Three months after its release, the Christmas action film Red One, featuring Dwayne Johnson, continues to face a barrage of criticism, particularly regarding its CGI. Released on November 15, 2024, the film aimed to combine holiday spirit with action but has struggled to gain a foothold at the box office, reflecting a disappointing response to its extravagant $250 million budget.
In Red One, Dwayne Johnson stars alongside Chris Evans in a quest to save Christmas, while J.K. Simmons portrays a unique version of Santa Claus. Despite receiving praise from audiences, the film was critically panned, marking a significant setback for its creators. As it turns out, this mega-budget project not only flopped at the box office but has also ignited further scrutiny from VFX experts about its visual effects.
Recently, experts from the popular YouTube channel Corridor Crew reviewed Red One and noted that the film’s quality did not live up to its hefty financial investment. The team included VFX professionals Wren, Niko, and Sam, who were bewildered by the film’s production quality. In their analysis, they questioned the use of resources, stating, “So this is a $250 million movie, huh? This does not look like $250 million worth of CGI,” highlighting their disappointment with the visual effects throughout.
The film’s initial release strategy was already under fire, having been delayed multiple times due to the pandemic, and it was believed that it would debut on streaming platforms instead. However, it was eventually slated for theatrical release, competing with other major films, including Gladiator II and Wicked. The decision to push for theaters likely exacerbated its financial failings, culminating in total box office earnings of just $185.8 million, far short of the estimated $500 million needed to turn a profit.
During their review, the VFX team criticized the usage of CGI, claiming it undermined the physicality of the action sequences, as illustrated in a scene where Johnson’s character runs through the North Pole. “Physical danger doesn’t really work when it’s so CGI-heavy,” Niko noted, emphasizing a disconnect between the visuals and the narrative stakes. This lack of authenticity was echoed by Sam, who remarked on the abundance of CGI elements cluttering the scenes, making it hard to believe in the characters’ perilous journey.
Interestingly, while the critics were harsh, audience reactions revealed a split in perception. Despite holding a dismal 30% approval rating from critics, audiences favored Red One significantly higher, granting it an impressive 90% approval rating. This discrepancy raises questions about the expectations placed on cinematic releases featuring major stars like Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans.
The film’s streaming performance on Prime Video, however, painted a contrasting picture. Upon its release, it quickly ascended to the number one spot across all platforms, achieving over 50 million views in just four days. This surge in online engagement highlights a potential recovery avenue for the film, despite its earlier setbacks. Critics argue that had Red One opted for fewer extravagant effects and focused more on genuine storytelling, perhaps it would have resonated better with both critics and audiences.
This tumultuous ride for Red One reflects a broader trend in the industry, where mega-budget productions face scrutiny not just on financial grounds but also regarding their content quality. As the box office results fall short, further analysis of the film’s visual elements may lead to significant changes in how studios allocate budgets, particularly within the realm of CGI.
As the dust settles on Red One, what awaits is a significant dialogue about production values versus storytelling. The lessons drawn from the scathing reviews could serve as a cautionary tale for future high-budget films starring elites like Dwayne Johnson, particularly as they navigate the balance between spectacle and substance. As the film continues to be available for streaming, its long-term effects on the industry and viewer expectations remain to be seen.
