By Renee’ Collins
Rating: 5 (Out of 5 Reels)
I went into this film hoping it was as good as the first installment and I wasn’t disappointed. Once again retired black-ops CIA agent Frank Moses reunites his quirky team of operatives for a global quest to track down a missing nuclear device.
All the usual characters are back, Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), Marvin (John Malkovich), Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker) and Victoria (Helen Mirren) with the addition of Bailey (Anthony Hopkins) and Katja (Catherine Zeta-Jones). All of these characters are wonderfully written and have depth which makes them real and that draws the audience in to the story and their plight. I truly enjoy the witty banter between the main characters because it is what makes this film so wonderful. The role that surprised me the most was Sarah (Parker) because we witness her transform because of her relationship with Frank (Willis) and it is entertaining to watch. Parker is a brilliant actor and I look to more from her in the future.
I am a huge fan of the first film because not only are the characters diverse but the plot line is well thought out and it is what I call smart funny which is a major plus in my book. I abhor the myriad of stupid funny films Hollywood churns out and find it pleasantly refreshing to experience a film like this one. This film is as good if not better than the first. I think I laughed more during this film than in the first.
The special effects are fantastic and enhance the overall look and feel of this film because it is not meant to be taken extremely serious. Are some of the effects over the top and unbelievable, yes, but it doesn’t matter because it is mostly there for fun and helps make this film a fun ride from beginning to end. This film is a must see in my book.