3 out of 5 Movie SlatesRED
By Andrea Huspeni
Retired Extremely Dangerous, "RED", is either the apt description of our rapidly growing unemployed population or the new action-comedy out of Hollywood.
Retired Extremely Dangerous, "RED", is either the apt description of our rapidly growing unemployed population or the new action-comedy out of Hollywood.
"RED", directed by Robert Schwentke centers around a group of retired CIA agents forced to join together one more time to save one of their own. As they make their way to the CIA headquarters the clan tries to stay one step in front of their enemies.
The main character in all this is Frank Moses, played by Bruce Willis. Mr. Willis is his usual charming, charismatic, action hero self-think a softer version of John McClane of the Die Hard series.
Someone is trying to kill Moses. He does not know who or why but he does know that everyone close to him is in danger. In order to solve this mystery and save his life, Moses enlists the services of some retired operatives for help. As luck would have it, a slew of distinguished, dare I say, older A-list actors are up for the challenge. Morgan Freeman as Joe, John Malkovich as Malvin, and Helen Mirren as Victoria all play agents with varying degrees of expertise.
Mr. Freeman is well, Mr. Freeman. It is a joy watching him on the screen, even if his character is under utilized. He plays the stereotypical wise character with support and wisdom for his younger colleagues.
Mr. Malkovich plays an over the top paranoid conspiracy theory ex-CIA agent. By now everyone knows Mr. Malkovich can play crazy but, for a change, it is nice to see him enjoy it so much. He not only makes us laugh but steals all scenes he is in with his wacky antics. I think if Robert Downey Jr. can be nominated for an Oscar for "Tropic Thunder", Malkovich could do the very same this award season.
Ms. Mirren is getting younger with age. She is stunning in a form fitting dress as she fights off the enemies with huge machine guns. Ms. Mirren eats up every scene she is in with grace and sex appeal that many twenty-something actresses in Hollywood could only dream about.
Karl Urban, Brian Cox, and a barely there Richard Dreyfuss round out the cast.
With a $58 million dollar budget, not all the money was spent on the actor’s salaries. "RED" does set aside a few bucks for the tech department. Whether it be the clever and innovative use of postcards for transitions to well-orchestrated gun battles,"RED" doesn’t disappoint.
The best part about "RED" is not the plot or character development--there is not much of either--rather, it is watching these old pros at their craft. There is something that can be said for watching actors enjoying themselves on screen together, even if one realizes they are watching the actors more for the people they are in real life than the characters they are supposed to be portraying. When the talent is this good, who cares? The movie is rated PG-13 for intense violence and brief strong language.
With a bleak economy, "RED" brings a little color to the cinema. Just enjoy yourself and escape for awhile. After all, isn't that the point of a popcorn action-comedy flick?
