Directed by Robert Schwentke. Starring: Bruce Willis, Karl Urban, Morgan Freeman, Mary-Louise Parker, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Richard Dreyfuss, James Remar, Brian Cox, Julian McMahon, Ernest Borgnine, Michelle Nolden, Audrey Wasilewski, Jaqueline Fleming. Action/Comedy, USA, 111 mins. Certificate: 12.

Release Date: 14th February 2011, DVD RRP: £19.99. 3D Blu-Ray RRP: £24.99

I do love it when I watch a film I had no interest in seeing, and it ends up being very good. The last film that surprised me was ‘Dude where’s my Car?’ I ran away from that film for 10 years – then caught it on TV and roared with laughter.

I didn’t wait quite so long with ‘RED’ – but every time I drove past the huge outdoor advertising posters near the O2, I thought – I like all of those actors, but the ads made it look dull. How wrong could I have been?

‘RED’ stars Bruce Willis (that’s right Ashton Crichton Dad – as Rickie Gervais claimed at the Golden Globes) as retired CIA Black Op’s Agent Frank Moses. After many years of extreme challenges and dangerous missions, Frank’s life has become dull and lonely. His only relationship is with a Government pension call centre worker called Sarah Ross.

When Frank finally calls to ask Sarah out on a date – his home invaded by CIA Black Ops Agents with intent to kill. Although the soldiers tear Frank’s home apart with heavy artillery – he manages to escape and make his way to protect Sarah, knowing anyone involved with him will be next hit.

When Sarah refuses to go into hiding quietly with Frank, he has no choice but to take her by force – however Sarah realises very quickly that she’s in genuine danger and the CIA are trying to kill the both of them.

With no idea as to why the CIA would want him dead, Frank contacts his old unit one by one in their various retirement states – Joe Matheson (Morgan Freeman) living in a nursing Home, Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich) hidden in a secret underground bunker and crack shot assassin Victoria (‘HRH’ Helen Mirren)now living in a Laura Ashley’esqe country estate.

With the CIA hot on their tail, lead by ‘Hotshot Agent’ William Cooper (Karl Urban), the retired team are forced to pool their past experiences and even rely on old foes to survive the constant onslaught of armed forces.

For starters RED has to be commended on bringing together such an incredible cast - likable to that of ‘The Expendables’ – Willis, Freeman, Malkovich, Mirren, Brian Cox and Richard Dreyfuss are a dream grouping for any middle aged film fan.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a movie for fans of Momma Mia and Pride and Prejudice. This is an adaptation from a DC comic and very much in the mould of movies such as ‘The A-Team’ and ‘Lethal weapon’ with a scattering of the Ocean franchises humour.

Stand out character for RED is the insane Marvin Boggs who after many years of daily LSD injections by the CIA has been left paranoid and psychotic. Malkovich is brilliant as Marvin and tends to steal the show whenever he appears on screen with his comic timing and oddball antics.

RED is the thinking man’s (and women’s) ‘Expendables’ for those nights when you want to have some mindless fun and nothing too heavy.

The chemistry between the actors is perfect and many of the action set pieces are up there with best of any Bruce Willis’ action flicks. There’s a particularly slick moment when Frank ‘steps’ out of a moving car to shoot at an oncoming CIA agent. Willis is as cool as ever in his performance and although Frank Moses is no John McClane (Die Hard) his character along with the rest of the renegade group, are certainly worthy of a sequel. So bring on RED 2.

RED is a cracking action thriller that will appeal to a very broad audience. Yippy Kiya!!!

(And for those with a 3DTV – its well worth watching the Blu-Ray with the 2D to 3D upgrade option)

Special Features

Nick Gibbs-McNeil

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