“Red 2” is finally making its way on to Blu ray and DVD and despite a lengthy runtime and some uneven storytelling, this action-packed sequel is still a must own. So, make sure to put pen to paper and add this movie to your Christmas list.
Retired CIA agent Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is coming out of retirement…again, with the rest of his unlikely crew to hunt down a missing nuclear weapon. Now while traipsing the globe with his paranoid partner in crime (John Malkovich), Moses must also rekindle the fire with his action-hungry girlfriend (Mary-Louise Parker) all while eluding a bevvy of the world’s best killers all gunning for Frank and an angry ex (Catherine Zeta-Jones) who is just as dangerous as she is beautiful. What’s a retired CIA agent to do?
It isn’t very often that a sequel improves upon the original, but “Red 2” steps up to the plate and knocks it out the park. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are definitely some missteps along the way, but overall this comic sequel is fantastic and it’s all thanks to one man – Bruce Willis. He seems to be the go-to man to help start or revitalize a franchise. He’s one of the reasons “G.I. Joe” had some new life pumped into, he stole the show in what little screen time he was given in “Expendables 2” and after almost thirty years the “Die Hard” franchise is still limping on. Willis is what makes “Red 2” so enjoyable. He has such a charisma about him that you just can’t help but cheer when he continues to beat the H. E. double hockey stick out of every lackey thrown at him.
Obviously Willis is the star of his show but he isn’t without some pretty talented individuals to back him up. John Malkovich is back as Moses’ old and slightly chemically imbalanced partner Marvin. Although this time around Marvin is slightly more normal, so I’m not sure if maybe Malkovich wasn’t feeling the performance this time around or maybe wasn’t given as much free reign. Helen Mirren is as lovely as ever and Sir Anthony Hopkins is absolutely wonderful. It’s always fantastic to see him in front of the camera.
Now while “Red 2” is action-packed and hilarious to boot, there are definitely some speed bumps along the way. The focus between action and comedy don’t always mesh together and sometimes feel downright forced on both ends. The director also seemed pretty set on reusing a lot of similar stunts from the first movie. While Bruce Willis stepping out of a spinning car was cool to see initially, it’s not so impressive anymore. I also think that everything with Mary-Louise Parker felt extremely forced and just plain awkward. Nothing against Miss Parker, I personally feel the writers couldn’t decide what they wanted to focus on.
The special features aren’t as star-studded as the movie itself, but there’s still plenty to keep you entertained after the credits have rolled. Beyond the digital copy of the film there is a Gag Reel, Deleted Scenes and the multi-part documentary “The Red 2 Experience.”
So, with the holiday season rapidly approaching, “Red 2” is the perfect choice for that special person in your life.
Film: 3.5 Yaps
Features: 3 Yaps