Red 2 (2013) by The Critical Movie Critics

Movie Review: Red 2 (2013)


Red 2 (2013) by The Critical Movie Critics

Deadly and beautiful.

Lightning doesn’t often strike twice in the same place, and that goes double for film sequels. Those expecting this newest DC Entertainment release, Red 2, to capture the same feel as its 2010 predecessor, “Red,” will be a bit disappointed, although it is safe to write that the sting will not be too great as this installment does have some very good things going for it.

The most important factor is the cast, Helen Mirren (“Hitchcock“) as Victoria, John Malkovich (“Warm Bodies“) as Marvin, and Bruce Willis (“A Good Day to Die Hard“) as Frank Ross is back. The trio plays the Retired Extremely Dangerous crew of ex-government black operatives who are being hunted by both good guys and bad often for situations they have no control over. Joining them in the action this time is Mary-Louise Parker (“R.I.P.D.“) as Frank’s sweetheart Sarah Ross, who seems sweet enough . . .

But this is no ordinary over-the-hill gang — this group is extremely lethal (as the piling bodies can attest) and they can most definitely fend for themselves. However, when the blowback from a 30-plus covert operation (code named “Nightshade”) hits the fan, they find things very uncomfortable even for them as they whisk from Moscow to Paris to London in search of a dirty nuclear device that can be carried — conveniently enough — in a small suitcase.

Especially hot on their tails are evil CIA agent Jack Horton (Neal McDonough, “Captain America: The First Avenger“), Russian KGB femme fatale Katja (Catherine Zeta-Jones, “Side Effects“) and Korean super assassin Han Cho Bai (Byung-hun Lee, “Masquerade“), who adds some high-octane martial arts fuel to the proceedings. The addled scientist who came up with the Nightshade concept, Dr. Bailey (Anthony Hopkins, “Thor“), also tags along for the twisting and turning ride.

During it all, look for switching loyalties and a plot like “The Eiger Sanction” where no one can seemingly be trusted and friendships turn on a dime to unfold. Director Dean Parisot (“Fun with Dick and Jane“) attempts to keep the action at a maximum and the confusion at a minimum. Sometimes he succeeds, other times, well, not so much.

Red 2 (2013) by The Critical Movie Critics

The aging operatives.

Despite Red 2 being a DC production where dark and gloomy seems to be the watchword (see, for example, “The Dark Knight Rises” and the more recent “Man of Steel“), the main cast seems to have fun with the premise. Malkovich’s character, kind of a dim-bulb weapons expert, gets most of the funnier lines, while Mirren’s suave and sexy senior gets in a few zingers herself. Willis, though, is just Willis, and he barely registers any more of an emotional uptick than he did in his “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” extended cameo even while playing off the often zany Parker.

Ultimately, the film tries to walk a thin line between wide farce, action adventure and real world terrorist suspense and at times has a problem overcoming the schizophrenia such an effort is required to maintain. Still, avid fans of the first installment are likely to find themselves enjoying Red 2 for the most part, while us casual observers could probably take it or leave it.

Critical Movie Critic Rating:
3 Star Rating: Average

3

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The Critical Movie Critics

I have been a movie fan for most of my life and a film critic since 1986 (my first published review was for "Platoon"). Since that time I have written for several news and entertainment publications in California, Utah and Idaho. Big fan of the Academy Awards - but wish it would go back to the five-minute dinner it was in May, 1929. A former member of the San Diego Film Critics Society and current co-host of "The Movie Guys," each Sunday afternoon on KOGO AM 600 in San Diego with Kevin Finnerty.


'Movie Review: Red 2 (2013)' have 11 comments

  1. The Critical Movie Critics

    July 20, 2013 @ 3:18 am John Keen

    Oh Brucey, what’s become of you?

    • The Critical Movie Critics

      July 20, 2013 @ 2:47 pm Fang

      Maybe he has terminal cancer and this is a last ditch effort to earn the Guinness Record for being the only person to star in every action/thriller of a calendar year.

  2. The Critical Movie Critics

    July 20, 2013 @ 6:15 am 531

    If I were to watch the movie I’d watch it for Malkovich’s weirdness.

    • The Critical Movie Critics

      July 20, 2013 @ 10:32 am Witts

      Catherine Zeta-Jones and Helen Mirren are good reasons to watch it too.

      • The Critical Movie Critics

        July 20, 2013 @ 6:11 pm S Gloptic

        Helen Mirren, yes. Catherine Zeta-Jones gets a no – she’s had one too many facelifts.

  3. The Critical Movie Critics

    July 20, 2013 @ 7:27 am MuseComandante

    Just came to say I love the title “Red 2”. It shows they put a lot of thought into the movie.

  4. The Critical Movie Critics

    July 20, 2013 @ 7:46 am Anger Hawk

    Not the same without Morgan.

    • The Critical Movie Critics

      July 20, 2013 @ 9:28 pm yale

      Doubt his inclusion would have made a positive difference.

  5. The Critical Movie Critics

    July 20, 2013 @ 12:13 pm Junior

    What changed that the elderly are no longer dying off and now challenge the youth for action movie roles?

    • The Critical Movie Critics

      July 20, 2013 @ 7:29 pm Pete

      I don’t see anything wrong with it. If they can do whats necessary to make an actioner, let them have at it.

  6. The Critical Movie Critics

    July 20, 2013 @ 6:35 pm TooFoo

    Ridiculous sums it up.

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