4 out of 5

Director: Trygve Allister Diesen, Lucky McKee

Perfectly understated. Red is the kind of movie thats rare nowadays, that doesnt rely on sweeping gestures or plot ridiculousness to get you by 98 minutes. Red is the tale of Avery Ludlow (Brian Cox), an old man with an old dog who goes out fishing one day when, for no discernible reason, three boys come out from the woods, attempt to rob him and shoot his dog. While I am not a fan of using kid and animal deaths as an accepted woah thats wicked serious plot device, Red makes it understandable by actually showing a connection between dog and owner, as well as lacing this theme of dedication throughout the story. Alas, the perpetrators are from money, and while Mr. Ludlow simply seeks admittance of the crime and a heartfelt apology, when he is denied that, he pursues the matter in whatever way he can. The performances here are amazing and spot on. The kids are all perfectly cast, Tom Sizemore is excellent, and we get to see Robert Englund, thank god, in a normal role, which is always a gift. Brian Cox is the centerpiece here, though, bringing believability to his pursuit. Red has no shocking moments to it, but it is an example of incredibly solid film-making and story composition from beginning to end.