Feb 01 2011
Red Box Review— Red #redbox
Red (2010 — 111 mins) Bruce Willis, J. Malkovich, H. Mirren, M. Freeman, M-L Parker 
Ahh how I love ridiculously implausible, actiony funny special ops ensemble films. If you have read my reviews with any regularity you will see that not only do I look forward to these mainstream blockbustery flicks, but typically I love them. RED is no difference here at all. It’s funny, well acted, well written and just plain ridiculous at times but it all WORKS , and real well.
The story is pretty simple. Frank Moses (Willis) is a retired black-ops agent living a less then boring life.His highlights are relegated to the days he gets to call his gov’t caseworker Sarah Ross,(Parker) who is just as bored as he is and yet they get along great and seem to be each other’s only close friend. What comes as no surprise is someone out of the blue has decided that Moses needs to die. And this then puts himself and his dear friend Sarah in danger. Willis then puts the band back together!, to figure out who is trying to kill him and his whole team as well. The RED’s (Retired Extremely Dangerous) are all old but are a model of efficiency and extremely powerful killing machines each.
The movie flows well and all of their interactions with themselves and others almost always conclude with laughs. Sure as usual in these movies it’s not to be believed but as always WHO CARES. The movie is fun it doesn’t overstay it’s welcome and is a great story. The whole team is acted well by Willis, Mirren, Malkovich, Freeman and Brian Cox. Chasing them is gov’t agent William Cooper (Karl Urban). He’s a stern gov’t first guy who always has that Urban glare. I don’t think I would put Urban into a “type cast” category, but every time I see him I can’t stop from thinking about Lord of the Rings. He just has that same Eomer look to him but then again he was a PERFECT Bones in Star Trek too so that glare must be working for him.
Verdict—> Yep I liked it, so if you are looking for an action comedy to grab at the box and it’s there get it. Hell, if you are just looking for a good movie to watch grab it too. All of the actors are those who everyone knows and loves so there’s nothing to worry about and it’s funny and will go by quick for you so take it as a good recommendation from me!
loved the review, I was planning on watching this movie eventually. But after reading your review I made a point for it to be the next movie I watched and I was NOT disappointed.
Both Terry and I enjoyed it, yes there were a few things that could not be believed but I usually expect that when I watch a movie anyway. It’s called entertainment right? If I wanted true facts I would watch a documentary, but even those you need some salt with.
Love your reviews/rants
Tom.
Tom P