Review of Dredd (2012) by Joe H — 28 May 2014

I was excited to see a darker, more faithful re-imagining of the comic book. The first time I have seen it, I was disappointed because I expected a little more action. The few more re-watches I gave made me realize that the humorous self-awareness (which I didn't notice) was brilliant. I made my perception that Judge Dredd in this movie is absolutely badass. It's one of those really odd movies where it's underwhelming to me the first time, but then I read the source material and form a better appreciation for the film. Now, I praise the slick action pieces, bad guys getting blown to hamburger meat, the influential and swift techno score,well-executed 3D, a surprisingly great supporting role by Olivia Thirlby as the complex Judge Anderson and last but not least, the tough and stunning performance by Karl Urban. His scowl is always awesome. A major trait about Judge Dredd either will be liked or disliked by moviegoers, but it's a great mystery. The visuals are top-notch, it looks like a modern Blade Runner. It puts the Stallone vehicle to SHAME.

I absolutely enjoyed Dredd for what it intended and succeeded to be, massively satirical, hyper-violent, spectacular, well paced and action-fueled comic book cinema focused on the ugly elements of fascism, poverty, urban crime, summed up in pure dystopia, as well as a complex good side/bad side theme of authority and justice. "I AM THE LAW!".