Tweekums This sequel sees retired agents Frank Moses and Marvin Boggs in trouble again when an article on Wikileaks mentions them in connection to a Cold War mission known as 'Operation Nightshade'. Shortly after Marvin warns Frank he is apparently killed and Frank is captured and is threatened by Jack Horton who says he will torture his girlfriend, Sarah, if he doesn't say what he knows about Nightshade. Before long he is rescued by the not so dead Marvin and the two of them, along with Sarah, head off to find out the truth behind Nightshade. It won't be easy though; the CIA have hired contract killer Han Cho-Bai to hunt them down and MI6 has asked their old friend Victoria to hunt them down. The story will take them to Paris, London and Moscow and will involve finding a long hidden nuclear weapon. The protagonists will find themselves working with some unlikely allies and one of the people they trust prove to be the most dangerous.Anybody wanting a gritty action thriller will be disappointed; as with the first film there is lots of action and plenty of thrills but it was definitely a comedy… even the scene where somebody is dissolved in an acid bath is played for laughs. The action is delightfully over the top with lots of shooting, fighting, chases and an explosive finale. The cast does a fine job with Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker make welcome returns and are joined by the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Byung Hun Lee all of whom bring something good to the proceedings. While the action is fairly bloodless there is a high body count which some viewers doesn't sit well with all the comedy and the child-friendly UK '12' certificate… personally I doubt it will offend many people as the action is of the 'James Bond' style. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of action who don't want anything unpleasant in general and fans of the first film in particular… I certainly enjoyed it.

FilmBuff1994 Red 2 is a good movie with a reasonably well developed storyline and a terrific cast. It's a lot of fun, simple as that, the whole cast seem to be enjoying themselves and because of that I had a fun time watching it, it's a lot funnier than the original, does not take itself as seriously, much lighter on character development. The story is very simple and straight forward, but a star studded cast that includes Bruce Willis, John Malcovich, Helen Mirren and Anthony Hopkins make this a very enjoyable two hours. I did feel the story was really lacking in depth, it just seems to move along piece by piece, no moment is really significant or gratifying for the audience, it never tried to make this sequel stand out on its own. I did not enjoy the love issues which erupt between Frank and Sarah as a result of Catherine Zeta-Jones' character, it all felt very forced and created an annoying persona for Mary Louise Parker, making her nowhere near as cool as or likable as she was in the original, she was a strong character then, here she is simply a love interest. It certainly has its flaws but Red 2 mostly makes up for it with its pure fun and optimistic cast, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good action or comedy. A retired secret agent and his girlfriend get dragged in to a race to find a nuclear bomb. Best Performance: Anthony Hopkins

jackmeat My quick rating - 7,1/10. The over the hill spies are at it again. The first movie was thoroughly enjoyable and I have to say this sequel is on par with the first. Quality action scenes edited together very well to keep the motion going without getting lost. Actors put in enough character to drive the spy-game storyline through enough to make you care about it and not just sit back and watch guns blaze. Anthony Hopkins character was exceptionally well done and was a needed jolt into the flick for sure. It is a rare occasion that you can say the sequel may have been better then the first but.....Well, I will have to let you decide that one. All and all a well made picture.

Python Hyena Red 2 (2013): Dir: Dean Parisot / Cast: Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones: Entertaining yet routine sequel reprising most of the original film's veteran cast. Bruce Willis returns as Frank Moses who is trying to live a quiet life as a result of his relationship from the first film's events. When Marvin appears warning that they are being followed Frank brushes him off. When Marvin's truck explodes in a parking lot Frank doesn't believe he is dead. His assumption is true especially when Marvin turns up again when attempts are made on their lives. Central plot regards a secret operation codenamed Nightshade that regards a nuclear bomb that is hidden somewhere in Moscow. Simple setup becomes progressively detailed with several plot turns and much humour. The climax is clever as intelligence is defeated by wit. Dean Parisot previously directed the underrated Home Fries, also about characters leading double lives. Willis brings forth his sly confidence as Frank who solves the plot but not without many attempts on his life. John Malkovich as Marvin provides much of the humour as he attempts to derail Frank's pull into the clutches of seductive vixens. Mary-Louise Parker as Frank's girlfriend is hilarious seeking excitement despite Frank's protests. Anthony Hopkins appears in a scene stealing key role as someone in an asylum who knows the whereabouts of Nightshade. Catherine Zeta-Jones also steals scenes and must collaborate when the crime becomes too complicated. Often silly action farce most appreciated by those who enjoyed the first film. Score: 6 / 10