The title says it all, RED in all caps, stands for Retired Extremely Dangerous. Which protagonist Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is labeled as. It’s basically a term for a former CIA agent who’s too stubborn to hang it up. In Frank’s case, it works out for him.
The plot ramps up during a home invasion, with goons planning to murder Moses. Obviously, they aren’t successful. Franks journey begins to uncover the truth behind the hit, reuniting him with his equally if not crazier old friends along the way.
He first heads to New Orleans to meet back with Joe Matheson (Morgan Freeman). An old retiree dying of cancer, still, that doesn’t stop him from being dangerous. Then it’s off to a find paranoid Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich). Who’s sole purpose is to be aware and ahead of the governments secrets. Funny enough, he’s usually always right. Lastly, after a few action scenes to keep the pace up, it’s off to Chesapeake to ask for the help of Victoria (Helen Mirren). All agents have similar skill sets with a history together. Now, they must use their chemistry to solve a government conspiracy.
The plot is pretty standard from what we’re used to today. Given that this was 2010, it’s still a pretty fun movie. The cast carry out the ridiculous script because that’s the point, it’s supposed to be. A fast-paced action endeavor that’s proud to dive into the unrealistic themes. In a world of fictional franchises, why not have this kind of story. There’s room for it all on the cinematic table.
Bruce Willis plays a convincing former agent who just won’t call it quits, begging for a change in retirement scenery. Morgan Freeman’s Joe is a man out of time springing into one last adventure. Helen Mirren’s Victoria is the secretive and dangerous assassin with hints of humor. Malkovich’s Boggs is downright crazy as he refuses to fall in line and vows to expose the secrets. All while being hunted by a secret government operation that spreads into year’s worth of history.
There’s a ton to like here, including the fact that there’s a sequel. RED stands out from its predecessors thanks to its stellar cast, action and insanity.
