Review of Dredd (2012) by Rory P — 18 Aug 2015

Although not a great film, there are positives here that should be highlighted.

The story (and action therein) is more a slice of 'typical Dredd' than 'Definitive Dredd', but the evocation of the comic book world is well judged in significant areas. Urban is great as the man himself and Thirlby does well as Anderson. Significantly for me, the film does an admirable job in crossing the tightrope that comes with the adaption of such a comic to film.

I.e Like the comic, the film views the fascistic elements of this world and the fascistic methods of the title character in a curious but detached manner, occasionally exploring and commenting on them,.

Not whacking you over the head with liberal outrage at Dredd (the character's) ideological outlook, but not particularly condoning/celebrating his behaviour either (as perhaps an American film in the spirit of 300/Dirty Harry might.).

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COMPARING THIS FILM TO 'THE RAID':

I have noticed a few people have criticised this film because of simularities to 'The Raid' in terms of plot. After watching both, I would say yes there are some simularities in terms of setting and general plot direction, but nothing to get in a twist over. Actually I found this film to be more interesting than The Raid overall.

Why? 'Dredd', in relation to structure, plot propulsion and mise en scene, may lack the 'frisson' of a classic actioneer (it is ultimately rather boring in that respect), but it still maintains your interest/admiration by creating a noticably cogent world with minimum fuss. And while you could not say it is a particularly good/great film, there is enough positive groundwork covered here to make you interested in a sequel, or at least a sequel that builds upon said positives.

Besides, comparing it to The Raid is perhaps a pointless exercise, primarily because the Raid isn't that great either. (It may have positive qualities, but I would consider it a significantly overrated film.).