Reviews for Dwayne Johnson's Christmas movie are in, and they're pretty brutal: "Will make you wish Christmas was canceled"

EntertainmentMoviesFamily MoviesRed OneReviews for Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas movie are in, and they’re pretty brutal: “Will make you wish Christmas was canceled"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentMoviesFamily MoviesRed OneReviews for Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas movie are in, and they’re pretty brutal: “Will make you wish Christmas was canceled"When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios) Reviews and reactions are in for Red One, the new Christmas movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans – and they’re not great. “Amazon MGM’s $250-million bid at a Marvel-level Christmas franchise is a charmless, level-four naughty-lister that will make you wish Christmas was canceled,” readsIndieWire’s take. “This holiday entry, which could almost have been called A Fast & Furious Christmas, is so ugly, artificial and overlong that it should cure kids of any belief in magic,” isThe Hollywood Reporter’s verdict. “It’s a prime example of the ways in which CG effects have impoverished the imaginations of many contemporary filmmakers – making anything possible, but too often at the expense of a human heartbeat. In any case, Red One is the equivalent of a lump of coal in your Christmas stocking.” “The villains are shape-shifters, but the key thing about Red One is that the whole movie is a shape-shifter: arduous action jape, low-kitsch Christmas fairy tale, buddy movie, family-reconciliation movie – every quadrant and demo must be served,” saysVariety. “At the movies, Christmas isn’t a holiday anymore, it’s a concept to be retro-fitted. Do you hear those sleigh bells jingling? Come on, it’s lovely weather for an over-the-top-of-the-North-Pole, through-the-supply-closet-portal, cargo-plane ride together with you.” Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox It’s not all bad, though, with some critics giving a slightly warmer review. “It’s a reasonably entertaining three-star blockbuster with some fun ideas, a game cast, and a brisk storytelling style that never runs out of steam. I was never especially impressed, but I was just enjoying the fact that they somehow turned this absurd elevator pitch into a functional, breezy, slightly above average action-comedy,” saysTheWrap. “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. After all, the Santa we’ve come to know in U.S. culture was originally an 1863 illustration for Harper’s Weekly with the intent of making children behave and spreading capitalism… so not much has changed. And although the idea of a Christmas cinematic universe might initially make one’s eyes roll, the addition of Krampus and other lesser known holiday lore offers a refreshing take,” isDeadline’s review. Red One hits theaters on November 6 in the UK and November 15 in the US. In the meantime, check out our guide to the year’s most exciting upcomingmovie release datesto plan your theater trips, or fill out your watchlist with our guide to thebest Netflix movies. 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2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly 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