RED 2 - 7 stars out of 10

RED 2 - 7 stars out of 10

“RED 2” is a fitting sequel in this series.  While it was impossible to live up to the first film, it enhances these already dynamic characters by giving them an even more impossible task to conquer.  With so many stars sharing the screen, you would think that they would fight for the spotlight but they actually complement each other perfectly.  This film franchise is entirely character based and by pitting these characters against each other at points, it allows for several spotlights to shine on the screen at once.  I have to applaud the writers for keeping this film in the family friendly PG-13 category.  The film’s rating is a result of violence but the writers avoid unnecessary language and gore to make sure that it is appropriate for young teens (and so that it can be comfortable for parents to watch it with their kids).  The script is excellent and does a great job of moving the story in a different direction to avoid too much repetition from the first film.  While the movie could never reach the potential of its predecessor without Morgan Freeman, I feel as if the writers craftily used the opening sequence to poke fun at audience members (like myself) who are still upset about Freeman in the first film.  I am sure that I am not the only person who screamed at the screen for “killing off” another of the main characters.  These writers also created an opportunity for Anthony Hopkins to embrace a mastermind role that utilizes the full potential of his acting ability.  He plays his role within a role to perfection, not only fooling the other characters on the screen but also fooling the audience.  Even though this film is all about Bruce Willis, Hopkins steals the show with his seemingly erratic tendencies that turn into a great rouse.  If you haven’t seen “RED,” both of these films need to be on your list.  With Willis, Hopkins, John Malkovich, and Bruce Willis, you just cannot go wrong (well, we will judge that when they make another of these films).