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.

Movie Recommendation: "Hitchcock" - Starring Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren

Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight

The master of suspense was clearly not the master of domestic bliss, at least during the making of his classic film Psycho, which is the center of attention in the recently released film Hitchcock. The great Anthony Hopkins plays the titular director, who apparently relied on his wife, Alma (Helen Mirren), for a great deal of support during the filmmaking process. Like Hitchcock, Alma was very intuitive and extremely protective of her husband's legacy. She placed his career ahead of her own and seemed happy to allow him to receive the lions share of credit. That became more challenging when Hitchcock was faced with financing Psycho himself because of concerns from the studio over the content of the film, which would lay the foundation for the modern horror film.

While husband and wife bicker throughout the film, they clearly feel comfortable around each other and also share a deep respect for one another. However, their marital problems are obvious. They sleep in separate beds, Alma does not appear to be receiving the attention that she deserves and needs, while Hitch (hold the cock, as he suggests), appears to struggle with the blond buxom beauties that he hires for many of his films. In the case of Psycho, there was Janet Leigh (Scarlett Johansson), who portrays the doomed Marion Crane, and Vera Miles, who portrayed Marion's sister, Lila. While Leigh shared a mutually respectful and professional relationship with Hitch, the same cannot be said for Miles. Apparently, Hitch wanted to make her a star, but she placed her family first, which left him feeling betrayed and bitter towards her. He even asks himself during the film why his would-be stars always seemed to betray him?

Hitchcock also examines the real life story that spawned the idea for the film and features several scenes that attempt to psychoanalyze the late, great director. Despite his talent and success, he experienced many of the same struggles that everyone else faces, especially in terms of making a relationship work. Of course, he had his own unique way of handling those issues, which usually consisted of passive aggressive behavior that elicits many laughs throughout the film. Hitch and Alma seemed like the epitome of an older married couple who seem to know how much nonsense they can get away with without inflicting any permanent damage. And they do each hurt other.

The performances from Hopkins and Mirren are the centerpiece of the film and are one of the primary reasons why it works so well. Hopkins is especially good at mirroring Hitchcock's use of psychology, which allowed him to reign over his cast and crew. There was no mistaking that he was in charge and was also the smartest guy in the room. The supporting cast features solid performances from the aforementioned Scarlet Johansson and the reliable Danny Huston, as Whitfield Cook, a writer and potential suitor who showers Alma with attention that Hitch either can not or will not give. Another key component to the film is the make-up that is used to transform Hopkins into Hitchcock For the most part, it works well, especially in profile and from the back. However, the two men do not resemble each other enough (in the face) to be completely convincing, but it is an admirable effort.

The screenplay, by John J. McLaughlin, is based on the book, Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho, by Stephen Rebello, and features a good mix of drama, psychology and more humorous moments, particularly when the equally cerebral Hitch and Alma do battle. I also enjoyed the cinematography (by Jeff Cronenweth), the music (by Danny Elfman) and the attention to detail that made the late 1950s and early 1960s come to life on screen. As a longtime fan of Alfred Hitchcock I appreciated the considerable effort put forth here and even though I expected the film to focus more on the making of Psycho, I enjoyed learning about the personal lives of Alma and Hitch, although I am not sure how much of it is completely accurate.