Today’s quick review: RED 2. Once again retired, former CIA operative Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) leads a quiet life with his girlfriend Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker). But when a leaked document connects Frank to Nightshade, a missing nuclear weapon smuggled into Moscow during the Cold War, the government makes the capture of Frank their top priority. With the help of Marvin (John Malkovich), Frank and Sarah must locate the device before it falls into the wrong hands.
RED 2 is an action comedy with an ensemble cast and a cavalier approach to the spy genre. The sequel to RED, RED 2 features solid action, entertaining characters, and a creative setting. Frank’s world is alive with spies and adventure, and the balance of slick stunts and casual banter gives the film a healthy sense of charm. RED 2 is a light romp with much of the quality of the original, missing only some of its novelty.
Like its predecessor, RED 2’s biggest selling point is its impressive cast. Bruce Willis returns as Frank Moses, a legendary CIA operative with an extensive network of contacts from the old days. He is joined again by Mary-Louise Parker as Sarah, his ordinary, adventure-loving girlfriend, and John Malkovich as Marvin, his paranoid best friend. The three characters make for an effective team and a satisfying comedy trio.
The supporting cast is also appealing. Helen Mirren reprises her role as Victoria, a polite but deadly British assassin. Brian Cox returns as Ivan, Frank’s sometime Russian ally. Anthony Hopkins joins them as Edward Bailey, the half-mad scientist who designed Nightshade. Byung-hun Lee plays Han, a world-class killer with a grudge against Frank, while Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Katja, a Russian agent who once loved Frank.
RED 2 has a few flaws not present in the original. The pacing is less deliberate, making the payoffs less satisfying, and the plot is a little less personal. The new characters also lack the punch of the original cast when they were first introduced. But beyond these slight issues, the new additions to the canon are a good tonal fit, the action is just as plentiful, and the humor just as entertaining, making RED 2 a worthy sequel.
Watch RED 2 when you are in the mood for an amusing, stylish action film. RED 2 is a great choice for those who appreciate the fun, ridiculous side of the action genre. It’s not a flawless film, but it is a well-rounded one that excels in terms of tone and humor. Skip it if you prefer serious or realistic action, or if you disliked the original.
6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for good action and fun characters.