Review of Red State (2011) by Jamie D — 27 Jan 2012
No wonder Tarantino freakin' loves this movie. So entertaining and a really memorable film! The performances are brilliant and the direction is great from Kevin Smith. I'm not overly open to religion, but when it is explored in the way Kevin Smith does it (Dogma being the key example, a true classic there with a huge heart and written so well) it is fascinating to watch and think about. The first 10 minutes introduces you to the three teenagers in the film, setting up what you think may be your typical slasher film. You don't necessarily like them which does build up your excitement to see what happens. There is a sensational sequence after this when we are introduced to the menacing, murderous religious cult. The teens act frightened very well and we do want them to get out of this safely. This film's finest performance comes from Michael Parks. He steals the show completely with true on-screen charisma. Which can be so comforting one minute and sinister the next. He brings us a 10 minute monologue in the form of a preach to his family in church. Kevin Smith writes this brilliantly and Parks interprets it to outstanding effect. 'It's about to get grown up in here...'.
John Goodman is also great, bringing one of the film's funniest moments (the silence after annoucing to the cult that they will not be harmed. The comic timing is spot on.) Kerry Bishe also acts superbly in one of the film's more serious scenes. The action and tension is filmed so well (particularly in a scene where Travis tries to escape the house. The fast pace of the camera running around with them gives the exact feeling it would be to be chased... Not that I've ever been chased by a terrifying cult but what we assume it would feel like!) The ending is also something to be cherished. John Goodman gives a great lasting speech and Michael Park's final appearance leaves the audience laughing out loud, reminding us that this is really a Kevin Smith film, and a great one at that!
Really worth watching, fantastic Tarantinoesque dialogue and Michael Park's finest performance to date! :).
This review of Red State (2011) was written by Jamie D on 27 Jan 2012.
Red State has generally received mixed reviews.
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