Car chases, fistfights, explosions, seductive female villains and the Russians trying to take down the United States at all costs are all essential parts to any classic spy movie. Yet RED 2, the sequel to 2010’s RED, turns the tables on one crucial factor: instead of a suave, young male as the lead, retired CIA agent Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) has been killing professionally years longer than any Bond ever has, and does so with even more style.
Based on the comic book series of the same name, RED 2 (the RED standing for Retired, Extremely Dangerous) focuses on the relationship between Moses and his new wife, Sarah Ross (Mary-Louise Parker). While facing new dangers in Russia, England, Paris and more, Moses and his partner Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich) fight to save the world and, more importantly, the ones they love most. As these relationships are tested so are the strengths and killing power of Moses, Boggs, and an assortment of other ruthless agents along the way.
Back-to-back showdowns and an assortment of violent deaths ensure that RED 2 packs a punch – though one significantly less powerful than its predecessor. Despite an impressive all-star cast, the fighting is gratuitous, the jokes fall flat and the audience fails to fully connect to such an outdated plot involving a power hungry Russia. Cori Hutchinson, who had not seen the previous film, said, “I wasn’t confused by the movie, just disappointed.” New fans, especially those who can enjoy action movies with little emotional power, may still find the film entertaining for what it is but old fans of RED may want to avoid this bloodbath and settle for a re-watch of the original back at home.
Starring: Bruce Willis, Mary-Louise Parker, John Malkovich
Running time: 116 minutes
Rated PG-13 for pervasive action and violence including frenetic gunplay, and for some language and drug material
Check out local showtimes here!
