The cast helps beef up an otherwise predictable story. And Bruce Willis.
The new characters fare the same way. Zeta-Jones doesn't really belong too much to the movie, not really "fitting in" as far as plot is concerned. Lee is a blast as Han Cho Bai, with his fast moves and his no-nonsense attitude, as you'll see when he first meets up with a potential client. Finally, there's Hopkins, who is up there in age, but still a pleasure to watch, especially when the story goes on.
Director Dean Parisot keeps the action steady enough that you won't lose track of anything, and there are some good segments to keep things moving, particularly a fun shootout where Marvin contemplates using a stick of dynamite, saving it "for an emergency". But there's nothing as fast-paced as the first, it comes up just a tad short here – especially when it comes to the conclusion.
Still, when it comes to sequels, Red 2 could've fared a lot worse. Sure, it plays by the rules too often, and Willis can practically play "bald action guy" in his sleep by now, but with the help of the rest of the cast, some fun additions and a story that doesn't wear out its welcome too much, it's an acceptable summer entertainment. Just don't expect something legendary.
Score: 7.5 / 10
