Red (2010)

An altogether entertaining movie that pokes fun at itself and others. The wizened cast includes Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, and Brian Cox as an ensemble of retired CIA operatives. When a hit is taken out on Frank Moses (Willis), he goes on the run to save his own life and that of his former team who have been classified as Retired and Extremely Dangerous.

The success of Red is in the fact the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. Willis and Co. executes a pitch perfect blend of sarcasm and humor in this shark-jumping action comedy. The cast is obviously having fun, enjoying one another’s company. Fortunately, the viewer gets to ride along. Willis is essentially playing himself, swagger and wit-filled. John Malkovich gets a great turn as the mad conspiracy theorist of the group. Helen Mirren is a great surprise and tempers the comedy with class. Also along are Ernest Borgnine and Karl Urban. (Why did his star quit shining?)

As I see it, Red is not Oscar winning material. The plot is perfectly predictable, but it doesn’t matter. Red is too good of a good time for anyone to care.