.
.
RED
Review by Gary Murray (with Mark Walters chiming in – in red)
RED stands for “Retired Extremely Dangerous.” That is exactly how Bruce Willis comes off in the newest action thriller comedy based on a DC Comics graphic novel. This little flick is one of the best cinema rides of the year.
I should note, being the comic book authority in these parts, that RED is based on the comic book series by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner, but the movie has little to do with the comic in story or tone. The comics were actually very serious and somewhat dark, whereas the movie goes for laughs on several occasions. Plus the comic didn’t have the buddy characters the movie does, it was solely about the Bruce Willis character Paul Moses (who in the movie is called “Frank Moses”). Okay, you’re all caught up.
Our man Bruce stars as Frank Moses, a man in fly-over country, existing in suburban hell. His only contact with the outside world is Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker), a young woman who works at a distant Social Security office. Very early on, it is understood that Frank has feelings for Sarah. He routinely destroys his check just to have a reason to call her.
Again, in the comics the Willis character was rather depressed, and really just because of what his life had become. In the movie we get the sense that Moses hates his life, but more in a humorous ho-hum sort of way.
One night a group of South African hired gunmen attack his little house, taking the building down to toothpick shards. After quickly disposing of them, Frank is off to find Sarah. Since he’s been talking to her on the phone, the people who have been monitoring him know his affections. He basically kidnaps Sarah and heads for New Orleans and the only person he can trust… Joe (Morgan Freeman). They worked together many years ago, but at this point Joe is just waiting for cancer to take him down.
Freeman is playing an 80-year-old man, which at first was a little shocking, as I never imagined him that old, then I noticed he’s actually like 73… so I guess that’s close enough. You really get the sense he’s having fun here too, like many of the other actors as well. That’s always refreshing.
The plot twists and turns as Frank and Sarah go around the USA to visit the rest of his team. John Malkovich plays “Marvin”, a man who has taken one too many hits of acid and seems to have a very slippery grip on reality. Helen Mirren is “Victoria”, who has settled down to a suburban life but still pines away for both the old ways and her old but not forgotten love. Basically, Joe sums it up by saying “We’re getting the band back together.”
Again, in the comics… no team. But this pairing of actors really is genius. Like an older and more respected A-TEAM.
The crew is followed by a CIA agency expert (Karl Urban) that doesn’t know the RED past and the characters he is up against. We have the four heroes trying to find out who has set all of them up, all the while avoiding both the current agents and the nefarious characters that mean to do them harm.
Director Robert Schwentke (THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE) seamlessly blends action and comedy, giving a solid mix of bullets and giggles while never going overboard on either side. There are some single shots that move with ballet motion and guns blazing. At times we get Sam Peckinpah styled action scenes but without all the blood and carnage. With a cast as strong as this, he had the best ammo in his direction chambers. To let the audience know the locations, he uses a very snappy group of animated titles.
I love Schwentke. His German serial killer film TATTOO is on par with David Fincher’s work in the States. He’s got a great visual style, and knows how to keep things moving. Perfect choice for this film. I think he also did a good job pushing the PG-13 violence to its limits.
The film is more sophisticated than it needs to be, while never losing the fanboy fun.
Interestingly put, as it does feel classy and almost retro in style, but man is it a blast to watch.
Helen Mirren plays a semi-retired CIA agent, only taking the occasional contract to spice up the boredom. She just shines in scene after scene, stealing every beat of screen time. Mirren adds a degree of class to a typical macho world.
She is indeed great. Seeing her blasting automatic weapons at secret service agents, or handling a .50 caliber machine gun with grace, those are some of the rare treats I’ve experienced in recent cinema. I love her in everything, but I especially loved her in this.
Mary-Louise Parker oozes charm with her ‘fish out of water’ role of Sarah. We get a great group of reaction shots when she sees the length and breath that Frank goes to protect her. The stunned look of being overwhelmed gives the audience a ‘normal person’ in basically a ‘super hero’ style convention.
She’s pretty funny in a atypical damsel in distress portrayal. I loved the childlike sense of wonderment she had being around these highly deadly people. It’s a very interesting dynamic for what could have been a throwaway character. She did great.
Both Morgan Freeman and John Malkovich have played these roles before, so there is not much stretching of static characters. Though both seem to be having a ball as they outwit the younger and stronger forces they are up against. Particularly John Malkovich, who just hams up every scene as the whacked-out agent, seeing conspiracy in every corner of the world.
Yeah, I would have liked a bit more Freeman, but he’s endearing when he’s there. Malkovich was brave to play his role so goofy, as people typically expect him to be so serious and menacing, but I think it just goes to show his terrific range. His boxcar showdown is one of the highlights in the film.
Bruce Willis commands the screen in every scene he’s in. He has done this character many times before but he still has not worn out his welcome as the action hero. The only hard part of this role is one has to believe that he has a hard time connecting with women. That is just a stretch of the imagination that almost breaks the set-up.
But he pulls it off, because… he’s Bruce Willis, and he rocks. Let’s face it, the guy owns the “everyman” acting style. And don’t leave out Karl Urban, who did a fine job as the pursuing agent. He mixes strength and sophistication with unparalleled drive in his character, and manages to still be a relatable family man. More importantly, he holds his own and manages to stay momeorable while surrounded with such a strong cast. I also enjoyed seeing Hollywood greats like Ernest Borgnine and Richard Dreyfuss in small but fun roles, each bringing their own style to their respective characters, and each still looking great. Ernie is 93 for God’s sake! Oh, and let’s also not leave out the always fantastic Brian Cox, who totally sells his role of a jolly ex-Russian spy, who now pines over Helen Mirren’s character. Cox is so graceful and likable with his portrayal. It’s another character that could have come across as silly and annoying, and he makes it awesome.
Simply put, RED is just a heck of a great ride, a fun diversion. With all the horror flicks coming out, this is a fresh change of pace for October, and a film you don’t want to miss.
Amen Gary… Amen.
