final Oddball Adventure! In this mostly family-friendly blast of a film, Santa Claus (J. K. Simmons, a brilliant casting choice) is abducted less than 48 hours before Christmas. His staff – led by the chief of security (Dwayne Johnson, ditto) – will go to any length to get him back in time for his midnight ride. A bewildering array of fantasy characters is involved, so many that the few ordinary humans actually stand out in their roles.

The plot is intentionally thin for two reasons: first, children will have no trouble understanding it, and second, it gives the characters endless opportunities for amusing and exciting side quests. Some rude language intrudes on the otherwise suitable-for-everyone story, which explains the PG-13 rating. If you can imagine The Polar Express combined with Willy Wonka and Free Guy, you might get a glimmer of the glorious madness that drives this movie.

■ Title — Red One
■ Director — Jake Kasdan
■ Cast — Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu
■ Rating — PG-13
■ ©2024 | 2h 3m | Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery