By Darlene Donloe
If you saw RED, you’ll be happy to know that the
sequel, RED 2, offers up even more of
the fast-paced fun. Not taking itself too seriously RED 2 delivers on its campy, stylish and over-the-top antics. It’s
a high-octane
In RED 2, opening nationwide today, once
again the films centers on a group of former CIA assassins who are retired and
extremely dangerous. This time the rag tag, superior government agents try to
save the world from a nuclear bomb in this second adaptation of Warren Ellis'
acclaimed DC Comics graphic novels.
This time, Frank
reunites his elite team of operatives to a global quest through Paris, London
and Moscow to track down a missing, next generation lethal device that can
change the balance of world power. To succeed, they’ll need to survive an army
of relentless assassins, ruthless terrorists and power crazed government
officials, all eager to get their hands on the super weapon. Outgunned, Frank and his crew have to rely on their cunning wits, old-school
skills and each other to save the world.
(l-r) Anthony Hopkins, Bruce Willis,
John Malkovich and Mary Louise Parker
Bruce Willis is
back as Frank Moses who used to be a hired gun for the CIA. Along with Marvin
(John Malkovich), and Victoria (Helen Mirren), Frank's specialty was carrying
out contracts that the government didn't want the public to know about. These
days, Frank and his old gang are all retired, but the powers that be are still
concerned that they know too much.
This time they hire Victoria to kill Frank. If that were not enough, one of Frank’s former colleagues,
Han Cho Bai (Byung Hun Lee) is also out to kill him. Along for the ride and for
all the shenanigans is Mary Louise Parker, who plays Frank’s girlfriend, Sarah. Convinced their life is getting stale,
Sarah nudges Frank to get back into the killing business. She, too, would like
to become one of the bad guys, much to Frank’s chagrin
With a cast as
charming as this, it’s know wonder why RED 2 works. Willis is Willis. No need
in him being anyone else. The Willis thing is working for him. Malkovich is
hysterical as the off-center, but clear as a button Marvin, who happens to be
Frank’s best friend. Anthony
Hopkins joins this cast as Bailey, a scientist who has developed a weapon of
mass destruction that can go undetected.
Because he knows too much the government squirreled him away for about
30 years. Lee is an internationally known actor and martial arts expert, who
brings a spark to the film. But, Helen Mirren steals the movie. Not only is she
stunningly beautiful, her role is physical and calls for wit, acting and a lot
of action. Mirren nails it.
HELEN MIRREN
RED 2 is a roller coaster ride. In this summer blockbuster you
don’t know who is a bad guy and who is a good guy. You don’t know who is
playing whom. And just when you think you’ve figured it out – there they go changing
the whole thing again.
RED 2 is so much fun. It’s a summer popcorn movie. Now, to be
sure, there is a lot of gratuitous violence in the film, but it’s overshadowed
by the film’s humor.
The best part of
this film is watching veteran actors ham it up on scream with flair and style.
Brilliant!
RED 2, directed by Dean Parisot and written by Jon Hoeber and Erich
Hoeber, stars Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Mary Louise Parker,
Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta Jones, Byung Hun Lee, Neal McDonough and Brian
Cox.
Byung Hun Lee
Summit
Entertainment Presents A di Bonaventura Pictures Production, RED 2, Running Time: 116 minutes; RATED
PG-13 for pervasive action and violence including frenetic gunplay, and for
some language and drug material.
On the DONLOE
SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likeable), O (OK) and E
(excellent), RED 2 gets an O (OK).
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