Short Circuits: 'Red 2' on video, Android gains, headphones for all ages

The 2010 sleeper hit "Red" felt refreshing and paid as much attention to the comedy as to the action, but the luster has faded in a clunky and unsatisfying "Red 2."

CIA retiree Frank (Bruce Willis) has returned to the quiet life, shopping at Costco with his girlfriend, Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker). As he attempts to embrace the joys of the 'burbs, she's despondent, craving adventure. Luckily, Frank's quirky former partner, conspiracy theorist Marvin (John Malkovich), appears with a new plan in mind. They end up traveling to Paris, Moscow and London trying to discern the meaning of Operation Nightshade.

New enemies have cropped up to take the three heroes down, including expert contract killer Han, sadistic Jack and even their old friend Victoria (Helen Mirren). To spice things up, Catherine Zeta-Jones materializes to play Frank's ex-paramour. Anthony Hopkins shows up in the role of an institutionalized scientist.

The plot is busy, and so's the action.

The DVD and Blu-ray (Summit, $30-$40) include deleted scenes.

Washington Post

Colin Covert says: Stupidity isn't a virtue, but it can be amusing, sometimes even endearing. How else to explain my fondness for "Red 2," an action comedy delivering dumb fun by the ton?

Movies: "The Canyons," "Getaway," "Jobs."

TV: "Bill Cosby: Far From Finished," "Breaking Bad" (final season), "Diagnosis Murder" (Season 6), "Impractical Jokers" (Season 1), "Murdoch Mysteries" (Season 6), "Mystery Science Theater 3000: 25th Anniversary Edition."

Blu-ray: "The Horror Show," ­"Knightriders."

Despite Apple's cachet for coolness, Google's Android operating system continues to grab increasing share of the smartphone market.

Android accounted for 81 percent of smartphone shipments during the third quarter of this year — the first time it has owned more than 80 percent of the market, according to research firm International Data Corp. During the same period a year ago, Android represented just under 75 percent of smartphones shipped.

While owning only 3.6 percent of the market, the Windows operating system also saw a big gain from a year ago, when it accounted for 2 percent of smartphone shipments. Blackberry's system over the same period dropped from 4.1 percent to 1.7 percent.

San Jose Mercury News

Toys 'R' Us lists the recommended ages for the headphones as 5 to 10, but they don't have restricting volume levels. Each speaker has 40mm drivers and a 106dB sensitivity level for anyone wondering. They connect to any media device with a standard headphone jack.

Maxell's black DJ Style bass headphones (also available in red) also have 40mm drivers in each padded ear cup with a 110dB sensitivity rating. The price-friendly adult headphones won't break the bank ($29.50) and produce decent sound but look great. Leather style ear cups are super comfortable and fold up for easy portability.