While Bruce Willis has never exactly been known for his high-class acting skills, he is back to kicking butt as usual in his role as former CIA agent Frank Moses in Robert Schwentke’s film “Red,” adapted from DC Comics. Willis has evolved from the orange tank top he wore in “The Fifth Element,” and is now capable of fighting off danger while wearing a bathrobe.
The movie opens in a suburban neighborhood where the music slowly ticks away as Moses “enjoys” retired life. The only excitement in Moses’ day is his phone call to Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker), who handles his payment checks.
While it is slightly awkward and slightly endearing to watch Willis flirt, their odd romance is cute in its own way and their character dynamic earns some laughs. Watching Sarah and Moses talk about romance novels as the camera pans to a stack of them on Moses’ table is an entertaining image.
But it isn’t a Willis movie without some action ““ queue the hit squad that destroys his house with an excess of firepower that borders on ridiculous.
Moses shows off his fighting skills, as he manages to take down the entire squad because of his quick thinking. Moses gets away and locates his over-the-phone crush, who is in danger because of her association with him.
After Moses discovers that he and his old work buddies are being targeted by the CIA, he assembles the gang of CIA misfits together again.
Enter Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich), who is perhaps the most entertaining member of the crew, as his slightly addled mental state of paranoia gives him some truly comic moments, including the pink stuffed pig he carries in order to hide his firearms.
Moses moves on to recruit Joe Matheson (Morgan Freeman), who resides in a home for the elderly. But Matheson is still a threat even at an old age, which he proves quickly enough as he defends himself from danger.
Yet Freeman’s character hardly gets enough opportunity to shine, which is unexpected for Freeman.
The saving grace of the film is Victoria (Helen Mirren), who tags along and politely admits, “I kill people, dear.” Mirren’s character is lovable, a classy lady of violence who exchanges high heels for combat boots.
While it is a bit shocking to see the “Queen” handling serious firepower, Mirren makes it work and charms the screen.
Of course, there would be no movie without someone chasing the retired CIA agents, which is where William Cooper (Karl Urban) comes in. Urban, memorable for his role as Eomer in “The Lord of The Rings,” also contributes some skill and personality in a fairly veteran cast of actors.
Urban’s character is one of the most interesting to follow throughout the movie. Initially, the audience is led to believe he is a ruthless hitman, but he also develops as a father who rushes to protect his wife and children when they are threatened.
One of the best fight scenes of the film occurs between Urban and Willis: Both know what they are doing, but it is somewhat satisfying to see the old guy (in this case, Willis) win.
Richard Dreyfuss also earns a spot in the film as bad guy Alexander Dunning. The climax hastily pulls itself together with an assassination attempt on the vice president, with a largely disappointing finale.
While I saw the unfinished version of the film as screened by the CEC, I cannot imagine they would add anything beyond editing CGI that could make the film worth paying to see.
Even the extraordinary cast members aren’t able to pull “Red” together as the film bungles along, alternating between action and comedy. With a weak storyline, “Red” resembles an excuse to bring out middle-aged actors to make an action movie of their own.
E-mail Cunard at ccunard@media.ucla.edu.