Review of Red Dawn (1984) by Popcorn55 — 25 Dec 2018

This classic (the original 1984 film) is a FAR better film than it gets credit for. Original, gripping, somewhat chilling storyline, well executed. "What if?" ... and if accept the premise, we are drawn into a very entertaining heroic tale that isn't so utterly far-fetched, and includes some striking and vivid combat scenes that go far beyond our low-budget expectations. Like the scene where the helicopter shoots up the enemy roadblock... that was money for sure, and it's almost just a background cameo. Makes it feel unexpectedly real and immersive. We really feel, "yeah, this is kind of how it would be, if the US homeland were actually invaded". Hence, we identify with the high-school kids turned patriot soldiers in a shattered world where they don't even have any news of what is happening, at least until the downed pilot shows up.

We need more homeland survival dramas in this genre. It's a fascinating theme, and plenty of room for more "What if...?" stories about what ordinary folks in America would have to do when the country is falling apart.