I must have been the last person in the country to see Red One this week, but I’m going to review it anyway because I really enjoyed it. With the exception of Southland Tales I’ve enjoyed every movie I’ve seen The Rock in. Some might be cheesy see once movies, but they’re always enjoyable. And I don’t blame The Rock for not liking Southland Tales. That’s the director’s fault. When I’m so confused after a movie that I look online for someone to explain it to me “You needed to have read the graphic novels” is not an acceptable answer.

But The Rock isn’t the only thing Red One had going for it. All the casting was good, and I enjoyed the updated Santa story that included both technology and witchcraft side by side. And of course what would a good Christmas movie be without a redemption arc? Chris Evans pulls off the naughty to nice transition believably and fulfills his fish out of water role well. His enemies to bros plot line works well, and the regaining the Christmas spirit arc for The Rock was sweet.

There’s a lot of bad behavior from adults that I would have liked to see move the needle a little by the end, but maybe that’s somewhere for Red 2 to go. Special shout out to the writer’s for the universality of entitled women looking for essential oils. That callback was outstanding. I’d certainly watch it again next year when it comes on FX or whatever channel picks it up.

I will admit to being just a wee bit happy weepy at the end. Good job everyone!