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- What Is Red About, and Who Stars in It?
- Red Was a Critical & Commercial Knockout
- Red’s Massive Success Spawns a Sequel
- Audiences Are Falling in Love All Over Again
As a film enthusiast with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I must say that the Red franchise is one of those rare gems that truly stands out. Having seen my fair share of action flicks, comedies, and everything in between, it’s a breath of fresh air to witness such an entertaining blend of genres.
I always look forward to discovering new gems on Netflix, as they consistently expand their vibrant collection of movies, featuring some of the entertainment industry’s top titles. It’s fascinating how underappreciated films often gain a significant following once they’re added to the platform, and that was certainly the case with the 2010 action comedy “Red.”
As a long-time film enthusiast with a particular fondness for action comedies and a soft spot for veteran actors, I must say that “Red” is a gem that deserves another look, even after nearly 14 years since its release. With a star-studded cast led by the iconic duo of Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman, this movie offers a rollercoaster ride of action, humor, and suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
What Is Red About, and Who Stars in It?
The blockbuster action-comedy spectacle from 2010, titled Red, is inspired by a comic book miniseries sharing the same name and boasts an impressive ensemble of Hollywood legends including Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, and John Malkovich. In this thrilling movie, Willis plays Frank Moses, a retired CIA black ops agent who finds it difficult to adjust to suburban life after his perilous career. He eventually develops feelings for Sarah Ross (Mary Louise-Parker), a call center employee, over the phone.
In a sudden twist of events, the tranquil life that Frank has grown accustomed to is shattered when an assassination team attempts to eliminate him in his suburban abode. This triggers a series of intense encounters where the skilled assassin deftly eliminates their attackers one after another. With no choice but to flee, he gathers his formidable former associates to confront the sinister enemy pursuing them. Along this thrilling journey, Frank brings Sarah into an epic chase as he locates his previously retired comrades. Once he uncovers a hit list bearing their names, he manages to reunite with his RED (Retired Extremely Dangerous) colleagues.
Freeman portrays Joe Matheson, Frank’s experienced and world-weary CIA guide, who, finding his retirement monotonous, decides to accompany his protege in a daring escape. The pair, known for their resilience, later cross paths with Marvin Boggs, a paranoid and quirky character played by Malkovich, and Victoria Winslow, a retired MI6 agent who’s quick on the trigger, portrayed by Mirren. This unlikely group, bound together by their shared expertise, embark on a witty adventure to uncover the identity of the person or entity intent on eliminating them all. As they take down malefactors and dodge relentless government agents, their ultimate goal is to infiltrate CIA headquarters.
Red Was a Critical & Commercial Knockout
Gathering iconic and dynamic veteran actors elevated the movie Red, ensuring an incredible box office success. The legendary performers not only displayed action-packed scenes but also provided hilarious commentary, enhancing the viewing experience for audiences. The premiere of Red took place at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, leaving spectators amazed by its thrilling action sequences, witty humor, and exceptional performances from an esteemed cast. Coincidentally, it opened alongside Jackass 3-D during its first weekend, grossing $22.5 million in the opening weekend and eventually accumulating almost $200 million worldwide during its theater run.
Fans and critics alike found “Red” to be an exhilarating, entertaining experience, where the talented cast truly shone in their parts. Morgan Freeman showcased his charm, while Bruce Willis demonstrated his knack for comedic action. The movie was praised for its unique twist on the action genre, as it centered around a team of veteran assassins instead of the usual young guns. Audiences gave “Red” an impressive A- rating on CinemaScore, appreciating its fresh take on the traditional action film formula.
Red earned a multitude of honors, such as a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, along with Saturn and Satellite Award nominations. The success and favorable response to the movie led to the production and release of its sequel, “Red 2,” in 2013.
Red’s Massive Success Spawns a Sequel
After the blockbuster hit and unexpectedly high performance of “Red,” a second installment of the action comedy was confirmed by the studio, set to release on July 9, 2013. Notably, many of the original cast members reprised their roles for this sequel. In addition to them, well-known actors such as Katherine Zeta-Jones, Byung Hun Lee, and Anthony Hopkins joined the crew. The storyline followed our heroes on an international adventure, tracking down a portable nuclear device concealed in Russia.
As a passionate cinephile, I must admit that Red 2 didn’t quite reach the heights set by its predecessor, but it still managed to rake in an impressive $148.1 million at the box office and garnered recognition for its hilarious action sequences, outrageous antics, and delightful performances. It even secured a nomination for the People’s Choice Award in the Best Thriller Movie category. Sadly, plans for a third movie in the series were initially set in motion following the sequel’s release. However, when Bruce Willis announced his retirement in 2022 due to health concerns, the studio ultimately decided not to proceed with any further installments.
Audiences Are Falling in Love All Over Again
Although fans of the entertaining and offbeat movie might never get a third installment, they can still enjoy all the fun action scenes, humor, and eccentric performances by watching both “Red” and its sequel on Netflix. Despite being somewhat underrated, this comedy is a hidden gem in not only Morgan Freeman’s impressive resume but also Bruce Willis’, as both actors chose to follow distinct career paths (Willis focusing on action roles, while Freeman became a versatile performer). Nevertheless, they had an exceptional chemistry together in “Red”.
One of the greatest aspects about the action comedy is how much fun it seems like the ensemble cast is having with one another, whether it’s the wonderfully paranoid Malkovich believing everyone is a threat (and rightfully so), Mirren dressed to the nines and showcasing her exceptional marksman skills, or Willis hilariously bantering with his lady love Parker on-screen. They never take themselves (or the screenplay) too seriously, and each actor delivers a committed and engaging portrayal that leaves audiences rooting for the RED former assassins to come out triumphantly in the end.
1. Ever since I started streaming on Netflix on August 1st, Red has been soaring up the Top 10 Movies list and is still one of the most-watched titles. With its action comedy charm, it’s an ideal pick to relax with after a long day, guaranteed to bring plenty of chuckles and entertainment over its 111 minutes. Fans of shows like The Boys and Succession won’t want to miss out on Red, as both Karl Urban (Billy Butcher) and Brian Cox (Logan Roy) deliver standout performances as a tenacious CIA agent and former FSB member, respectively. Red really has a broad appeal and truly deserves all the attention it’s getting on Netflix right now. Don’t miss out – stream Red on Netflix!
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2024-08-11 20:01