Red 2

2013  PG-13  ACTION  1h 56min

CAST— Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Byung-hun Lee, Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Neal McDonough

MUSIC— Alan Silvestri  DIRECTOR— Dean Parisot  BASED ON— Characters appearing in DC Comics

     A terrific ensemble cast of AARP-worthy actors ignite the screen in this terrific sequel to the bland original. After the “death” of Frank Moses’ (Bruce Willis) insane best friend Marvin (John Malkovich), Moses realizes that his ideally realized life may not retain its banality. Government agencies are after those associated with a Cold War project code named Nightshade, with Moses, his wide-eyed girlfriend, and recently resurrected Marvin caught in the middle. They must travel the world, form alliances with friends, foes, and everyone in between, dodging bullets of all shapes, sizes and flavors, all to prevent international cataclysm. And to strengthen the relationship between Moses and his lady love, of course. The plot is one of those globe-trotting head-scratchers that would discombobulate 007, but the performances are hilariously first rate (especially the charming Mary-Louise Parker). Lock and load… but don’t forget the Geritol.

OUR RATING— ***

PRECEDED BY— Red (2010)