After RED was such a hit, we were given this sequel that continued the missions of Frank and his team of the Retired and Extremely Dangerous 3 years after the events of the first film. They're a little older, but just as deadly. Whilst it wasn't quite as enjoyable as the first film, it does maintain most of the same charm and humour that made the first so enjoyable.
They try to up the ante this time, going up from a small conspiracy to take down retired agents to a nuclear plot that threatens to cause grave peril and gets the REDs turned hunted as terrorists. Overall the story works and just like the first leads to several good twists, many of which were unexpected. Though at times it does feel a little over the top. Particularly towards the end where it seems to descend into the physics similar to the Fast and Furious films. It's still fun to watch. Just a different kind of fun to the rest of the film.
What really makes this film work is the chemistry between the actors. And what else is to be expected? The film boosts a great cast ranging from Oscar winners Hopkins and Mirren to other big names like Willis and Malkovich. They all bring a real sense of comradery between one another and embrace the silly nature of the script. Each makes sure that we believe that each of them is a trained agent and make the premise often believable.
The returning cast all do a great job at reprising their roles. Malkovich brings the same insanity as he did the first film. He doesn't get any moments as good as "Old man my ass!" But he's still probably the films strongest character, largely due to how casually he treats murder and his great delivery of dialogue. Also Miren still thrives in being a bad ass, acting like a female Bond who's constantly in control. It's far different from the usual refined queens she normally plays and it feels like she loves playing the role.
On top of this the new cast add their own talents to their respective roles. Hopkins plays an aged scientist who created the bomb. He gets quite a few funny moments through his forgetful nature (drifting off mid-conversation in to random topics) but also a lot of awesome moments where he takes control of a situation too as the film goes on. Then there's Byung-hun Lee, a hired assassin with a grudge against Willis' character who's been paid to take him down (pretty much replacing Karl Urbans character in the first film). He gets some of the best action sequences of the film, displaying some impressive hand to hand combat skills, making a good use of both quick reflexes and his surrounding environment.
And just like before, all the action sequences in the film blend very well with the light hearted humour. It's never too gritty or serious and remains a feel good film from start to finish. It's a lot of fun to watch and leaves one wanting another sequel to the franchise.
They try to up the ante this time, going up from a small conspiracy to take down retired agents to a nuclear plot that threatens to cause grave peril and gets the REDs turned hunted as terrorists. Overall the story works and just like the first leads to several good twists, many of which were unexpected. Though at times it does feel a little over the top. Particularly towards the end where it seems to descend into the physics similar to the Fast and Furious films. It's still fun to watch. Just a different kind of fun to the rest of the film.
What really makes this film work is the chemistry between the actors. And what else is to be expected? The film boosts a great cast ranging from Oscar winners Hopkins and Mirren to other big names like Willis and Malkovich. They all bring a real sense of comradery between one another and embrace the silly nature of the script. Each makes sure that we believe that each of them is a trained agent and make the premise often believable.
The returning cast all do a great job at reprising their roles. Malkovich brings the same insanity as he did the first film. He doesn't get any moments as good as "Old man my ass!" But he's still probably the films strongest character, largely due to how casually he treats murder and his great delivery of dialogue. Also Miren still thrives in being a bad ass, acting like a female Bond who's constantly in control. It's far different from the usual refined queens she normally plays and it feels like she loves playing the role.
On top of this the new cast add their own talents to their respective roles. Hopkins plays an aged scientist who created the bomb. He gets quite a few funny moments through his forgetful nature (drifting off mid-conversation in to random topics) but also a lot of awesome moments where he takes control of a situation too as the film goes on. Then there's Byung-hun Lee, a hired assassin with a grudge against Willis' character who's been paid to take him down (pretty much replacing Karl Urbans character in the first film). He gets some of the best action sequences of the film, displaying some impressive hand to hand combat skills, making a good use of both quick reflexes and his surrounding environment.
And just like before, all the action sequences in the film blend very well with the light hearted humour. It's never too gritty or serious and remains a feel good film from start to finish. It's a lot of fun to watch and leaves one wanting another sequel to the franchise.