There are times when you go into a movie expecting so much, and walk out disappointed. Occasionally your expectations are small, and you are blown away. With Red 2, you get exactly what you would hope for, and expect – more of the mayhem and over the top action of the films predecessor - 2010's Red (retired extremely dangerous).
As in the first film, Red 2 sees Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) trying to live the quiet life, although this time with Sarah Ross (Mary-Louise Parker), his onetime case worker. While on a shopping trip to Costco, Frank's former partner and best friend Marvin (John Malkovich), approaches Frank and warns him that, "they're coming," just before Marvin's car – with Marvin apparently in it – explodes in the Costco car park.
While attending Marvin's funeral Frank is taken by government agents to a 'secure' location to be interrogated about a classified cold war operation named 'Nightshade'. While being questioned, a team of opposing government agents, led by Jack Horton (Neal McDonough) invades the building, wanting Frank for themselves.
Against all odds, Frank escapes, and against even more odds is met outside by Sarah, and the very much alive Marvin, who - as was a habit in the first film - had faked his own death, again.
What follows is an hour and a half of outrageous, over the top and tongue in cheek entertainment, as the trio fight to clear their names, and save the world from nuclear disaster at the same time. All while being pursued by Horton and various other government agencies around the globe - as well as the worlds 'best assassin', Han, played by Korean actor Byung-Hun Lee.
Dame Helen Mirren returns as the gun toting MI6 agent and assassin Victoria, as does her occasional 'friend with benefits' Ivan, played by Brian Cox. They are joined by Sir Anthony Hopkins as former weapons designer and scientist Edward Bailey, and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Katja – a Russian agent and former love interest of Frank.
Director Dean Parisot has done a more than decent job handling this very diverse and experienced group of actors. Although only his third feature film, he has directed a lot of highly successful television shows, including Justified, The Good Wife and Modern Family, so is used to working with an ensemble cast.
While the plot is fairly predictable and the script unexceptional, it does give Parisot enough to develop the characters, and their relationships with one another. Malcovich's Marvin is wonderful, and Helen Mirren is obviously enjoying the vastly different role as a government assassin; and is a stand out as Victoria. Mary-Louise Parker also does a great job as Sarah, as she goes from a naive former case worker to a fully-fledged member of the RED team, and Bruce Willis is – well, Bruce Willis.
Red 2 won't win any Oscars, but it will keep you entertained for a couple of hours – and that's what it sets out to do. Yes, it is full of clichés, and most of the action scenes are impossibly over the top, but again, that's what it set out to do. Red 2 is a film that does not take itself too seriously, and neither should you. 7/10
As in the first film, Red 2 sees Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) trying to live the quiet life, although this time with Sarah Ross (Mary-Louise Parker), his onetime case worker. While on a shopping trip to Costco, Frank's former partner and best friend Marvin (John Malkovich), approaches Frank and warns him that, "they're coming," just before Marvin's car – with Marvin apparently in it – explodes in the Costco car park.
While attending Marvin's funeral Frank is taken by government agents to a 'secure' location to be interrogated about a classified cold war operation named 'Nightshade'. While being questioned, a team of opposing government agents, led by Jack Horton (Neal McDonough) invades the building, wanting Frank for themselves.
Against all odds, Frank escapes, and against even more odds is met outside by Sarah, and the very much alive Marvin, who - as was a habit in the first film - had faked his own death, again.
What follows is an hour and a half of outrageous, over the top and tongue in cheek entertainment, as the trio fight to clear their names, and save the world from nuclear disaster at the same time. All while being pursued by Horton and various other government agencies around the globe - as well as the worlds 'best assassin', Han, played by Korean actor Byung-Hun Lee.
Dame Helen Mirren returns as the gun toting MI6 agent and assassin Victoria, as does her occasional 'friend with benefits' Ivan, played by Brian Cox. They are joined by Sir Anthony Hopkins as former weapons designer and scientist Edward Bailey, and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Katja – a Russian agent and former love interest of Frank.
Director Dean Parisot has done a more than decent job handling this very diverse and experienced group of actors. Although only his third feature film, he has directed a lot of highly successful television shows, including Justified, The Good Wife and Modern Family, so is used to working with an ensemble cast.
While the plot is fairly predictable and the script unexceptional, it does give Parisot enough to develop the characters, and their relationships with one another. Malcovich's Marvin is wonderful, and Helen Mirren is obviously enjoying the vastly different role as a government assassin; and is a stand out as Victoria. Mary-Louise Parker also does a great job as Sarah, as she goes from a naive former case worker to a fully-fledged member of the RED team, and Bruce Willis is – well, Bruce Willis.
Red 2 won't win any Oscars, but it will keep you entertained for a couple of hours – and that's what it sets out to do. Yes, it is full of clichés, and most of the action scenes are impossibly over the top, but again, that's what it set out to do. Red 2 is a film that does not take itself too seriously, and neither should you. 7/10
