Review of RED 2 (2013) by Dawdlingpoet — 25 Nov 2021

This is an action packed film, much as the original ('RED') film was and so I'd categorise it as a comedy action film, as there are some scenes that are a bit ludicrous and I found myself laughing at them. I suppose it'd also be fair to call it an action parody as well.

Generally there is more in the way of gun fights, moderate violence and some special effects than there is in the way of plot, which again is similar to the original film. That aside, its quite entertaining, quite comical by way of the over the top characters (in terms of their capacity to hold their own and survive all the situations their presented with) and there is some witty comedic dialogue present, so I enjoyed it. Thankfully, unlike other film sequels, this features an equally impressive cast, including Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren in the same roles as before. Bruce plays the main character, Frank Moses, who, in the beginning of the film, is revelling in his retired status (but, of course, that isn't the case for long). He plays no-nonsense Frank much as you'd expect, given that he tends to specialise in action films. Meanwhile, Helen Mirren returns as the sassy, equally no-nonsense MI6 agent Victoria. I liked her character in the first film and I did again in this sequel, in as much as I find it admirable to see an assertive and independent women who isn't afraid to stand her ground t- all of which applies to Victoria. I can't say I'd ever imagined seeing Helen Mirren in such a role before these films were made but I like it!. Other cast members include John Malkovich, Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Brian Cox and Neal McDonough. Evidently its not short of a big name or two and generally the cast do a good job of portraying their characters as somewhat hum-drum people trying to accomplish their goals and get on with their lives. It is a bit ludicrous but then thats kind of the charm of films like this.

So, as I say the story is rather incredulous and it has a comic book style or tone to it, which is visually represented by some of the title shots and moments before the start of a new scebe, in which characters are depicted as cartoon-esque drawings.

This film features some quite futuristic sounding music, or muzack? which helps add to the fast pace. The camera work may not appeal to anyone who suffers from motion sickness or anything similar, as scenes are frantically shot involving multiple different angles etc., to add to the sense of action. I particularly enjoyed one scene with a car chase involving two characters in an old Citroen (2CV or similar?) car across Paris. If I were to compare this film to others in general, as far as the cinematography is concerned, the first franchise to come to mind would be the Bourne films.

Some of the comedy is a bit childish, such as one character 'flipping the bird' when the others become trapped while chasing him but its certainly not meant to be a film thats taken seriously - heck, the film title alone should be a clue to that (RED being an acronym, which is as follows - Retired and Extremely Dangerous).

Content wise, unsurprisingly this film features some mild to moderate violence (nothing especially graphic), some strong language and drug references. Due to this, its been given a 12 certificate. I imagine this film would appeal more to adults than a younger audience, due to the cast, seeing the numerous a listers and b listers in a more exaggerated, somehow unrealistic film - ultimately having fun playing super heroes.

One other thing I should perhaps mention is that there are a few (though not many) scenes which include subtitles, as characters speak in non-English languages. I think it was just in German but there may have been another, I can't remember for certain.

Yes, I'd happily recommend this film. The plot is a bit thin and it isn't entirely believable but then I suppose it isn't supposed to be. Its very watchable, it features a big cast with some enjoyable performances and there is some witty and amusing dialogue, adding a comedic element to it. The camera shots may be off putting to anyone with motion sickness, or similar conditions but otherwise I reckon its well worth a watch.