Red One

 Movie Review (Rated: PG - Parental Guidance)

Another Yuletide classic in the making

 By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

After Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) - Code Name: Red One - is kidnapped, the North Pole's head of security, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world's most infamous bounty hunter, Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

This Holiday film is a treat to both young and the young once; with very credible performances from lead stars Dwayne Johnson, Academy award-winning actor J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) and Chris Evans. The CGI in its visual effects spliced seamlessly with the movie's montage, elevating the cinematic experience.

Strong cameo turns come from Lucy Liu (as Zoe), Bonny Hunt (as Santa's better half, Mrs. Claus), Kristofer Hivju (as Santa sibling Krampus), Kyrnan Shiepka (as the witch Gryla), and Wesley Kimmel (as Dylan).

From director Jake Kasdan, the movie runs for two hours and three minutes. And best viewed in an IMAX theatre. Red One now joins the ranks of Yuletide classics as The Santa Clause, Jingle All the Way, Miracle on 34th Street, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Despite the high octane action, Red One is as festive as its soundtrack, which includes Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree," that has finally earned its Billboard Top Christmas songs of all time, after published in 1965.

Distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines, Red One opens on November 6 in cinemas nationwide.