Red

Red é uma «brincadeira de máscaras» com um enredo senil que tem mais a ver com as atrações individuais do que com a densidade do todo. Vai divertir-se, apreciando Willis a interpretar Willis, Malkovich a relembrar tempos melhores de Destruir Depois de Ler e a rainha Helen Mirren num vestido branco a disparar com uma metralhadora pesada. Um melhor argumento poderia ter dado para um dos melhores filmes do ano, mas infelizmente não. Karl Urban tem em vista papéis proeminentes nos blockbusters de filme A. Schwentke, circulando à sua volta num cruzamento, elevou a volta de Bay em torno do gajo com uma pistola na mão para o ballet. Exatamente entre 3* e 4*, e estou inclinado para quatro porque dei três ao Resident Evil: Ressurreição :) (29/10/2010)

I had high hopes for Red, but what I got was just... average. Bruce Willis is back in action, and while he deserves the spotlight, I didn’t have as much fun with this one. Red is your typical modern American action-comedy—nothing too hilarious, mostly amusing in its absurdity. It’s nowhere near the level of something like Beverly Hills Cop, though. These days, I need sharp one-liners, likable characters, and a solid story to really enjoy a movie. That’s why I prefer Cop Out, another Bruce Willis flick that nails the action-comedy vibe. Red is stuck somewhere between action and comedy, making it a forgettable, middle-of-the-road experience for me. (28/11/2010)

I admit that I approached Red as an action comedy with a certain disdain because I usually don't appreciate action nonsense, and when I hear the term "action actor," I instantly get a rash. And behold - this film won me over. It's good enough to cast actors who have facial expressions and acting talent, instead of desperados who spend their whole lives in the gym. It's good enough to act with a suitable dose of irony, humor, and nobility, and most importantly, to stay somewhat grounded when massacring hordes of enemies. Red is somewhat more intimate compared to its genre siblings, giving more space to dialogue, quotes, and the main stars - Bruce Willis from the older generation and Karl Urban from the younger one, who, alongside their exceptional physical condition, are very decent character actors. Bruce Willis also excels at self-irony, which he has been honing since the days of Moonlighting. Any fan who has seen a few of his films will recall specific scenes and shots from his filmography when seeing his face, his raised eyebrows, and his dry lines. Great character actors also work well in supporting roles, which you wouldn't expect in an action movie, led by Helen Mirren, who fearlessly fires a heavy machine gun. Add to that Mary-Louise Parker, for whom I have a weakness, who carries the romantic storyline of the film, and above all, the insane John Malkovich, whose paranoia and pink piglet he drags around everywhere led me to want to give Red five stars. It is a very enjoyable and memorable film. Overall impression: 75%. (29/04/2011)

I’d happily replace gaps with drawn-out verbal filler in favor of action, which Schwentke handles quite easily. Thumbs up for those moments when the retired agents are having fun over the fact that in their youth the SS (Secret Service ;-)) wasn't a bunch of old farts because the actors are having a blast with it. However, the lack of a stronger villain and a thicker plot won't let me give that fourth star. 3 ½. (17/10/2010)

Schwentke would have to be more than just a learned craftsman to make RED more than just a solid film. It's pretty dynamic, but the style is taken from somewhere else, so it's definitely not consistent. The story is comic-book exaggerated, and in the film narrative it is terribly banal. But the old boys are great and are good at their jobs. In the end I had a great time, and I left with the belief that if an inventive helmsman got his hands on it, this cruise could give a lot. The way it is, it "just" entertains. (01/11/2010)