Review #3: "RED"

Bruce Willis has portrayed many coarse, grizzled, shielding authority figures. He played a tough LAPD Officer in the "Die Hard" franchise. He played a former SWAT officer-turned-hostage negotiator in "Hostage". And he also portrayed an elderly police officer in "Sin City". So it wasn’t a surprise to see the box office giant cast as a retired CIA agent in the action-comedy "RED". What I didn’t expect to see, however, was the casting of Morgan Freeman John Malcovich, and Helen Mirren in such an explosively action-packed comedy. Thus, I can declare with rapid enthusiasm:

Red is an Action Comedy That Guarantees a Blast of Fun

In the film, Willis plays former CIA operative Frank Moses who is lonely in his retirement. To pass the time, Moses regularly calls his retirement fund headquarters in Kansas to speak with office worker Sarah; portrayed by Mary-Louise Parker. Unfortunately, his quiet time is threatened one evening when gunmen launch a surprise attack on his house. After thwarting the invaders, Moses runs to Kansas to come to Sarah’s aid; knowing that whoever sent the squad tapped his phone. Unfortunately, Sarah is not pleased to be taken from her own quiet life and brought into Moses’ return to action as he needs to figure out who launched the ambush. The pair later meet up with Moses’ former colleague Joe Matheson; portrayed by Freeman. Eventually, Moses and Sarah convene with overly-suspicious truth-seeker Marvin Boggs, played vividly by John Malcovich, and later visit skilled gunwoman Victoria; portrayed with great enthusiasm by the distinguished Helen Mirren, who wants to join their mission. Together, the group must figure out who’s been trying to eradicate connected people who participated on an assignment to Guatemala that Moses participated in 1981. All the while, the group is being tailed by CIA agent William Cooper, played by Karl Urban, who has been sent to kill Moses. It is an energetic caper and there is always an unexpected turn that promises thrills.

What is interesting about this film is the choice of casting. While we have seen Bruce Willis plays the role of the hard-hitting action hero in many-a-film, it is the majority of the supporting cast that really brings the fire to the film. Morgan Freeman, who has already played with loaded guns in Wanted, participates in some action sequences by making some shots. It is also interesting to see Malcovich and Mirren take a detour from their usual drama route to partake in an action comedy. Malcovich in particular steals the spotlight as a suspicious ex-spy who thinks that the whole world is out to kill him. Just the sight of him firing a bazooka as well as wearing a bomb vest while running towards a bad guy in an exaggerated manner is hilarious and fun to watch.

The most intriguing aspect of the film, however, is the ingenious idea of casting the graceful Helen Mirren in the role of a former spy trained in the art of firing a sniper. We can recall how she won the Academy Award for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II just three years ago. Now, the distinguished actress has turned in her royal garments for a sleek white suit and some loaded firearms. In addition, Mirren interacts with her co-stars very well as Victoria; especially in a scene where she gives Parker’s Sarah a strong ultimatum regarding the affections of Willis’ Moses. In short, Mirren steals every scene she’s in and you can just see how much fun the celebrated actress is having; especially when she’s working with weapons.
(Image taken from http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/red-john-malkovich.jpg)

However, there are a few shortcomings. Even though he performs well in the film, Willis seems to be channeling his John McClane persona throughout the film as he is once again portraying another hero out to protect the one he loves. I also feel that Willis’ and Parker’s development as a couple seemed rushed as there seemed to not be a lot of time devoted to them getting close to one another. I also believe Karl Urban’s performance as Agent William Cooper was nothing special; though his interactions with Moses were decent as a whole. .But there is a great climax at the end that ties everything up nicely and that makes Urban’s entire involvement in the film worthwhile.

Despite its shortcomings, Red is an entertaining, fun-filled escapade with plenty of surprises. Richard Dreyfus appears as a type of character I never thought he would portray and his role in the film is so unique that you will never look at him the same way again. It is also a delight to see Ernest Borgnine back on the silver screen again; it’s a minor role but he serves an important purpose.

(Image taken from http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/red_2-535x356.jpg)

All in all, "RED" delivers the goods as an action-packed and fun-filled comedy. Bruce Willis proves that he is still Hollywood’s go-to-tough-guy and Morgan Freeman, John Malcovich, and Helen Mirren give great performances all around. In short, action movies have truly never been so charming and fun.

E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com