You will find much to admire about Red 2. This film elevates the sly tone of its predecessor, while being its own unique adventure. Bruce Willis returns, letting John Malkovich, Helen Mirren and Brian Cox hog the scenery. In particular, Malkovich thrives on the screenplay's delicious punchlines. Original scribes Jon and Erich Hoeber keep the guessing game at a vibrant pitch as each new twist unfolds.

Bouncing across the globe, Frank Moses (Willis) and co. visit Paris before settling in Russia. They have to locate a "Red Mercury" nuclear device that's undetectable. Helping them along the way, mad Dr. Edward Bailey (Anthony Hopkins) seems to be the only one who can disarm the bomb. For extra fun, Catherine Zeta-Jones plays a sultry Soviet agent, fully capable of captivating Willis, even under the jealous gaze of the latter's girlfriend, played by Mary-Louise Parker. 

Director Dean Parisot probably realized what a luxury it can be simply building on the mayhem. Robert Schwentke, the man behind Red, needed to establish characters who were unfamiliar to us. Now that we're better acquainted, Red 2 goes beyond the confines of an origin tale, becoming a meaty middle act so the players can relax into the story better. 

Malkovich delivers a smoldering portrayal, rooted in post-Cold War paranoia. He's a man looking for danger, yet skilled enough to overcome any lasting obstacles. 

The difference of an added second or two creates the necessary breathing space for cuts to register seamlessly, and editor Don Zimmerman understands that action works better with some levity.

(Released by Lionsgate Films and rated "PG-13" by MPAA.)