Review of Dredd (2012) by Ernie C — 17 Jan 2015

Dredd had detractors right out of the gate. Many feared it wouldn't be any better than its predecessor. Other figured it was too over hyped. I like to believe this one found a good middle ground. This is nowhere near a perfect film, and not quite as good as its often compared twin, The Raid, but Dredd knows exactly what it is, and doesn't try to elevate itself too much higher than its station. Kyle Urban and Lena Headey bring both likeable and dislikeable characters respectively to life in a way that makes the original Judge Dredd appear worse than some may remember it. This Dredd is vulnerable, yet unflappable. He has no time for the typical BS his criminals throw at him. He kicks down the door, shoots everyone in the room, then asks questions at the end of the movie. Headey is similar in her borderline cartoonish delivery of Ma-ma. You'd almost mistake her for a villain of the week off a super hero show, but she definitely makes you believe she's more evil than even Cersei Lannister, her character from Game of Thrones. Its not without its problems though. The film does hit points where its too hard to take it as seriously. Especially when Dredd, as a film, takes itself incredibly seriously. I also felt the supporting actress, Olivia Thirlby, was decent in parts, but felt her character only served as nothing more than minor plot device.

Fortunately the movie makes up for this by rarely having a dull moment and action that's shot competently enough to keep you interested, and still be able to see what going on (looking at you The Dark Knight trilogy). Dredd is good fun, even if you aren't familiar with the comic book, or its previous adaptation to film. Totally worth a purchase on bluray!