Needs more Malkovich

Rating: Null/10 (10 August 2013)

Directed by Robert Schwentke, "Red" is a weak action comedy about a team of retired CIA agents who do battle with a corrupt arm of the US government. It's a dull, unfunny film, but actor John Malkovich is hilarious as a paranoid old guy who excels at kicking butt.
The film co-stars Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren, all ageing thespians. Schewntke thinks its funny that he's trapped these old folk in a zany action movie, but our heroes' antics aren't bizarre enough to elicit many giggles. Elsewhere, Schwentke missteps by not telling his tale from the perspective of an outsider played by Mary-Louise Parker. She plays one character's love interest, but rather than counterpoint or act as a foil to the film's inanities, Parker quickly and incredulously embraces mayhem.
6/10 – Worth no viewings.