Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2013

Unwarranted, inferior sequel seems unaware that it used up the novelty of gun-toting geezers in its trashy fun 2010 predecessor. A little of this stuff goes a long way. Actors Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker again venture into Bruce Willis mindless movie-star land, this time pulling in Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Byung-hun Lee with them. I’d say its attitude toward copious minion-killing is rather blasé for a comedy, but that would imply that it’s funny. And save for a few zingers from John Malkovich’s LSD-addled former agent, it’s not, really. Japanese title: Red Returns. (112 min)