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Screen & Stage • Film

Red

Red refers primarily to the 2010 American action comedy film based on the comic book series by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Red is a 2010 American action comedy film based on the comic book series by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner. It follows retired black-ops agent Frank Moses as he reunites with former teammates after an assassin targets him.

What it is

Red (2010) is an action comedy directed by Robert Schwentke, written by Jon and Erich Hoeber. The story centres on Frank Moses, a retired black-ops agent who brings his old team back together after a high-tech assassin comes after him. The film is based on the Red comic series by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner.

Key details

The ensemble cast includes Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Karl Urban, Mary-Louise Parker, Brian Cox, Julian McMahon, and Richard Dreyfuss. Red was released in U.S. theatres on October 15, 2010, and later on home video in January 2011. A sequel, Red 2, followed in 2013.

Why it matters

Red stands out as a successful blend of action and comedy, featuring veteran actors in a lighthearted espionage adventure. It was widely distributed internationally, including in Canada, and remains a recognizable entry in mainstream North American popular cinema.

In short

  • Red is a 2010 action comedy about retired black-ops agent Frank Moses.
  • Stars Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, and others.
  • Released October 15, 2010; sequel Red 2 came out in 2013.
  • Based on the comic series by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner.
Canadian angle

The film was widely distributed internationally, including in Canada, and remains part of mainstream North American popular cinema.

Quick questions

What is the movie Red about?
Red is about retired CIA/black-ops agent Frank Moses, who reunites with his former team after an assassin targets him and a larger conspiracy emerges.
Who stars in Red?
The film stars Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, Karl Urban, Mary-Louise Parker, Brian Cox, Julian McMahon, and Richard Dreyfuss.
Is Red a comedy?
Yes. The 2010 film is described as an action comedy.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_(2010_film)
    Supports: Film identity, plot, cast, writer/director, genre
  2. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/red
    Supports: Genre, synopsis, release date, runtime, cast
  3. Movie Insiderhttps://www.movieinsider.com/m4818/red
    Supports: Theatrical release date and home release date
  4. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245526/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary for the 2010 film
  5. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_(2008_film)
    Supports: Distinguishes the separate 2008 film titled Red
  6. AllMoviehttps://www.allmovie.com/movie/red-am12372
    Supports: Film description and cast
  7. RogerEbert.comhttps://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/red-2010
    Supports: Cast and film premise
  8. Namu Wikihttps://en.namu.wiki/w/%EB%A0%88%EB%93%9C(%EC%98%81%ED%99%94)
    Supports: Sequel mention