Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Anthony Hopkins Star in "Red 2" - A Worthy Follow-Up to the Original

OK, so they are not really retired, but they are still extremely dangerous. Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), Marvin Boggs (John Malkovich) and Victoria (Helen Mirren) are back for more dangerous missions, witty banter and plenty of action. Based on the comic book limited series that inspired the original film, Red 2 centers on retired black ops agent Frank Moses, who reunites members of his old team, including Marvin Boggs, with an assist by former customer service representative Sarah Ross (Mary Louise Parker), also returning, as Frank's love interest, who wants to help him on his latest mission.

As usual, life is not boring for Frank, who is being chased by Interpol, as well as his frenemy, Victoria (Helen Mirren), and an assassin, Han (Lee Byong-hun). In addition, he finds himself in the middle of a mission that involves a Cold War nuclear device which may have been smuggled into Russia and could be active. Frank is tasked with locating the person who was involved with the project, Edward Bradley (Anthony Hopkins), who has been confined to a psychiatric hospital for many years, to learn the exact location of the potential threat. But as they say, the inmates are running the asylum. Frank soon learns that all too well as he underestimates the still vital Bradley, who manages to lock Frank inside his own hospital room.

There is a lot going on in Red 2 and the rapid pace, along with the witty dialogue, makes the run time speed by quickly. This is one of those films that I wish had an even longer run time, so I could continue to enjoy the performances by the stellar cast. The rapport between the principal players is always smart and often hilarious and they are ably supported by Catherine Zeta-Jones, as Miranda Wood, Frank's former flame who exercises unexpected control over him, while making Sarah very jealous. In addition, the always terrific Brian Cox returns as Ivan Simanov, who gets to picnic and smooch with the still lovely and vital Mirren, thus becoming the envy of viewers.

Jon and Erich Hoeber once again serve as screenwriters and, along with the many returning cast members, add a strong degree of continuity to the proceedings. Of course, the performances are terrific and the actors look like they are having a lot of fun. I also enjoyed the way the end of a scene would freeze and then be made to look like a page from a comic book. Red 2 is a terrific option for summertime viewing and features action, comedy, romance and intrigue in an effort geared towards adults. If it is anything like its predecessor, it will be a box office hit and deservedly so.