Red

In an industry filled with quick-paced action and quirky comedy, Robert Schwenke‘s Red is an oddity, combining both in an over the hill take on the age-old spy theme which appeals to young and old alike. The movie opens with a look into the retired life of Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), in which he spends his days phoning the Office of Pension Services, but the pace quickens as Moses’ house is invaded one night by a team sent to kill him. From there, Moses and three fellow retirees who have been marked “RED” (Retired, Extremely Dangerous) follow a string of murders in search of the truth behind their sudden jolt out of retirement.

Along with Willis, an all-star cast including Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, and John Malkovich, brings a somewhat weak script to life on screen. The characters are genuine, relatable, like an old friend you might meet on the street – or perhaps more appropriately, the grandparent you wish you had. The humor feels neither insincere nor overdone. Even Malkovich, known for his exuberant style, once again exhibits his unique ability to play the part of a crazy person with almost disturbing sincerity. But then, one has to wonder how much acting really enters the equation.

As much as the characters are a credit to the movie, the plot, while not detracting from anything, adds little. The end in particular, leaves much to be desired. Although nothing should complete a movie like a shot of Helen Mirren in an evening gown wielding a machine gun, the result is ultimately unsatisfying.

Red preys on that inborn fear which affects even the youngest and most virile of its audience – the fear of old age. But rather than leaving the audience to simply wallow in visions of lackluster retirement, the film shows us that getting old can be cool too.

By: Emily Smoke