Today’s quick review: RED. When the CIA targets Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), one of its retired operatives, for elimination, he embarks on a cross-country roadtrip to find out why. With Sarah Ross (Mary-Louise Parker), an adventure-seeking pension worker, in tow, he calls on his old allies and enemies for help. But William Cooper (Karl Urban), the resourceful CIA hitman assigned to kill him, might just have what it takes to get the job done.
RED is an action comedy with an exemplary cast and a fun tone. Bruce Willis stars as Frank Moses, a methodical hitman with a legendary track record. His years of missions for the CIA have left him with an extensive network of contacts, and he’ll need all their skills to survive the CIA’s onslaught. Mixing plentiful action with colorful characters, charming writing, and an elaborate implied history, RED makes for a thoroughly entertaining watch.
RED’s cast is its single biggest draw. Among Frank’s many contacts from his long career are Joe (Morgan Freeman), an octagenarian retiree; Marvin (John Malkovich), a paranoid ex-spy; Ivan (Brian Cox), a Russian operative; and Victoria (Helen Mirren), an elegant British assassin. Next to these noted actors, Karl Urban holds his own as William Cooper, a consummate killer, while Mary-Louise Parker gives the movie some heart as the funny, charming Sarah Ross.
Beyond its cast, RED has good action, great tone, and a decent plot. Though not mind-blowing, the action is plentiful and well-delivered. The story unfolds well enough, but it only really shines when it gives way to the movie’s varied action sequences, where Frank and his allies demonstrate why they were the best in the business. The writing has a couple of nice touches, including a fairly credible romance and a steady stream of good humor.
Watch RED when you are in the mood for a light, enjoyable action film with a surprising amount of charm. RED makes great use of its talented cast, and for those who enjoy its tone and premise, it will be well worth catching. For a more serious action movie with similar world-building, check out John Wick.
7.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a great cast and good comedy.