11.20.2010

Movie review: RED

Courtney Gordon

Over the years, Hollywood has done a great job of using the same general storyline with different characters, endings, and twists. “Red” is one of the first films in a while that has a high likelihood of surprising even the best of you “I-can-always-figure-out-how-it’s-going-to-end people”. And if you’re still able to figure out a few things here and there, you’ll at least be highly entertained. “Red” actually has scenes that will crack you up…that weren’t in the previews! Such a great idea, right? And there’s a great cast with new and old actors and actresses who you’ll find are perfect for the roles that they play. They include Morgan Freeman (“Invictus”), Bruce Willis (“Surrogates”), Mary Louise-Parker (TV Series “Weeds”), John Malkovich (“Burn After Reading”), Helen Mirren (“The Queen”), and Karl Urban (“Star Trek” 2010)


Frank Moses (Willis) is a retired (and extremely dangerous) ex-CIA agent who is just trying to find happiness in simple, day-to-day life. One thing he looks forward too is talking with a young woman named Sarah (Louise-Parker), who he’s actually never met. Sarah is just a normal woman who works for the payroll department that Frank gets his check from every month, but she’ll soon find out that Frank is much more than he seems. In an unlikely and fast-paced chain of events, someone attempts to kill Frank and he must abduct Sarah, knowing that she will likely be a target as well (because his phone calls are listened to, obviously, and he has interest in her). Frank meets up with some old friends, Joe Matheson (Freeman), Marvin Boggs (Malkovich), and Victoria (Mirren). These four retirees appear to be at the top of their game and until they experience a few unexpected twists, it seemed that no one could stop them. They prove that being retired doesn’t make you useless, it makes you experienced and, in their case, deadly.

With all the great one-liners and plot twists, this film will keep you entertained the whole way through. It’s probably not the best movie for families, since there is some fairly mild violence; but for anyone else, you will be able to leave the theater knowing you spent your money well. Guys, be warned, and girls, don’t worry, there are a few sappy moments, but most of them will be followed by some hilarious comic relief. Although there are action scenes, if you’re trying to save money I don’t think it’s a must to see it on a big screen, but it definitely is a plus. Just make sure you don’t miss this must-see action, comedy. I give this movie 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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