Red One and the Spirit of Second Chances

Last night, I grabbed some popcorn, sank into a theater seat, and got whisked away by Red One. If you haven’t heard of it, imagine Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, and J.K. Simmons teaming up for a holiday action-comedy that’s equal parts heart, hilarity, and pure chaos. On the surface it’s ridiculous yet entertaining and it’s the kind of movie you watch for laughs and spectacle. But as I left the theater, I couldn’t stop thinking about the deeper lessons buried beneath all the explosions and one-liners.

The movie’s core theme is one we often forget in the whirlwind of modern life: never lose hope in others, and remember that every day is an opportunity to choose differently.

The Plot (No Spoilers... Mostly)

At its heart, Red One is about redemption. Dwayne Johnson’s character (a no-nonsense hero) and Chris Evans’ (a reluctant, slightly disillusioned sidekick) find themselves tasked with saving Christmas. But the mission isn’t just about delivering presents or thwarting villains—it’s about believing in people, even when they’ve let you down before. J.K. Simmons as Santa? Let’s just say his take on St. Nick is a refreshing reminder that even legends have layers.

As the story unfolds, we see characters grapple with their past mistakes and their perceptions of others. They wrestle with cynicism, question the intentions of those around them, and ultimately learn that trust is not given—it’s earned through consistent action, small moments, and faith in the potential for change.

Why It Hit Home

Life, whether on the riverbank or in a boardroom, is full of moments where we’re faced with a choice: to give up on someone or give them another chance. As a leader, an athlete, and a conservationist, I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to judge others based on their worst days—or to let fear of failure keep someone from taking another swing.

But what if we flipped the script?

In the movie, Santa doesn’t judge people by their mistakes; he sees their potential. That resonated with me because I’ve learned that everyone—including ourselves—is capable of making better choices, of stepping into the person we aspire to be.

Everyday Redemption

Watching Red One reminded me of a simple truth: every day is a chance to show up differently.

• In relationships: Give others (and yourself) the grace to grow.

• In work: Your best idea or decision might come tomorrow—if you give yourself the chance to keep iterating.

• In life: We’re all works in progress, and the real magic happens when we lean into that process instead of fearing it.

Whether mentoring executives on leadership strategies, guiding someone to their first trout, or training for a grueling off-road rally, I’ve seen how small, consistent changes can lead to incredible transformation.

Bringing It Back to Us

As we edge closer to the end of the year (and the season of resolutions), I’m taking a lesson from Red One: a little hope and a lot of effort can change everything. Maybe it’s forgiving someone who let you down. Maybe it’s revisiting a goal you thought you’d abandoned. Or maybe it’s simply waking up tomorrow and deciding to be 1% better than today.

If Dwayne Johnson’s character can wield hope like a superpower, maybe we can too.

So, here’s my challenge to you: watch the movie (it’s entertaining and silly), then take a moment to reflect. Who in your life deserves a second chance? What part of your story can you rewrite? And most importantly, how can you make the most of this moment to be better—for yourself and for those around you?

Because, as Santa himself might say, the magic of Christmas isn’t in the gifts we give—it’s in the belief that people (and ourselves) are worth believing in.

About Jenn - The Patriot Angler