theguardian.com
Santa's Bodyguard
A Christmas action-comedy where Santa's bodyguard and a thief team up to rescue Santa, but the film is criticized for its bland sentimentality and predictable plot.
English
United Kingdom
EntertainmentLifestyleFamilyChristmasComedyRescueAction
Dwayne JohnsonChris EvansJk SimmonsLucy LiuKiernan ShipkaWill SmithChris Rock
- What are the main criticisms of the film?
- The film is criticized for its bland sentimentality, commercialism, and formulaic plot. The core concept of the 'naughty list' and its consequences are poorly defined and lack impact, ultimately making the film forgettable.
- Are there any notable supporting characters or cameos?
- Lucy Liu plays Zoe Harlow, Santa's chief of staff, and Kiernan Shipka portrays the villainous Gryla. The film features a comedic attempt to reference Will Smith's slap of Chris Rock, though the humor is largely overshadowed by the film's sentimentality.
- What is the central conflict driving the plot of the movie?
- The movie centers around a crisis of faith among Santa's team, stemming from a 20% increase in children on the naughty list. This unclearly defined 'naughty list' rule is the crux of a significant plot point, yet its consequences remain vague.
- What is the overall assessment of the movie's quality and impact?
- Despite its Christmas setting and star-studded cast, the movie's excessive sentimentality and lack of originality result in a forgettable and predictable plot. The film's message about the importance of presents overshadows any attempt at humor or meaningful character development.
- Who are the main characters and what are their roles in the story?
- Dwayne Johnson plays Callum Drift, Santa's retiring bodyguard, while Chris Evans portrays Jack O'Malley, a cynical thief who reluctantly teams up with Callum to rescue Santa (JK Simmons). Their collaboration leads to Callum rediscovering his faith in their mission.