[REVIEW: In Theaters] RED 2 (7/10)

Beyond mild enjoyment, I don’t remember much of Red; the 2010 film featuring retired CIA (and MI 5) operatives that made Helen Mirren an action star. Move on Vin and The Rock (for the record I’d love if she appeared in Fast 7). Red 2 is also mildly amusing – it’s got some genuine laughs, some good action set pieces and actors we like goofing with each other – so it’s got that going for it.

Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) has now retired into a comfortable life with partner Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker) when they run into Marvin (John Malkovich) at Costco – after which Marvin’s car blows up in the parking lot and Frank is detained. He’s unfortunately a man who knows too much already setting up an international man hunt/chase/what have you. Two folks have been hired to take out the group – including their pal Victoria (Mirren) – a former MI 5 operative, and Korean killer Han Jo-bae (Lee Byung-hun) who adds a kung-fu flavor to the action.

The films McGuffin is linked to the brilliant Edward Bailey (Anthony Hopkins) a physicist who created a virtually undetectable bomb everyone is after (everyone has to be after something, I’m sorry for the spoiler). Oh, what to say about Red Two: lot of things explode, there’s a few laughs along the way, and some nice action sequences. It’s not essential summer viewing but it’s not half bad either: in fact it’s an enjoyable spectacle of sorts.

Director Dean Pariscot (known for quirky comedies – including Home Fries and Galaxy Quest) proves he’s a capable director of action comedies working with a first rate cast (although sometimes first rate casts don’t gel as well as they do here). The film has some great special guest appearances including Brian Cox as a Russian operative Ivan Simanov, and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Frank’s former fling Kayta – another firey Russian. David Thewis also co-stars as The Frog, a man who knows too much.

So do you have to see Red 2? That depends: it’s not bad counter programming, it’s a manageable length (in that it doesn’t take up for you whole evening or afternoon like The Lone Ranger did) – and its fun. Take that for what it is – it doesn’t break new ground but if you’re a fan of Helen Mirren’s unexpected turn as action star, you’ll enjoy yourself. 

Screening: Dipson Market Arcade, AMC Maple Ridge, Dipson Flix, Regal Elmwood, Regal Quaker Crossing, Regal Transit, Regal Walden Galleria, Regal Hollywood 12, Transit Drive In