I find this to be a highly underrated movie. I actually found it better than RED (the original), I found that everything was exactly the same as RED but better. The plot was much more original, in my opinion. Stopping a nuclear bomb from happening, maybe it is not the most original in the world, but it remains much more original than RED. Even the acting was better, especially from Malkovich, his performance was incredible. I have to say that I found Catherine Zeta Jones to be quite...pointless. I don't think she was necessary, but everything else made sense. No one ever wanted this movie, it was indeed useless. But it was good. Very good, and much better than the original. It was more entertaining. Funnier and more suspenseful. And I must say, it was very suspenseful. More than any other action comedy I have seen. The cinematography was far better, I think this director did better. The music was there *slightly* too often, but it was not there for 90% of the movie. The action scenes were very well-made. It was slightly sadder and darker in tone. Overall, I really enjoyed it. If they make a RED 3, it might be horrific, but 2 is perfect.
Side note: Anthony Hopkins's character was fantastic as well.
In conclusion: Plot: 8.9/10, much more original and well done than the original.
Acting: 9.4/10, very good acting, and again, Malkovich's performance was on point.
Characters: 8.6/10, a few pointless characters I wish were not there but apart from that it was all right.
Emotional impact: 8.0/10, as I said, darker, and more suspenseful.
Entertainment level: 9.9/10, highly more entertaining, just shy of 10/10, only because there was one scene that was dragged and slightly boring.
Realism: 7.0/10.
Ending: 8.9/10.
Cinematography: 8.8/10, much better in the sequel.
Pacing: 7.3/10, slightly too fast.
Final rating: 85.8% (RED got 83%, this is better.)
Side note: Anthony Hopkins's character was fantastic as well.
In conclusion: Plot: 8.9/10, much more original and well done than the original.
Acting: 9.4/10, very good acting, and again, Malkovich's performance was on point.
Characters: 8.6/10, a few pointless characters I wish were not there but apart from that it was all right.
Emotional impact: 8.0/10, as I said, darker, and more suspenseful.
Entertainment level: 9.9/10, highly more entertaining, just shy of 10/10, only because there was one scene that was dragged and slightly boring.
Realism: 7.0/10.
Ending: 8.9/10.
Cinematography: 8.8/10, much better in the sequel.
Pacing: 7.3/10, slightly too fast.
Final rating: 85.8% (RED got 83%, this is better.)