cinemabon
10-17-2010, 11:30 PM
“Red” (2010) – Directed by Robert Schwentke
If you are wondering about the title, it is an acronym stated near the beginning of the film: retired, extremely dangerous. However, what Summit Films’ producers Lorenzo di Bonaventure and Mark Vahradian have coaxed from writers Jon and Erich Hoeber, is a black comedy, with lines delivered “Bond” style from its principle stars – with all the banality and panache included. “Red” is an odd mixture of quiet love story surrounded by big action sequences that seem to thumb their noses at similar fare, such as the Bond or Bourne series. “Red” never takes itself too seriously. Characters show up too conveniently and disappear just as easily. This movie is more for fun, like a carnival ride… and fun is what you’ll have.
Based on a trilogy of comics by the same title written by Warren Ellis and illustrated by Cully Hamner, the original story revolved around Paul Moses, whom the “records guy” describes as a “one of a kind agent… you know, kills terrorist, assassinates dictators, brings down governments… that kind. They don’t make agents like him anymore.” “Why is his file labeled ‘red’” the CIA character played by Karl Urban asks (Eomer in Lord of the Rings and Bones in Star Trek). That is when the records guy sets him straight on the acronym. (Henry, the “records guy” part delivered so well by aging but still powerful Ernest Borgnine – going strong at 93!) The film’s start is quiet and routine. We meet reserved Paul Moses played by Bruce Willis. He is a man who needs no alarm clock. He rises precisely at 6:00 am. For fun, he calls the social security office about his retirement checks and falls in love with the telephone operator on the other end. She becomes intrigued by his voice and delivery. It seems as if their relationship will never change, when all hell breaks loose around Moses and someone tries to kill him. From that moment onward, the film's story is set in motion. Although the plot is simple, it has enough twists and turns to make the fun also interesting.
Send in the retirees! This is where the film takes a sharp turn, when veteran actors like Bruce Willis bring their dry humorous delivery, as Willis does to the Moses character. While the novels did not have the “team” as portrayed in the film, the writers took liberties and brought in other characters who add charm to what might have been strictly a Bruce Willis picture. Stars like Helen Mirran, Brian Cox, and Morgan Freeman have plenty to chew and help balance the drama. These consumate vintage actors/characters have their own stories to tell, which weave into the convoluted plot (remember, the plot really isn’t important… IT’S A LOVE STORY!) The true comic relief comes with John Malkovich as Marvin Boggs (“You know… they gave him LSD every day… for twelve years!” Willis quips. “So that explains it!” Mary Louise Parker as Sarah replies). Malkovich has the best one liners in the show and steals the show from Willis in just about every scene (please stay for the start of the end credits). Relatively newcomer Robert Schwentke makes his directorial debut with a big budget film (His previous feature films, "Time Travelers Wife" and "Tatoo" did not have a large budget as this film had) he manages to keep the film’s pace quick by keeping dialogue succinct and action sequences brief but frequent.
The story/plot is redundant. If I tell you that the CIA and Presidency are involved… that the Russians and an arms dealer are involved… that a rich super villain and a conspiracy are involved… well, you might say, so what? That’s in every movies these days. True. But these are mere distractions. As I said earlier, this is a love story… yet with a few twists and turns, lots of irascible characters, full of wit and mirth, meant to charm at the same time they drill someone full of lead. The graphic novel may have had a serious side. However, the film is all fluff and lightness. You will delightfully part with your hard earned money for this two hours of excitement, action, and frivolity. Forget your troubles and come get happy. Recommended.
If you are wondering about the title, it is an acronym stated near the beginning of the film: retired, extremely dangerous. However, what Summit Films’ producers Lorenzo di Bonaventure and Mark Vahradian have coaxed from writers Jon and Erich Hoeber, is a black comedy, with lines delivered “Bond” style from its principle stars – with all the banality and panache included. “Red” is an odd mixture of quiet love story surrounded by big action sequences that seem to thumb their noses at similar fare, such as the Bond or Bourne series. “Red” never takes itself too seriously. Characters show up too conveniently and disappear just as easily. This movie is more for fun, like a carnival ride… and fun is what you’ll have.
Based on a trilogy of comics by the same title written by Warren Ellis and illustrated by Cully Hamner, the original story revolved around Paul Moses, whom the “records guy” describes as a “one of a kind agent… you know, kills terrorist, assassinates dictators, brings down governments… that kind. They don’t make agents like him anymore.” “Why is his file labeled ‘red’” the CIA character played by Karl Urban asks (Eomer in Lord of the Rings and Bones in Star Trek). That is when the records guy sets him straight on the acronym. (Henry, the “records guy” part delivered so well by aging but still powerful Ernest Borgnine – going strong at 93!) The film’s start is quiet and routine. We meet reserved Paul Moses played by Bruce Willis. He is a man who needs no alarm clock. He rises precisely at 6:00 am. For fun, he calls the social security office about his retirement checks and falls in love with the telephone operator on the other end. She becomes intrigued by his voice and delivery. It seems as if their relationship will never change, when all hell breaks loose around Moses and someone tries to kill him. From that moment onward, the film's story is set in motion. Although the plot is simple, it has enough twists and turns to make the fun also interesting.
Send in the retirees! This is where the film takes a sharp turn, when veteran actors like Bruce Willis bring their dry humorous delivery, as Willis does to the Moses character. While the novels did not have the “team” as portrayed in the film, the writers took liberties and brought in other characters who add charm to what might have been strictly a Bruce Willis picture. Stars like Helen Mirran, Brian Cox, and Morgan Freeman have plenty to chew and help balance the drama. These consumate vintage actors/characters have their own stories to tell, which weave into the convoluted plot (remember, the plot really isn’t important… IT’S A LOVE STORY!) The true comic relief comes with John Malkovich as Marvin Boggs (“You know… they gave him LSD every day… for twelve years!” Willis quips. “So that explains it!” Mary Louise Parker as Sarah replies). Malkovich has the best one liners in the show and steals the show from Willis in just about every scene (please stay for the start of the end credits). Relatively newcomer Robert Schwentke makes his directorial debut with a big budget film (His previous feature films, "Time Travelers Wife" and "Tatoo" did not have a large budget as this film had) he manages to keep the film’s pace quick by keeping dialogue succinct and action sequences brief but frequent.
The story/plot is redundant. If I tell you that the CIA and Presidency are involved… that the Russians and an arms dealer are involved… that a rich super villain and a conspiracy are involved… well, you might say, so what? That’s in every movies these days. True. But these are mere distractions. As I said earlier, this is a love story… yet with a few twists and turns, lots of irascible characters, full of wit and mirth, meant to charm at the same time they drill someone full of lead. The graphic novel may have had a serious side. However, the film is all fluff and lightness. You will delightfully part with your hard earned money for this two hours of excitement, action, and frivolity. Forget your troubles and come get happy. Recommended.