Red

A perfect cast in a brisk action comedy, which definitely does not mean that if you are old, you are immediately written off, because even "grandpas" and "grandmas" can have a good time. The premise is a bit simplistic and the denouement a bit predictable, but the concept of the action sequences is amazing. John Malkovich is properly wacky, Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis have charisma, Helen Mirren is grace itself with all the right stuff and Mary-Louise Parker is a natural comedian. All in all, a refreshing respite for an afternoon and I wasn't bored for a moment. (2011-07-24)

Red is a “costume show” with a senile plot, which is more about individual attractions than creating a coherent whole. You’ll have fun, enjoy Willis playing Willis, Malkovich reminiscing about the good old days of Burn After Reading and the regal Helen Mirren in a white dress, shooting a heavy machine gun. With a better script, this could have been one of the best movies of the year, but that sadly didn’t happen. Karl Urban might get some major roles in grade-A blockbusters. Robert Schwentke, circling around him at an intersection, elevated Michael Bay-like turning around the guy with a gun to the level of sophisticated ballet. Exactly between three and four stars; I’m giving four because I gave three to Resident Evil: Afterlife :-) (2010-10-29)

The only thing atypical about Red is that, the main roles of former special agents in this action comedy with a terribly hole-ridden script and music that, with its attempt to create a relaxed feeling, remotely resembles the lightness and elegance of Ocean’s Eleven, are played by usually non-action actors, perhaps with the exception of Willis. Some may find this cool, while others may shake their heads. But the originality of the idea with retired agents cannot be denied. Unfortunately, it does not reach the top in terms of quality, not because it is not sufficiently self-conscious or slow-paced, but because it is sterile and half of the film basically consists of generic location changes culminated by one action set-piece or another. (2015-07-23)

Even a master carpenter makes mistakes sometimes. I have long ranked Bruce Willis as an ultimate action icon, whose films tend to be just the right staple in my cinematic menu, but Red is one of the unwanted exceptions. While Bruce performs up to his standard, and for the most part the FBI and CIA together don't even come to think of him, the main storyline is too weak, the actual quality and fun action is downright sparse, and I didn't like how the story tried to be too cool all the time. Freeman has a desperately small role to pull it up somewhere, and as for the villain syndicate, bland is the word. Apart from Willis, the only one worth mentioning is the infernal "old man" John Malkovich, whose perfectly (un)measured performance in similar action titles is something I always enjoy. Anyway, I'm curious about the second one, with more imaginative direction and acting refreshment, they still may have a few rounds left. (2011-04-19)

I’d happily replace gaps with drawn-out verbal filler in favor of action, which Schwentke handles quite easily. Thumbs up for those moments when the retired agents are having fun over the fact that in their youth the SS (Secret Service ;-)) wasn't a bunch of old farts because the actors are having a blast with it. However, the lack of a stronger villain and a thicker plot won't let me give that fourth star. 3 ½. (2010-10-17)