Review of Red State (2011) by Paul B — 18 Feb 2012

Fairly harrowing thriller about the collision of a deranged Fundamentalist anti-gay hate group with a dunderheaded federal government, with some likable and (mostly) innocent kids caught in the crossfire.

Literally. Kevin Smith's script has a point to make, and mostly succeeds; his direction skills really haven't changed in 20 years, although he gets terrific performances from his actors. Michael Parks is spellbinding as the patron of his family-based cult â" I think he should've been nominated for an Oscar.

John Goodman's regional ATF agent in charge is simultaneously possessed of a conscience and of a pragmatic eye on his career. The reliable Kevin Pollack adds a couple of laughs to the otherwise tense goings-on.

The whole show is extremely violent but also hugely entertaining, in a very icky sort of way. It also features the best, funniest, and most absurd deo-ex-machina coincidence that I can remember in quite some time.

Damn good stuff!