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Baltimore Comic-Con Adds Guests, Returns to Northern Virginia

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Baltimore Comic-Con Adds Guests, Returns to Northern Virginia

David Finch Batman Dark Knight 8 Cover

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – March 7, 2012 –The Baltimore Comic-Con continues working to establish an amazing guest list, and is proud to announce the addition of even more guests!

In addition to previously announced guests, the 2012 Baltimore Comic-Con, to be held September 8th and 9th at the Baltimore Convention Center, will feature comic superstars Tommy Castillo (Grimm Fairy Tales), Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman), Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen:  Silk Spectre), Dan Didio (O.M.A.C.), David Finch (Batman:  The Dark Knight), Gene Ha (Justice League), Cully Hamner (Action Comics), Bob McLeod (DC Comics Presents:  Wonder Woman), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Stuart Sayger (Infestation 2:  30 Days of Night One-Shot), Brian Stelfreeze (ICE), Karl Story (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9), and Peter Tomasi (Batman and Robin).

Guest List

The 2012 Baltimore Comic-Con will feature the following previously announced guests:

Laura & Michael Allred – Madman, iZombie

Greg Capullo – Batman, Spawn
Frank Cho – Avengers vs. X-Men, Liberty Meadows
Steve Conley – Bloop
Rich Faber – Roboy Red
John Gallagher – Buzzboy
Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez – Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman
Keith Giffen – Superman, OMAC, Green Arrow
Larry Hama – G.I. Joe, Wolverine, The ‘Nam
Dean Haspiel – Billy Dogma, ACT-I-VATE, Trip City
J.G. Jones – Wanted, Doc Savage
Scott Kurtz – PvPonline.com
David Mack – Kabuki
Ron Marz – Artifacts, Voodoo
David Petersen – Mouse Guard
Frank Quitely – All Star Superman, Batman & Robin
Walter Simonson – Thor, Legion of Super-Heroes, Avengers
Scott Snyder – Batman , Severed, Swamp Thing
Billy Tucci – A Child Is Born, Shi
Matt Wagner – Tower Chronicles, Mage, Grendel
Mark Waid – Daredevil, Incorruptible, Irredemable
…With more on the way!  Stay tuned to our website or use the “Sign up” link at the bottom of our website to receive update announcements as we make them!
Baltimore Comic-Con Road Show Continues
Continuing his 2012 road show, this weekend, Baltimore Comic-Con promoter Marc Nathan brings the Baltimore Comic-Con back to his neighbors to the south — Northern Virginia!  Marc will be attending the Shoff Baseball & Sports Card Shows & Comic Book & Nonsports Card Show this Sunday, March 11th.  Stop by to chat with Marc about the show, and pick up some comics and cards while you’re there!  Marc will also have Exhibitor and Artist Alley forms for this years convention on September 8th and 9th.
For more information about Shoff show, please go to their website, http://shoffpromotions.com/.  The March 11th event will be held at the Tysons Corner, VA Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn), 1960 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22102 from 10am-3:30pm, and admission is only $3/person.  Be sure to stop by!

About The Baltimore Comic-Con

The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 13th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 8-9, 2012. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 7 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

CBLDF News Amazing Auctions & Comics College!

Official Press Release

Creators Come to the Rescue With New CBLDF Auctions!

Comic book artists nationwide are shocked by the details of CBLDF’s Canada Customs case, and are supporting the CBLDF’s efforts to raise $150,000 to fight the case by contributing original art being auctioned right now to benefit CBLDF!

This week on eBay, the CBLDF is proud to offer original art contributed by legendary creators including Bernie Wrightson, David Lloyd, Cully Hamner, Tony Harris, Camilla d’Errico and many more. The next $30,000 payment in this case is due this September, and these auctions will be crucial to helping CBLDF contribute that expense. Bid Now!

CBLDF Comics College Kicks Off with Fred Van Lente and Greg Pak on September 17!

The CBLDF is proud to announce Comics College, a series of Master Sessions held at our New York City offices, featuring expert advice and insight from professionals of the industry. These sessions will be an opportunity for aspiring creators to learn about the craft and business of comics from experts.

Our first session delves into the secrets of self-publishing with Fred Van Lente (Action Philosophers, Incredible Hercules) and Greg Pak (Incredible Hercules, Incredible Hulk)! Join us for this in-depth workshop and q & a to learn the secrets of self-publishing from two of comics’ most popular creators.

Tickets are available at our webstore for a $50 donation. This session will be held on Saturday, September 17th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at our New York office, located at 255 West 36th Street, Suite 501. Space is extremely limited, so get your tickets quick!

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Join the “Demon Circle” for CBLDF

DC Comics Announces Panel Schedule for San Diego Comic-Con

Official Press Release

DC Comics’ Road to San Diego: SDCC Panel Schedule
Attending San Diego Comic-Con this year? Don’t miss DC’s panels throughout the course of the convention. Check out the schedule below:

Thursday, July 21

10:30-11:30 DC: Talent Search
Moderators: Mark Chiarello/Jim Lee
Join DC’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 12

11:30-12:30 DC: Flashpoint
Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Eddie Berganza
Everything you know will change in a Flash! Flashpoint, the blockbuster comics event of the summer, has turned the DC Universe inside out! Join DCU Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, and some of the amazing talent behind Flashpoint, for a panel that’s sure to pose new questions about this explosive event even as it answers others! Room 6DE

1:00-2:00 DC Direct
Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Jim Fletcher
DC Direct has long been known as one of the most creative companies that produce collectibles for the direct market. Come and join DC Direct Director of Product Development Jim Fletcher and artist Adam Hughes, along with DC exclusive sculptors, and more, as they discuss their line of current projects, as well as the future plans revolving around the new DC Universe! Room 5AB

2:00-3:00 DC Comics – The New 52
Moderator: Eddie Berganza
The DC Universe explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join Bob Harras, DC’s Editor-in-Chief, and DCU Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Bob, Eddie and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE

3:15-4:15 DC: Batman
Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Mike Marts
Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Batwoman and the rest of Gotham City’s greatest crimefighters take things to the next level in September with new battles and new titles! Now, get to know the writers and artists behind these exciting new comics, including Batman Group Editor Mike Marts, Grant Morrison (Batman Incorporated), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Scott Snyder (Detective Comics), Peter Tomasi (Batman & Robin) Patrick Gleason (Batman & Robin), Gail Simone (Batgirl), Judd Winick (Batwing, Catwoman) and others answer your questions at this exclusive Bat-panel! Room 6DE

5:45-6:45 Vertigo Editorial
Moderator: Karen Berger/John Cunningham
They come from the cutting edge of comics… and Vertigo has never been edgier, with thought-provoking titles from some of comics’ most acclaimed creators. Don’t miss this panel featuring Bill Willingham (Fables) Scott Snyder (American Vampire), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth) Michael Allred (iZombie), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Les Klinger (Annotated Sandman), Rebecca Guay (A Flight of Angels), Colleen Doran (Gone to Amerikay), and many others – this is your opportunity to learn more about the entire Vertigo line! Hosted by Vertigo Executive Editor Karen Berger. Room 6DE

Friday, July 22

10:00-11:00 DC: Talent Search
Moderators: Mark Chiarello
Join DC’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 12

10:00-11:00 DC: MAD Screening and Q&A
Moderator: John Ficarra
Often imitated but never duplicated, MAD is more than just the country’s best-selling humor magazine – it’s also the inspiration for the outrageous animated series from Warner Bros. Animation. Featuring short animated parodies, crazy commercials, pretend promos and classic gags inspired by the iconic magazine, MAD is currently one of the highest-rated series on Cartoon Network … and back at Comic-Con to share more laughs and explore the world of MAD. Join MAD Magazine editor John Ficarra, art director Sam Viviano and “Spy vs. Spy” artist Peter Kuper, along with MAD series producers Kevin Shinick and Mark Marek, for a sizzle reel of laughs from season one, a sneak peek at season two and a wise-cracking Q&A that’s bound to be, well, MAD. MAD airs Mondays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network. Room 25ABC

11:15-12:15 DC Comics – The New 52
Moderator: John Cunningham Editor: Bob Harras/Eddie Berganza
The DC Universe explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join Bob Harras, DC’s Editor-in-Chief, and DCU Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Bob, Eddie and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE

3:00-4:00 DC Superman
Moderator: John Cunningham Editor: Matt Idelson
How does The Man of Tomorrow fit into the new DC Universe that rises in September? Find out as Group Editor Matt Idelson joins new Action Comics writer Grant Morrison (All Star Superman, Batman Incorporated) and author of the best-selling Superman: Earth One graphic novel J. Michael Straczynski (Superman, Wonder Woman) to take fans new and old up, up and away to give readers a sneak peak at what’s in store for Superman. Room 6DE

4:15-5:15 DC: Justice League
Moderator: Bob Wayne Editor: Eddie Berganza
Comics’ top talents – writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee – team up for the first time ever to bring you the new Justice League, making its debut as part of the new DC Universe! Join Johns, Lee and DC Executive Editor Eddie Berganza as they bring together the talents behind the new JLA titles, including writers Dan Jurgens (Justice League International), JT Krul (Green Arrow), Eric Wallace (Mister Terrific), artists Francis Manapul (The Flash), Brian Buccellato (The Flash), Philip Tan (The Savage Hawkman) and more! Room 6DE

5:30-6:30 Vertigo: American Vampire
Moderator: John Cunningham Editor: Mark Doyle
The acclaimed Vertigo series American Vampire – nominated for a 2010 Eisner Award as “Best New Series” – introduced Skinner Sweet and a whole new type of undead, blazing a blood-drenched new trail! Join the creator of this series, as well as the new miniseries American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest for an undead discussion with writer Scott Snyder, artist Rafael Albuquerque and Editor Mark Doyle. Room 6DE

Saturday, July 23

10:00-11:00 DC: Talent Search
Moderators: Mark Chiarello
Join DC’s Editorial Art Director, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 12

10:00-11:00 DC: Green Lantern
Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Eddie Berganza
Enlist in the Corps at DC’s annual Green Lantern panel! Join DCU Executive Editor Eddie Berganza, Green Lantern Corps writer Peter Tomasi, Red Lanterns artist Ed Benes and others for a look at the aftermath of “War of the Green Lanterns” and more! It’s one of the most exciting panels you’ll ever see! Room 6DE

11:15-12:30 DC Comics – The New 52
Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Bob Harras
The DC Universe explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join Bob Harras, DC’s Editor-in-Chief, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Bob and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE

12:45-1:45 DC: The Dark and The Edge
Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Pat McCallum
From the shadowy corners of the new DC Universe comes a startling array of new series featuring some of comics’ top creators! Join DC Editor Pat McCallum and get acquainted with new DC titles from “The Dark” and “The Edge,” including Swamp Thing, written by Scott Snyder, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and Animal Man, written by Jeff Lemire, Deathstroke, written by Kyle Higgins, Demon Knights and Stormwatch, written by Paul Cornell, I, Vampire written by Josh Fialkov, Suicide Squad written by Adam Glass, Swamp Thing, drawn by Francesco Francavilla, All Star Western by Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray and Moritat, and more! Room 6DE

4:30-5:30 DC Focus: Jim Lee
Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Dan DiDio
Jim Lee is by far the most in-demand artist in comics, from his spectacular work on Batman, Superman, WildC.A.T.S. and so many other comics to his groundbreaking designs for the DC Universe MMO game. Now, as Co-Publisher of DC Comics, Jim has led the way to the start of the new DC Universe with his exciting new looks for the World’s Greatest Super Heroes. Join Jim and his fellow Co-Publisher, Dan DiDio, for a profile of the artist who’s setting the tone for the entire DCU! Room 6DE

7:00-8:00 Vertigo: Fables
Moderator: Shelly Bond/John Cunningham
The annual Fables panel has become a Comic-Con tradition – and with the original graphic novel Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland on the way this fall, there’s no better time to hear what Bill Willingham, creator of the multi-Eisner Award winning series, has to say. Join Bill, artists Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha, Group Editor Shelly Bond and others for a panel that is truly legendary. Room 6DE

Sunday, July 24

12:00-1:00 DC Focus: Jeff Lemire
Moderator: John Cunningham
Jeff Lemire
first made an impression on the world of comics with his award-winning Essex County graphic novel trilogy. He soon made the move to DC Comics, with the graphic novel The Nobody and comics including Superboy and the distopian epic Sweet Tooth. Lemire recently wrote the miniseries Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown, and will make a splash in September with the new, continuing series Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and Animal Man. Join Jeff for a special chat about his work for DC Comics and Vertigo. Room 7AB

1:45-2:45 Designing the New DCU
Moderator: Bob Wayne EDITOR: Jim Lee
What does it take to remake a universe? There are new stories, new characters, and especially new designs! Join DC’s Co-Publisher Jim Lee, VP – Art and Design Mark Chiarello, exclusive artist Cully Hamner and others for a look as they discuss their visual approach to reshaping the DC Universe! Room 6DE

3:00-4:00 DC Comics – The New 52
Moderator: John Cunningham EDITOR: Mike Marts, Matt Idelson
The DC Universe explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a ‘DC Comics – The New 52’ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join DCU Group Editors Matt Idelson and Mike Marts for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Matt, Mike and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE

4:00-5:00 Art Masters: Drawing DC
Moderator: Mark Chiarello
Superstar artists share their secrets of drawing the DC Universe with a special projector designed so you can see their every master stroke. Check out this unique presentation that will surely draw ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ amongst the gathered masses! Room 30CDE

Baltimore Comic-Con Adds Hot Talent to the Summer Heat

Official Press Releasebcc_logo_2011_700px

Baltimore Comic-Con Adds Hot Talent to the Summer Heat

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – May 23, 2011 – The Baltimore Comic-Con has just added a slew of fan-favorite creators to the growing list of talent for this year’s show. Cully Hamner, Craig Rousseau, Todd Dezago, Brian Stelfreeze, and Karl Story will all be in attendance when the show rolls into Baltimore on August 20-21, 2011.

Cully Hamner, one of the original members of Gaijin Studios, has worked professionally in the comics industry for the last 20 years. His writing and art has been featured in books from DC Comics, Vertigo, Marvel Comics, Image, and many more. Red_01 by Cully Hamner.jpgThe artist behind Wildstorm’s Red, which was adapted as a feature film in 2010 by Summit Entertainment, Hamner recently finished writing and illustrating the prequel to the mini-series, called Eyes Only, which hit stores in December of 2010.

Craig Rousseau broke into comics in the early-’90s, providing art for DC Comics’ Impulse. After a 22-issue run, Rousseau went on to become the semi-regular artist on Batman Beyond and Harley Quinn. In 2005, along with writer Todd Dezago, Rousseau co-created the series The Perhapanauts, which debuted at Dark Horse Comics. Rousseau most recently worked on Marvel Comics’ Marvel Her-Oes, which showcased the women of the Marvel Universe, as well as Captain America & the Korvac Saga, a reimagining of the original 1978 classic.

Writer Todd Dezago, whose body of work includes The Sensational Spider-Man and Tellos (with the late Mike Wieringo), is the co-creator of Young Justice from DC Comics and The Perhapanauts from Dark Horse/Image. In 2010, Dezago took over writing duties for Super Hero Squad, an all-ages title from Marvel, and recently finished up Super Hero Squad Spectacular #1. He is currently working on the motion comic versions of his own Tellos and Perhapanauts, as well as an all-new title, Katie Greaven and the Engine-Men, with artist Bret Blevins for MotionWorks Entertainment.

Brian Stelfreeze, who was also a founding member of Gaijin Studios, is the current art director of 12 Gauge Comics. An accomplished painter, penciller, inker and colorist, Stelfreeze’s art graced more than 50 covers for DC Comics’ Shadow of the Bat.  He most recently worked on the Demon/Catwoman feature for DC’s Wednesday Comics, which was written by previously-announced guest, Walter Simonson.

Karl Story, yet another founding member of Gaijin Studios, is an inker whose work has added depth and shadow to such titles as Nightwing, Batman, Aliens versus Predator, X-Men, Terra Obscura, Tom Strong, Ocean, The American Way, and Midnighter. Most recently, Story worked on the DC Comics’ mini-series, DC Universe Legacies.

“Gaijin was such an influential studio throughout the ’90s and 2000s. With Cully [Hamner], Brian [Stelfreeze], Karl [Story] and Laura [Martin] on board for this year’s show, we’ve got the core group of creators that helped propel so many careers,” said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. “Also, the addition of Todd Dezago and Craig Rousseau to our growing roster adds such talent to the fan-favorite creators already attending the show.”

In addition to Hamner, Rousseau, Dezago, Stelfreeze and Story, confirmed guests for the show including: Jason Aaron (Scalped, PunisherMAX); Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead); Nick Cardy (Aquaman, Teen Titans); Cliff Chiang (Greendale); Frank Cho (50 Girl 50, X-Men: Schism, New Ultimates); David Finch (Brightest Day, Batman: The Dark Knight); Ron Frenz (Spider-Girl); Jose-Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics, Batman Confidential); Michael Golden (creator of Bucky O’Hare); Mike Grell (Action Comics, The Pilgrim); Brad Guigar (Evil, Inc., Courting Disaster); Steve Hamaker (Bone); Dean Haspiel (The Alcoholic, Act-i-Vate); Jamal Igle (Supergirl, Zatanna); J.G. Jones (Doc Savage, DC Universe Legacies); Barry Kitson (Secret Invasion, Amazing Spider-Man); Laura Martin (New Avengers, Thor); Mark Morales (Fear Itself cover artist); Kevin Nowlan (Wednesday Comics); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Vision, Strange); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); Walter Simonson (Thor); Jeff Smith (Bone, RASL); Nick Spencer (Morning Glories, Iron Man 2.0); Tim Truman (Conan the Cimmerian); Neil Vokes (Flesh & Blood, Eagle: The Original Adventures); and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).

In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website, Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace pages.

This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 21st.
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 12th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 6 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Review – RED


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REDGuest post by Brad Schenker reviewing the recently released movie RED.

RED is based on the cult Wildstorm/D.C. Comics graphic novel by Warren Ellis and Cully Hammer and stars Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren and Mary-Louis ParkerRED stands for “Retired Extremely Dangerous” and is the story of retired CIA agents who are marked for assassination and must use all their ‘old’ skills to uncover a conspiracy that goes all the way to the highest levels of government.

Great cast and great story, problem was the only RED I was seeing was the financials this movie should have after its theatrical run.  Or the red roses I needed to buy my wife to make up for the misdirected choice on a rare date night.  Or the blood of my fellow audience members who slowly bled out after slitting their throats and wrists for putting themselves through what amounted to an assassination of their intelligence.

At times I thought I was watching a Coen Brothers movie with some smart dialogue, only to realize the movie had the following rhythm:

  • 3 lines of dialogue
  • Blow shit up
  • Show a postcard of the next city on this cross country journey

I enjoyed watching the actors on the screen when I should have enjoyed the characters they were playing.  I had no investment in any of them, even when one sacrificed themselves for the team or in the relationship between the characters portrayed by Bruce Willis and Mary-Louise Parker.   I wanted to see how Morgan Freeman’s 80-year-old character would kick ass, not look like an ass disguised as a military despot.  Though I will say, if the film makers come out with a sequel with just John Malkovich, I’ll be there, without my wife I am sure.

I liked the shout out to my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and the handful of good action sequences, though all the fire balls looked like a middle school kid created them for his computer science project. If the filmmakers would have made RED rated R, they may have had something worthy of a sequel.  Instead, RED was like buying a bag of potato chips you are craving and opening it to find its all air except for the 8 smashed chips at the bottom.

Grade: C

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