Review of Red Dawn (1984) by Benskylerhill — 22 Apr 2018

Red Dawn is one of my favorite movies of all time, but it's certainly not because it's a great movie. Rather, it's a guilty pleasure that's loud and unintelligent but sure is a lot of fun.

The acting and script are probably the best thing about this movie. They're over-the-top and taken a bit too seriously, but they still give audiences a reason to be emotionally invested in these teenage protagonists and the bleak, harrowing situation they've found themselves in.

The story is not entirely unbelievable when it comes to its basic premise. The title cards at the start of the film set up an alternate history that sets up a plausible setting for a World War III on American soil. But once it gets into the gunfights with a small group of teenagers defeating groups of a well-supplied army, all reality is to be suspended indefinitely. But the overall quality of the film certainly doesn't detract from its entertainment value. Red Dawn is not to be viewed as a good film, but as an escape into a fun, unbelievable story of conquering against all odds.

Story: 6.

Acting: 5.

Script: 6.

Visuals/Sound: 4.5.

Entertainment Value: 8.

MY RATING: 5.