Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Bruce Willis + action movie = success. It's a formula that many fans of the genre would happily attest to; given the follically-challenged action hero's track record with films such as Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, The Last Boy Scout and even Twelve Monkeys.
Although I hate to pigeonhole actors, confining them to one genre, it must be acknowledged that certain actors shine in certain roles. A select few have managed to branch out and play a diverse range of roles with great success and others have failed miserably.
Bruce is one of the lucky ones and, thanks to his immense talent, has managed to be successful in comedies, thrillers, dramas and everything in between. Yes, Bruce has done it all but it's clear that action is where his heart is ... although there's always room for a good laugh.
In his latest offering, Red, he plays Frank Moses, a highly-decorated retired CIA agent who is struggling to come to terms with the monotony of civilian life. He's traded shooting guns for gardening and getting shot for getting bored and spends his free time flirting on the phone with Sarah, the lady at the pension's office.
However, their friendly relationship takes a turn for the worse when, for some reason, the CIA put Frank at the top of their most wanted list and he's forced to kidnap her to keep her safe. The two set off on a mission to find out why the CIA have turned on him and along the way they encounter some of Frank's old friends and enemies. Among the bizarre list of cohorts on their journey of discovery is Marvin.
Marvin (expertly played by John Malkovich), is also a former CIA agent and provides the comic relief in this movie because he is, technically speaking, one sandwich short of a picnic.
During his time with the agency, he believed that the government was conducting mind control experiments on him, but it turns out that they'd been force-feeding him LSD. Marvin is very perceptive, but the fact he's so crazy gets in the way of people realising that he knows what he's talking about.
The combination of Frank's gruff exterior mixed with Sarah's excitement and Marvin's eccentricity is comedic gold and offers a welcome distraction from the explosions, fight sequences and numerous gun battles. Just when you think it couldn't get any better, they hook up with more of Frank's old buddies, including Joe (Morgan Freeman). Joe is a smart old-timer who always seems to be a step ahead of everyone else. And, since he's got terminal cancer and lives in a rest home, he's anxious to join the group for one last adventure.
The last member of the supporting cast is Victoria (Helen Mirren), a former government assassin who's better adjusted to retirement, but that's because she has found a way to keep excitement in her life ... she still takes the occasional contract!
The gang uncovers the truth behind Frank's sudden criminal status, he's privy to information about an old mission that implicates the vice president in war crimes. Since the vice present controls the CIA, he decides to take Frank out (but not to dinner and a movie).
Special agent Cooper is leading the hunt for the group and along the way he finds out that old dogs are still capable of biting ... and they die hard (Sorry, I couldn't resist it).
The best thing about this film is that although there's no shortage of action, it's not the only aspect of the plot. The comedy is intricately placed, perfectly-timed and delivered with style.
The cast has a great on-screen chemistry and each character gets a chance to shine. This one of the best films I've seen all year and I'm sure audiences will love it, providing they aren't expecting another Die Hard.
Showing in: Cineco and Seef II
