RED 2 isn’t as strong as its predecessor, but still incredibly entertaining thanks to is charming and likeable cast that work well together, even if the plot is a bit forced but that’s a sequel for you.
RED 2
(2013)
Genre(s): Action, Comedy
Lionsgate | PG13 – 116 min. – $22.99 | September 5, 2017
Date Published: 08/29/2017 | Author: The Movieman
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Note: The screen captures are from the Blu-ray disc and are only here to add a visual flare.
THE MOVIE — 3.5/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: Former CIA black-ops agent Frank Moses (BRUCE WILLIS) and his old partner, Marvin Boggs (JOHN MALKOVICH), are caught in the grip of retirement — but that soon changes when a powerful Cold War weapon known as Nightshade resurfaces decades after its disappearance. With assassins hot on their trail (BYUNG HUN LEE, NEAL MCDONOUGH), Frank and his team – including Frank’s super-eager girlfriend, Sarah (MARY-LOUISE PARKER), MI6 assassin Victoria (HELEN MIRREN), Russian counter-agent and Frank’s former flame Katja (CATHERINE ZETA-JONES) – set out to find the one scientist (ANTHONY HOPKINS) who can unravel the mystery of Nightshade and help them save themselves — and the world. Quick Hit Review: Not quite as good as the first, RED 2 still is an incredibly fun sequel that brings the team together and they hit their stride from the first minute with an amusing scene inside Costco (yes, I know, product placement is evil) with Frank and Sarah trying to lead a “normal” life, quite unsuccessfully, especially after Marvin’s car gets blown up, but it’s only yet another elaborate attempt to fake his own death since dangerous U.S. operatives are after them (again). This sequel adds a few more recognizable names from Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins, both doing fine with thin characters, though Hopkins at least was pretty effective. Dean Parisot takes over directing duties for a sequel that might not match the first movie but RED 2 is still an entertaining action-comedy that, once again, relies more on its all-star cast than with cohesive story. The explosions are rampant and the chase sequences well coordinated, however don’t go in expecting Bourne caliber stunts… |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.0/5 |
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This release comes with a rounded-corner and glossy slip cover. Inside is a code for the Digital HD copy as well as the Blu-ray. All of these are on the 4K and Blu-ray discs. The RED 2 Experience (34:41; HD) is split into four parts, breaking down these aspects of making the movie: The Cast, The Weapons, The Spy Gear and Tactics and The Stunts. Gag Reel (4:24; HD) is filled with on-set antics and line flubs. Deleted Scenes (4:27; HD) – Just a few scenes that were cut or trimmed. Nothing noteworthy. Theatrical Trailer (2:32; HD) (4K disc only) |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| RED 2 fires its way onto the 4K format presented in its original 2.40 widescreen aspect ratio and given a 2160p ultra high-definition resolution (HEVC/H.265 codec). This is the latest title to go with Dolby Vision (but it is HDR10 compatible as well which my system has) and although the Blu-ray already looks great, there’s a fair upgrade by comparison with a slight boost in terms of color and sharper detail. I noticed no major flaws like banding and blacks were rather stark without appearing overly crushed or losing elements. |
AUDIO – 5.0/5 |
| The audio gets an ever-so-slight upgrade from a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track to Dolby Atmos. It’s really difficult to improve on an already amazing track where not only are dialogue levels clear, though one scene it is muffled however I believe that was due to poor sound design on location instead of an issue with the audio codec, but the action scenes have a nice depth, particularly the finale where an explosion rippled through at the right levels given the distance. |
OVERALL – 3.75/5 |
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Overall, RED 2 isn’t as strong as its predecessor, but still incredibly entertaining thanks to is charming and likeable cast that work well together, even if the plot is a bit forced but that’s a sequel for you. This 4K release meanwhile looks pretty good and sounds fantastic and the features are alright. |
Check out some more 1080p screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.