The highly anticipated holiday action-comedy "Red One" has arrived, but the reviews are far from jolly. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, the film follows the kidnapping of Santa Claus, played by J.K. Simmons, and the efforts of a security chief and a bounty hunter to rescue him. However, critics have not been kind, with many panning the film's lack of charm and overly commercial approach to the Christmas genre.

Sleigh Bells and Skepticism: The Divisive Reception of "Red One"

A Charmless, Naughty-Lister

The reviews for "Red One" have been decidedly negative, with critics lambasting the film's lack of holiday spirit and its overly commercial approach. IndieWire's scathing review describes the film as a "$250-million bid at a Marvel-level Christmas franchise" that is "a charmless, level-four naughty-lister that will make you wish Christmas was canceled." The Hollywood Reporter echoes this sentiment, calling the film "so ugly, artificial and overlong that it should cure kids of any belief in magic."

A Formulaic, Forgettable Affair

The Guardian's review paints "Red One" as a "commercial and formulaic slice of content" that is "a toy destined to be forgotten, not by Boxing Day, but mid-November." Variety's critic goes even further, describing the film as a "shape-shifter" that tries to be "arduous action jape, low-kitsch Christmas fairy tale, buddy movie, family-reconciliation movie – every quadrant and demo must be served." The reviewer concludes that "at the movies, Christmas isn't a holiday anymore, it's a concept to be retro-fitted."

A Familiar, Uninspired Attempt

Vulture's review suggests that "Red One" is a "new movie that's meant to feel like something you've already seen," drawing comparisons to the 1996 holiday comedy "Jingle All The Way." The reviewer notes that the film's "familiarity is the point," as it seems engineered to "run in loops on cable, if that were still a thing."

A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Criticism

Not all reviews have been entirely negative, however. TheWrap's critic describes "Red One" as a "reasonably entertaining three-star blockbuster with some fun ideas, a game cast, and a brisk storytelling style that never runs out of steam." Deadline's review is also slightly more optimistic, suggesting that the film's "addition of Krampus and other lesser known holiday lore offers a refreshing take" on the Christmas cinematic universe.

Exploring the Potential of a Christmas Cinematic Universe

Despite the mixed reviews, some critics see the potential for a holiday-themed cinematic universe in the vein of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Deadline's review notes that with "a first installment ripe with DC and Marvel alums (and [Bonnie] Hunt), it's easy to imagine a holiday action franchise taking off in this climate of existing IP." The reviewer suggests that the film's exploration of lesser-known holiday figures like Krampus could provide a "refreshing take" on the genre.As "Red One" hits theaters, audiences will have the opportunity to decide for themselves whether the film is a festive delight or a lump of coal in their Christmas stocking. With its divisive reception and the potential for a larger holiday-themed franchise, the film's impact on the genre remains to be seen.