Movie Review: RED 2!

08.04.2013 – RED 2 is the sequel to the 2010 blockbuster film which was based from DC Comics limited series by Warren Ellis and Cully Hammer under the WildStorm imprint Homage Studios which tells the story retired CIA agent Frank Moses. The film version differs from the comic book series which was light hearted comedy as opposed to the serious grit that was created by Elis and Hummer. RED the title is derived from the designation of the status of Frank Moses, meaning "Retired, Extremely Dangerous."

The sequel continuous more focus on Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) “normal” life with Sarah Ross (Mary-Louise Parker) while in the mix is Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich) as the light to match that bring them back in action.

As they say old habits die hard and Marvin Boggs knows how to push Frank Moses’ buttons just like the first film there’s a lot of action, explosion and a lot of killing. Not that Victoria Winslow (Helen Mirren) has to say for herself. If you saw her take out the bad guys with heavy artillery this time around she shows her sophistication and class on how to kill her victims.



Besides the romance with Moses and Ross there’s a kicker to add spice to the relationship if it last long toward the end of the film. Katya (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is introduced in this film which would believe to be Frank Moses’ former lover if you haven’t seen the trailers where they smooched like it’s the end of the world.

Rounding up the cast there Han Jo-Bae (Byung hun-Lee) a former rival not that the character is far off from Storm Shadow has added more taste in wearing clothes and prefers more guns than sharp blades.



Now you think of it Bruce Willis and Byung hun-Lee acted together in another film prior to this and both have interacted as Joe Colton and Tommy Arashikage aka Storm Shadow in G.I. Joe: Retaliation which would be slightly close to having similarities in RED 2 but completely different situations. Then this can’t be an inception rather a fresh look on the actors portraying Moses and a new character in Han Jo-Bae.

There’s one actor you should look out for in this film and without him this would be a dud like a dead bomb. Sir Anthony Hopkins is impressive as a resume of films he has appeared on and before you see him reprise his role as Odin in Thor The Dark World see his impeccable timing as Dr. Edward Bailey.



Not to spoil who he is and what he does in RED 2 just the acting says that he earned a lot of Academy Award nominations in his belt which included the role of Hannibal Lecter that gave him the award for Best Actor in Silence of the Lamb.

Overall RED 2 is a fun filled action of destruction and light comedy but it’s missing its laid back feel that made the original quite memorable. But it’s a good film enough to give you entertainment from “has been” agents that still carry quite a punch and you thought Frank Moses is just going to walk in the sunset with Sarah Ross? There’s already a planned third film but for now catch this one before it hits home media.

RED 2 is already showing in the Philippine cinemas from Summit Entertainment!