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The sequel returns most of the original group of characters. Helen Mirren was key, as her presence just denotes integrity. Mary Louise Parker, Bruce Willis, and John Malkovich all reprise their roles. Added to the cast were the aging Anthony Hopkins and still alluring Catherine Zeta-Jones. South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun was brought in to add more international flavor. In producing this sequel , Summit invested a lot more money than the original. Remember, RED was made for $58 million, with marketing costs driving the total budget a bit higher. RED 2 was much more expensive. They sunk another $26 million into the production costs, putting the official tab at $84 million. When marketing is added, RED 2 may have had a budget as high as $120 million.

The potential for this becoming a franchise took a fairly large hit when RED 2 opened over the July 19th frame. Competition was tough, but there are no excuses in show business. The action/comedy being marketed to older folks opened a disappointing fifth in the United States. Two of the flicks above it in the top ten weren’t even new releases. Coming in behind Despicable Me 2 can sort of be rationalized, as that is the hottest film in the world right now. However, franchises are built on either very large openings or great legs, and RED 2 may not have either. It started below the poorly reviewed Adam Sandler offering, Grown Ups 2, which was in its second weekend. The horror flick, The Conjuring, more than doubled RED 2’s take. Turbo, another kid’s movie, marketed to a demographic RED 2 isn’t even competing for, opened better.

One might argue RED 2 has a decent chance at legs. With the outstanding long run of the original, it is certainly what Summit is hoping for again. However, in 2010 RED had a 76% fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes. RED 2 is getting hacked up pretty badly by the critics and there may be blood in the water for this potential franchise. RED 2 has a rotten 40% rating. The difference is not surprising.

The studio has to be holding its breath right now, partially because RED 2 is just not as good as the original. Bruce Willis and John Malkovich still play well off from one another, and Malkovich’s ability to deliver aggravation in a comedic way is priceless. However, this entry is a bit clumsy in spots. Even Mary Louise Parker’s portrayal of Sarah Ross and her developing romance with Frank Moses don’t provide the same magic. Having Catherine Zeta-Jones as the Russian agent Katya comes across as writing a well known actress into the script, rather than a flowing addition to the story. The first RED had a conspiracy element to it, similar to the Jason Bourne series, but done in a more playful way. The tension and mystery of secret government operations aren’t as well explored in this film, partly because the villain’s role is totally different.

In order for these characters to launch a true franchise, RED 2 is going to have to do at least as well as the first did overseas. As of this writing in late July, the international rollout has been limited, and a wait and see attitude is warranted. There is a chance the impressive cast will compel significant foreign interest. The film unfolds in several different international locations, so that may help.

To sum it all up, the state of this franchise is precarious at best. The studio is in a position of crossing its fingers and hoping for a strong result overseas, because the American reception is just not going to be there. The $90 million domestic tally of the original is certainly out of reach and the international box office is a big question mark.

Will there be a RED 3? Will this entry earn enough to justify future exploits?

At this point, it is not looking good.

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