Review of 'Red One' shows that the holiday gift is still not up to expectations.

Santa Claus leading a military-style operation to deliver billions of gifts around the world on Christmas Eve? Now that's a clever idea. In the world of "Red One," the jolly man in the red suit is not just a figure of fantasy, but a real person with magical powers and a year-round preparation for the big night. And let's not forget, he's also in great shape, pumping iron and carbo-loading before his deliveries begin.

But as clever as the idea may be, it's not enough to save the movie from its own downfall. Despite a promising start, "Red One" quickly becomes a bombastic and mind-numbing affair, lacking the humor it needs to truly succeed. It's a shame, considering the star power of Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, along with director Jake Kasdan.

The story follows a young non-believer named Jack O'Malley, played by Evans, who we first meet on a Christmas Eve years ago. In the present day, Jack has become a gifted hacker with a knack for pulling off heists, including stealing candy from a baby. But when he's hired for a mysterious job involving an ancient witch and Santa's secret arctic complex, things take a turn for the worse.

Enter Santa Claus, played by J.K. Simmons, who we also see working a mall job in Philadelphia under the protection of Johnson's character, Callum Drift, head of North Pole security. When Santa goes missing, Jack becomes a prime suspect and is recruited by a determined agent named Zoe Harlow to track him down.

The chemistry between Johnson and Evans is mediocre at best, with Evans struggling to portray a character reacting to a world of magic he never knew existed. And while there are some funny moments, they are few and far between. Even a subplot involving Jack's relationship with his son is not given enough time to make an impact.

As the story progresses, we are introduced to Santa's estranged brother Krampus and a climactic confrontation with the villainous Gryla. But these encounters feel all too familiar and the action sequences are forgettable, relying heavily on computer-generated effects.

The biggest issue with "Red One" is its PG-13 rating, making it not quite appropriate for younger audiences but lacking the depth to fully captivate adults. It's a shame, as there is potential for a family-friendly version and a more edgy version that could become a new holiday tradition for grown-ups. Instead, we are left with a forgettable movie that may be entertaining at first, but ultimately leaves us wanting more.

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