Movie Review: "RED"

Seen on: October 16, 2010

The players: Director: Robert Schwentke, Writers: Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber, Cast: Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich

Facts of interest: Based on a graphic novel.

The plot: Bruce Willis plays a retired agent hunted by the CIA. As a result, he gathers his old team and attempts to stop the bad guys before they finish the job.

Our thoughts: Boasting a great cast capable of delivering both action and comedy, Robert Schwentke’s “RED” works just fine as a source of brainless big-screen entertainment. None of what the film has to offer should make you run outside proclaiming it’s the best movie of the year, but as long as you’re not taking anything in this thing too seriously, you may just have a good time with Bruce Willis and Co.

I certainly did, although I don’t even consider “RED” to be such a memorable experience. It’s a silly, fast-paced action flick featuring a handful of fun, explosive moments and a few decent jokes, and that’s all it needs to qualify as an excellent afternoon diversion. Plus, it’s based on a DC Comics graphic novel, which is exactly why the film can get away with an utterly ridiculous storyline.

Willis stars as Frank Moses, a retired black-ops agent who leads a pretty boring life until he finds out the hard way that the CIA is trying to eliminate him. In an attempt to figure out why he’s being hunted by the folks he used to work for, Frank hits the road to reassemble his old team and prevent his aggressive enemies from killing him or anyone he’s close to. 

Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich star as Moses’ partners, and watching them kick butt together is a delight. You don’t often get to see such a group of fine actors having a bunch of fun in a stupid action-comedy, but that’s what eventually makes “RED” so refreshing to watch. The humor doesn’t always work as planned, but you can’t help but instantly like all of the movie’s eccentric characters.     

As I briefly mentioned already, the story is a total mess and clearly the film’s biggest weakness, which is why “RED” is lucky to have a fast pace and strong cast. The series of action sequences generally failed to impress me, but the quality and intensity of the shoot-outs does improve as we’re headed for the big showdown. High production values certainly work to the film’s advantage throughout.

Here’s why “RED” deserves some extra praise: the supporting cast. While we’re already treated to fine performances by the leads (including a delicious Mary-Louise Parker and badass Karl Urban), we’re also in for two excellent appearances by Brian Cox and Richard Dreyfuss, who totally steal the show when they’re in the frame. Funniest man on the field though: John Malkovich by a long shot.

Freaky quote: "I remember the CIA being tougher." - John Malkovich

The final word: “RED” works for what it is, and that’s about it. It’s a well shot and edited film, and it keeps the brainless story moving at a fast enough pace to keep audiences interested until the end. But yeah, the cast is definitely the movie’s strongest asset. It’s a film I recommend, although it doesn’t have repeated viewing potential.

Article by Franck Tabouring

Comments

[Ethan Pepper]

Good review, it can be a funmovie as long as you don't expect anything life changing.