Christmas classics, from “Elf” to “Christmas Vacation,” have something special in common.
Set aside the laughs, comic set pieces and Cousin Eddie. They have a strong, beating heart behind the merriment.
That also describes “Red One,” the action comedy starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans. The problem? Said heart is buried beneath frantic action, busy plotting and an imagination on steroids.
The latter is rarely a bad thing, especially in sequel-happy Hollywood. “Red One” works best when the comic antics line up with the emotional beats. It happens more than once, but there’s too much time in between.
Johnson stars as Callum, Santa Claus’ bodyguard. They call J.K. Simmons’ Santa by his code name: Red One. Nothing can happen as long as Cal is by Red One’s...
