RED: Part 2- A Look at the Movie

I did enjoy the RED: Retired, Extremely Dangerous, but perhaps a cast of veteran actors had given me the hopes that this would be an all-star script, far more unique and revolutionizing. Instead it was a by-the-book funny action movie, an accumulation of all the clichés instead of putting a new spin on them.

Every actor did their job, and gave the character portrayals that were expected of them, but these are brilliant actors who were given their typical type-casted roles, and therefore brought nothing new or fresh to the film. Perhaps that’s the problem with screenwriters who write a script specifically for certain actors, they are no longer forced to push the boundaries of the actors’ skills.

I simply missed the mark on what type of movie this was supposed to be. It was advertised as a kick-ass, straight-up action movie that combined the best veterans to make the best action movie ever made. Instead it was simple a film made for the purpose of being wacky and to give the actors a chance to make fun of how old they are. It treats the genre with sarcasm rather than honor.

I was impressed at how the actors were able to laugh at themselves. From Willis’ reenactment of his Die Hard character to Freeman’s ridiculous blue suit, the actors were clearly mocking their own work, but we were able to laugh with them, instead of at them, which was the pure source of entertainment of the movie.

The love interests were also, as usual in an action movie, not fully formed and at times too unbelievable. Mary-Louise Parker, who is nearly 10 years Willis’ junior, looked an additional 10 years younger than she was, providing an awkward element to the romance. The romance did not overcome any particular obstacles. Parker simply leapt into Willis’ arms, despite a brief hesitation demonstrated in the beginning scenes of the movie. At least she was a source of entertainment in the moments where there were no guns or chasing.

 It was far too predictable, but I realize now that was the point.

Haven't seen the movie yet? Think you might be interested? Check out the trailer!

RED: Part 1-A Look at the Cast

RED: Retired, Extremely Dangerous came out October last year and I have wanted to see for the longest while. I can’t confess to have been fascinated by the All-Star cast. I’ve never seen a movie with Bruce Willis. I only a vague recollection of John Malcovitch as one of the Three Musketeers in the movie “The Man with the Iron Mask. Morgan Freeman was nothing more than a voice that talked about Penguins. Helen Mirren is one of my favorite actresses, and I was excited at the prospect of seeing her holding a giant gun, kicking some serious butt.

Bruce Willis’ plays Frank Moses and he opens the movie. He is a moody, brooding, retired CIA agent. The only evidence that he still has a social life are the scenes of him flirting with the smart, innocent, pretty love interest that looks too young for Willis anyway. Based on what I have heard of his previous work, he seemed to have slipped into yet another role of the touch old guy who can effortlessly fight anyone who comes in his way.

Frank Moses’ Best Line: “People get shot all the time.”

Willis isn’t actually all that exciting in the rest movie but I kind of expected that. But what was up with Morgan Freeman? He plays Joe Matheson and was barely in the movie. He opens as this old guy in a retirement home, hitting on the nurses and wearing a red velvet sweat suit. If you ask me, he sold out a little bit by playing such a cliché character.

Joe Matheson
 Best Line: “Well... I never thought this would happen to me…Getting old. Well I mean, Vietnam, Afghanistan. The Green Spring Rest Home?”

Enter Malcovitch, the Crazy one of the group. His character named Marvin Boggs is only insane as a result of being fed LSD for 11 years. The dialogue, again, is clichéd, witty banter, but I can’t deny that it worked. Malcovitch was pretty hilarious. He walks around holding a giant stuffed pig and accusing everyone of being spies. Malcovitch brings another interesting and unique aspect to the movie. He is a great example of how the movie incorporated the fact that they were older than the average action stars. For example he has difficulties reading the notes he makes.

Malcovitch Best Line:

Businesswoman: That's right, old man!
Marvin Boggs: Old man?
Frank Moses: No respect.
Marvin Boggs: Can I kill her now?
Frank Moses: [nods affirmative]
Marvin Boggs: [steps out from hiding and shoots her oncoming bazooka rocket blowing her up]
Marvin Boggs: Old man my ass!

At this point about a third of the movie had gone by. The action sequences looked awesome, though they were very predictable and full of typically bad-ass one-liners. But the real question is: Where is Helen Mirren?!?!?!?

Finally we meet her. She plays Victoria and like everyone else did when they say Willis, she asked “Are you here to kill me?  I don’t know what’s up with that. Clearly Willis’s character was never very trustworthy. She has adapted to retirement well. She enjoys flower arranging, baking, and every now and then works as an assassin.

Victoria Best Line: “In all the years I've known [Frank Moses], I've never seen him like this. So if you break his heart, I will kill you. And bury you body in the woods.”

Everyone seems to have their role. Freeman gets all the information. Willis plans the attack strategy. Mirren is the Hit Woman, and Malcovitch drives the getaway car.

Click here to find out more about the movie RED or check out the IMDB page.