All you do, is worth doing in style

Rating: 8/10 (25 March 2011)

If you are going to do something, you might as well do it in style. That seem to be the motto of both the director and characters of Red. Red is a slow paced action movie, laced with a subtle humor that many times is much better than the obvious kind. Retired CIA hit man Frank Moses suddenly finds himself the target of a hit squad. Now, he intends to survive, and he is the best at his work. But he is no special rush, nothing is worth doing if you can't do it in style. To aid him he recruits his old friends Joe and Marvin, and brings along a girl he is fond of. Together they form a unstoppable force, heading straight for the CIA top.
This is an unusual action movie, just in my taste. As tasted it is slow paced, almost subtle but full of great special effects and extravagant explosions. Just a great mix and balance of low and high key, that augments each part. The story is pretty basic, a typical action story, but the editing and direction elevates the story to another level. Schwentke's direction is masterful, I guess he is at least partly responsible for the tone of the movie, but also the play with scenes, settings and visual effects are impressive.
Just as impressive is the cast. The character Frank Moses is just perfect for Willis, and when he is supported by such a stellar cast with Freeman, Malkovich, Mirren, Cox, Urban and Parker you could turn just about anything into a decent movie. But with a good story and directing Red turns into one of the better action comedies in recent years.
8/10