The Rock’s Divisive Christmas Action Flick Just Accomplished…

The Rock’s Divisive Christmas Action Flick Just Accomplished a Rare Streaming and Box Office Feat

 

 

 

 

“Red One,” the 2024 Christmas action-comedy starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans, has achieved a notable milestone by topping both box office charts and streaming platforms—a rare feat in the entertainment industry.

 

Upon its theatrical release on November 15, 2024, “Red One” secured the number one spot at the box office, grossing $34.1 million during its opening weekend.

 

Despite a substantial production budget estimated between $200–250 million, the film’s box office performance was considered underwhelming, with a worldwide total of $175.5 million as of December 16, 2024.

 

Critically, “Red One” received mixed to negative reviews. The Guardian described it as “profoundly depressing and blandly sentimental,” awarding it one out of five stars.

 

Conversely, audience reception was more favorable, with a CinemaScore average grade of “A–” and a 78% overall positive score on PostTrak, indicating a significant disparity between critical and public opinion.

 

Following its theatrical run, “Red One” became available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting December 12, 2024.

 

The film quickly climbed the platform’s viewership charts, becoming one of the most-watched titles during the holiday season. This dual success in both theatrical and streaming arenas is uncommon, as films typically excel in one distribution channel over the other.

 

The film’s plot centers on Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), the head of North Pole security, who teams up with hacker Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans) to rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) on Christmas Eve. Despite its star-studded cast and high production values, critics pointed to an overreliance on CGI and a lack of originality as detracting factors.

 

In summary, “Red One” has distinguished itself by achieving significant viewership across both theatrical and streaming platforms, reflecting a complex reception that contrasts critical reviews with audience enjoyment.