Red (2010)

More stars than you can shake an AK47 at!

As far as action heroes go, Bruce Willis is probably numero uno. He is a legend amongst the genre, and most of his films deliver when it comes to gun fights, car chases, and blowing stuff up. This latest outing, Red starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Hellen Mirren, Brian Cox, Richard Dreyfuss, and many others, is a stylish, quirky action film with plenty of Hollywood royalty, but a plot that seems ridiculous from start to finish.

Frank Moses (Willis) is a retired, extremely dangerous (RED) ex-black ops agent, whose golden years are suddenly interrupted with an attempt on his life. Moses then rescues the unknowing Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker), whom he has a phone relationship with, from an attempt on her life, and the two go on the run together. Along the way, Moses runs into some of his old friends and rivals in the black ops business, such as Joe (Freeman) a fellow retiree who hates the quiet life, and Marvin (Malkovich) an ex-agent who once tried to kill Moses, and now spends his time in paranoid wait for anyone trying to kill him. Helen Mirren plays the dangerously brilliant sniper Victoria. All of whom try to assist Moses and Sarah along the way, as they try to find out why they are being hunted.

Unfortunately, this film does fall into the category of more stars than substance. The stylish editing to the film is in keeping with the story's comic book roots (it comes from the DC comic book series), and the stunts and action will keep you entertained for a while. However, the plot is silly, and in places, too confusing.

Malkovich is very funny in the film, definitely the most entertaining performance. Willis is very good, but be warned, this is not Die Hard. You may notice some very obvious similarities, but it does not have the same heart, Red is far more glamorous and squeaky clean. This film is about the comedy, stunts, and stars.

It is a film worth watching, but here is my humble advice: watch this movie with a big group of friends, and play a drinking game. Every time a gun is fired DRINK! I have a feeling that this will make Red the best film you watch this year.