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.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Stars in Rian Johnson's "Looper" (2012)

Photo Credit: Tri-Star Pictures

Rian Johnson's Brick (2005) is one of my all-time favorite movies and pushed star Joseph Gordon-Levitt onto the short list of my favorite actors, where he has remained ever since. Their latest collaboration, Looper, is a sci-fi film involving time travel that is a somewhat disappointing. Gordon-Levitt portrays Joe Simmons, as assassin who works for an organized crime syndicate in the year 2044. Joe is a "looper," who kills agents who are sent back through time, from 2072, by his employers. When the agents arrive, they are usually on their knees, with a bag over their head, so the "loopers" cannot see their targets when they shoot them and subsequently "close the loop." However, one of Joe's assignments goes wrong, as the man who has been sent back is actually an older version of himself. The older Joe is portrayed by Bruce Willis and when he arrives, there is no bag around his head. When Joe recognizes his older self, he freezes, allowing just enough time for Old Joe to escape. The botched job brings the heat on Joe from his employers, who are intent on hunting him down and disposing of him, as failure means death in their business.

The leader of the "loopers" is Abe (Jeff Daniels), who orders both Joes to be eliminated, but that proves difficult. The older Joe has experience on his side and the younger Joe is very good at his job. Even though they are at odds, the Joes have an undeniable connection and they eventually meet to discuss their plans. During the meeting, Old Joe reveals his back story and declares his intention of killing the so-called "rainmaker," who was responsible for the death of his beloved wife in the future. Old Joe is intent on tracking him down and killing him, so that his wife can be spared. Since the "rainmaker" is now a young child, eliminating him should not be a problem. Their brief time together is interrupted by Abe's men, but both Joes manage to escape. Young Joe, who plans to stop his older counterpart, holes up in a corn field opposite a farm where a young woman, Sara, is living with a young child, Cid (Pierce Gagnon). Sara eventually spots Joe and orders him to leave, but he implores her to let him stay there because he needs to evade Abe's men. Of course, a romance soon develops between them, but they have little time to enjoy each other's company, as they are on a collision course with Old Joe and Abe's men.

Rian Johnson's screenplay is very creative, but his direction, especially during the first half of the film, feels disjointed. It takes a good hour for Looper to come together, but once it does, the film finds its groove and the second half is consistently good. Johnson has assembled a very talented cast and the aforementioned Gordon-Levitt, Willis, Blunt and Daniels deliver fine performances. However, I wish Daniels would have been given more to do, instead of being confined to headquarters, away from most of the action. In addition, I know the idea is for Gordon-Levitt to look like a younger version of Bruce Willis, but the make-up looks silly. I appreciate the attempt at realism, especially in a sci-fi effort that encourages you to suspend your disbelief, but the make-up is just not necessary.

The pairing of Sara and Young Joe helps to anchor the second half, which offers a few surprises and supplies answers to some questions, such as what happens to a "looper" when a version of himself is eliminated. In addition, the psychological implications for Old Joe, as he prepares to kill children who may be the "rainmaker," takes a toll that is perfectly conveyed by Willis. The special effects featured throughout the film are also quite good. However, Looper lacks consistency and I found myself squirming in my seat during the first half of the film, which is all over the place. Yes, it does settle down, but I suppose my expectations may have been too high. As a result, I cannot fully recommend Looper, but from what I understand, I am in the minority.