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‘Red’ a colorful action/comedy

By Chase Koeneke

Published Oct. 29, 2010

There are movies that have messages. There are movies that alter attitudes. There are movies that can change the world. “Red” is not one of these movies.

Instead, “Red” has a different agenda: be as entertaining as possible for 111 straight minutes. And I’ve got to give it to them -- they pulled it off excellently.

One thing you’re sure to run into is a large DC Comics logo before the movie begins. Yes, “Red” is adapted from a comic miniseries, which had three issues. Don’t feel obligated to check out the comic before the film though. The word “adapted” is used quite loosely in this case.

In fact, the only overlap made apparent is in the use of the term RED (It stands for “Retired. Extremely Dangerous”) and the main character’s last — and last only — name, Moses. Barring that, everything else has been heavily modified from the original serious miniseries to a fun-loving action/comedy flick.

Don’t let the comic book talk fool you. No one’s running around in tights and no one has superpowers. But “Red” does have star power and it’s got it in spades.

Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker all take turns stealing the show. It’s like an all-star team of heavy hitters. But unlike the Yankees, it doesn’t feel like someone slapped together a cast with a bunch of money. It feels like everyone genuinely wanted to be a part of this movie, and it shows in the performances and chemistry of the actors.

In that sense, the closest comparison I can make to “Red” is the 2001 film “Ocean’s Eleven.” Not until now have I seen a movie where it looked like everyone was having a great time making it. You expect the actors to break at any time during the film and just start laughing like it was “The Carol Burnett Show,” or Tracy Jordan during the “30 Rock” if you are looking for a more timely reference. That’s how much fun it looks like they’re having making this action/comedy.

Action/comedy really is the best description. It’s not a comedy with action sequences bolted on similar to a film such as “Date Night.” It’s not an action flick peppered with witticisms, similar to a film such as “Iron Man.” “Red” strikes a perfect balance, like a humorous Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup that explodes.

“Red” is not going to win an Oscar, despite having Oscar winners attached to it. It’s not going to change your beliefs. It’s not even going to be remembered five years from now. But “Red” is the absolute best at what it does, which is a commitment to audience entertainment. So much so, it’d be a shame to pass it up.

If nothing has convinced you to go see “Red,” this surely will. Dame Helen Mirren with a sniper rifle. Enough said.