Remember that line in The Blues Brothers? “We’re gettin’ the band back together.” In RED 2 (the sequel to the 2010 hit, RED), Frank and Sarah (Bruce Willis and Mary-Louise Parker) are living in boring domesticated bliss when danger comes back into their lives via a visit from Marvin (John Malkovich). Both craving some excitement, when the opportunity comes to fight some bad guys, the two team up with the old gang. Basically.
What elevates this really rather humdrum and predictable plot is the chemistry between the characters and how much damn fun they all have together. Dean Parisot (Galaxy Quest) was tapped this go-around to direct and he handles the action with a comedic touch. It is as much fun to watch as it must have been to film. Barely anyone is even grazed by the birage of bullets, but that only adds to the comedy. Another factor that contributes to success is the fact that the youngest cast member is 43. Awesome, right? You get the benefit of great experience and yet they are all in the prime of their lives. Retired? Hardly.
Without having to spend time building up the characters, it’s really easy to jump right in. I haven’t seen the first movie since it’s debut in 2010 and I was able to pick up without missing a step. Bruce Willis is doing what he does best: comedy. Yeah, whatever, he’s supposed to be an action star, but really that’s only the icing on the cake at this point. He’s got it down. John Malkovich as Marvin is still seemingly one-sided and cardboard, but just brilliant. The youngest of the bunch, Byung-hun Lee, as the contract killer, Han, fits in perfectly with his poise and dry humor. Brian Cox? Another delightful character that brings wit and charm. Anthony Hopkins is almost too good, as it does feel like there could be a scene or two missing of him being a bit more eccentric. SPOILER: How the hell does he know how to work a cell phone if he’s been incarcerated for 32 years? END SPOILER
Helen Mirren. Oh Helen, you are another that can do no wrong. She kicks ass. With Mary-Louise Parker, I remember being slightly annoyed in the first one, but in this, she’s not just a girl along for the ride; she’s becoming part of the team. Catherine Zeta-Jones takes a different direction with a Russian femme fatale, and ultimately, doesn’t really have enough screen time to really be effective.
Rating: Usually, action is used to create a sense of danger, but here, it’s all about entertainment. From the fantastic car chases to the eye-scrambling fight choreography, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears. (8/10)
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