★★★
We all know that sequels pretty much have to be inferior to the original, right? Then how refreshing that “Red 2” (2013) is just as entertaining as the original. 
For this second installment in the “Red” franchise (I’m sure there will be more), Frank Moses (Bruce Willis) is back in retirement, spending his days playing house with the extremely bored Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker). Luckily, Frank’s old CIA pal, Marvin (John Malkovich), has discovered that they have both been named in connection with a nuclear weapons project during the Cold War. Now everybody (and I really mean everybody) in the intelligence world wants them dead. He even receives a phone call from Victoria (Helen Mirren), who has just acquired a contract from MI6 to kill him, Sarah and Frank. 
Looking to clear things up, their adventure takes them all over the world: America, France, England, and even Russia.
To share in their thrilling, and often comical escapades, our lovable trio also reunites with Ivan (Brian Cox), as well as introducing new characters, like The Frog (David Thewlis), Dr. Edward Bailey (Anthony Hopkins), Frank’s former flame (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and another killer (Lee Byung-hun), who wants Frank dead for personal reasons as well as professional.
The reason “Red 2” works so well is because of the perfect blend of comedy and action. It’s not too funny, just enough. It’s not too much action, either. Each and every scene is filled with both elements, keeping things light but still exciting. 
There is plenty of guns, knives, hand to hand combat, and even a great scene where Lee Byung-hun (weaponless) fights off several police officers while handcuffed to a small glass door. It’s really quite impressive.
Of course the other reason the film is so enjoyable is the cast of professionals who seem to be having a good time working together. I think it’s often easier to have fun watching a movie when you can tell that everyone involved enjoyed themselves as well. One of the pitfalls when making a sequel is that it’s hard to keep the feel of the original without just doing the same thing all over again. For this sequel, all of the characters have evolved personally,which helps. 
Plus, you know that the filmmakers aren’t afraid to kill off a main character like they did the first time (Morgan Freeman). In many ways this movie is still similar to the original. By having so many new characters mixed in with the ones we already enjoy, and by keeping the audience off-balance between the action, the drama and the comedy, you don’t really dwell on any imperfections. This allows for a more thrilling film going experience. Besides, what’s more delightful than watching Helen Mirren kill people with that dead pan expression, and perfect comic timing? I can’t think of anything.
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