Deck the Halls with Explosions: Christmas Action Heats Up with Black Doves, Carry-On, and Red One
The holiday season has long been a time for heartwarming stories, but in recent years, the rise of Christmas action movies and shows has sparked a lively debate among fans: What makes a Christmas story truly a Christmas story? Is it the spirit of giving, the focus on family, or the snow-covered backdrops, or can a high-octane, adrenaline-pumping plot involving gunfights and narrow escapes also capture the holiday magic?
Films like “Die Hard” have ignited fierce discussions, with some fans declaring it a quintessential Christmas movie, while others insist it belongs in a separate genre altogether. As new entries like “Black Doves“, “Red One”, and “Carry-On”, continue to push the boundaries of what a holiday action story can be, the lines between festive cheer and explosive thrills seem to blur even further, challenging traditional notions of the season’s cinematic spirit.
1. “Black Doves”
In “Black Doves“, Keira Knightley steps into a high-stakes Christmas thriller that takes the holiday season into unexpected territory. As Elen, the wife of the Secretary of State for Defence, Knightley’s character is thrust into a deadly game of espionage when her secret identity as a Black Dove—a top-tier spy for hire—is exposed after her lover is killed by London’s ruthless underworld. Sent to protect her is Sam, an old friend and former operative, as they navigate a web of danger and betrayal against the backdrop of a festive yet perilous London.
While it may not embody the cozy romance of “Love Actually”, “Black Doves” brings its own kind of holiday magic, blending Christmas with action, intrigue, and a fierce performance from Knightley that has earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Premiering earlier this month on Netflix to critical acclaim, the series debuted as a #1 hit and has already been renewed for a second season, proving that Knightley can do both Christmas love and Christmas action with equal flair.
2. “Home Alone”
“Home Alone” is a beloved holiday classic that blends slapstick comedy with heartwarming moments. The story follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. While home alone, Kevin must defend his house from two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, who are trying to rob the McCallister home. The film’s mix of clever traps, physical comedy, and Kevin’s resourcefulness makes for a unique viewing experience.
While not a traditional action movie, the film’s heist scenes are packed with tension and excitement, with each booby trap escalating the stakes, keeping audiences both on the edge of their seats and laughing out loud. Its success has endured over the years, becoming a holiday staple for families, thanks to its timeless humor and relatable story of independence, family, and festive chaos.
3. “Carry-On”
“Carry-On” is currently the number one movie on Netflix, offering a thrilling, modern-day twist on the Die Hard formula. Set in a bustling airport on Christmas Eve, the film follows Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a TSA agent who is thrust into a high-stakes situation when he receives a mysterious call from a villainous mastermind. His mission: prevent a sinister black suitcase from getting onto an airplane without alerting the authorities or risking the safety of his pregnant girlfriend.
With an all-star cast including Jason Bateman, Danielle Deadwyler, and Sofia Carson, “Carry-On” delivers a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat experience. The premise may be simple, but the execution is anything but, as the film blends tension, suspense, and moments of dark humor, making it an utterly entertaining holiday action flick.
4. “Violent Night”
“Violent Night” is a darkly comedic action film that flips the traditional Christmas movie on its head. When a group of mercenaries takes a wealthy family hostage on Christmas Eve, they don’t count on one thing: Santa Claus (played by David Harbour) is real—and he’s not your average jolly old man. After discovering the situation, Santa goes rogue, unleashing a brutal and bloody rampage to rescue the family and stop the criminals. Mixing over-the-top action, holiday cheer, and humor, “Violent Night” delivers a unique blend of festive violence and Christmas spirit, offering a fresh and chaotic take on the holiday season. It’s the kind of movie that brings both laughter and shock, perfect for audiences looking for a non-traditional holiday thrill ride.
5. “Red One”
“Red One” brings a thrilling, action-packed twist to the Christmas season with an outrageous premise: Santa Claus, aka “Red One,” is kidnapped just days before Christmas Eve. The North Pole is thrown into disarray, and it’s up to the Head of Security, played by Dwayne Johnson, and Jack O’Malley, an infamous bounty hunter portrayed by Chris Evans, to rescue him and save the holiday. J.K. Simmons takes on the role of Santa in this high-stakes adventure.
Along the way, the duo faces off against terrifying villains, including Krampus, the malevolent goat-like figure who punishes naughty children, and Gryla, an Icelandic witch who can shift between an old crone and a young woman. Set at the North Pole, the film features festive elements like flying reindeer, adding a whimsical touch to the action-packed plot.
6. “Lethal Weapon”
“Lethal Weapon” is a high-octane action thriller that pairs two unlikely partners: Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), a volatile and suicidal cop, and Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover), a by-the-book detective nearing retirement. When they are forced to team up to investigate a drug-related murder, their contrasting personalities lead to both tension and camaraderie. The film is a perfect blend of explosive action, witty banter, and emotional depth, as the duo hunts down a ruthless drug syndicate while dealing with personal demons. Directed by Richard Donner, “Lethal Weapon” became a classic of the buddy-cop genre, spawning multiple sequels and cementing its place in action movie history.
7. “Die Hard”
“Die Hard” is an iconic action thriller that follows NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he attempts to save a building full of hostages during a Christmas party taken over by a group of terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Trapped in the Los Angeles skyscraper with no backup, McClane uses his wits, resourcefulness, and gritty determination to take down the criminals one by one. With its intense action, sharp dialogue, and memorable characters, “Die Hard” has become a holiday favorite for many, sparking debate over whether it’s a true Christmas movie or a classic action film set during the holidays. Its influence on the genre is undeniable, blending holiday spirit with relentless action.
As the holiday season brings an array of festive films, the growing popularity of Christmas action movies proves that the season can be about more than just cozy moments by the fire. From heart-pounding thrillers like “Black Doves” and “Carry-On” to chaotic classics like “Die Hard” and “Violent Night”, these films offer a fresh spin on the holiday genre, combining explosive action with a healthy dose of holiday spirit.
Whether you’re in the mood for tense heists, wild adventures, or the timeless battle of good versus evil, this new wave of Christmas action offers something for everyone—ensuring that, no matter how you celebrate, there’s always room for a little extra excitement under the tree.
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