Dredd - Grade, Review, Discuss, Spoilers

[Starkers]

I voted good, though I don't think that quite does it justice (arf arf) but I don't think it quite rated excellent. Will probably do a more in-depth review on my blog but suffice to say, that's a Dredd film (and I have a soft spot for Stallone.) Urban is spot on, and Thirlby was great as well.

[hammerhead]

Saw this today, went in with low expectations as trailer wasn't inspiring.

Seriously Awesome movie, great directing, real gritty violent feel (a rare 18 certificate), Lena Headey was super as the villain, Urban started off slowly but got much better as it went on and killed it at the end with his line of "Yeah".

Nice enclosed story, can't wait what they do with a bigger budget....

[StolenThunder]

Mr. Adventure wrote:

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So how much of the movie is made up of "The Raid"? Is there a decent amount of story here or is it mostly an action set piece?

Completely action. Back of a cigarette packet depth story.

But pretty good. Running around, shooting, and futuristic weapons. What it said on the tin. 3D didn't add or detract much.

[Starkers]

I've now posted a review on my blog is anyone's interested

[davejames]

Kinda surprised at the great reviews this has been getting. I figured it would be just another generic scifi remake.

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Does Mega-City One look anything like the comic or Stallone versions?

[JarodRussell]

I read great reviews, but the trailers make me go "Meh."

[Bob The Skutter]

JarodRussell wrote:

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I read great reviews, but the trailers make me go "Meh."

The trailer made me go meh too, almost didn't see it because of the trailer, enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Ethros]

^ Same. But now when I rewatch the trailer it looks all the more awesome.
I'll definitely be seeing it again sometime soon



"Wait."

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Nice to see that at least one actor from Charlie Jade is in it.

(it's Langley Kirkwood, i.e. Judge Lex)

[hammerhead]

Mr. Laser Beam wrote:

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Does Mega-City One look anything like the comic or Stallone versions?

Like I said its more realistic, so think lots of old style tower blocks and current day type cities with massive megablocks in between them. I like it as it keeps it real, basically a current day city with mega blocks smack bang in the middle of them. And they look neon lighted outside but slums inside.

Obviously lower budget than Stallone one but the story is great

[Bob The Skutter]

Ethros wrote:

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^ Same. But now when I rewatch the trailer it looks all the more awesome.
I'll definitely be seeing it again sometime soon



"Wait."

I will probably be seeing it today, a friend said he wanted to see it and we're meeting up today so I guess we'll end up seeing it. I saw Lawless yesterday and my initial impression is I enjoyed Dredd more than Lawless.

[Starkers]

hammerhead wrote:

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Like I said its more realistic, so think lots of old style tower blocks and current day type cities with massive megablocks in between them. I like it as it keeps it real, basically a current day city with mega blocks smack bang in the middle of them. And they look neon lighted outside but slums inside.

Obviously lower budget than Stallone one but the story is great

I would have liked Mega City 1 to look more like the MC1 I know so well, but that's one of my few gripes with the film and I realise it's down to budget more than anything. The depiction of the city is probably the only thing the stallone film has over this though (and I kinda like the Stallone film)

[Reverend]

^Well look at it this way, MC1 is so *HUGE* it makes even the most sprawling real world city look like a piddling housing estate by comparison. So whatever was show in the movie is just one "small" area. There could easily be several more densely populated sectors that look much more like in the comics and with a bit of luck, we'll see them in the sequel(s). Also keep in mind that those "modern" buildings crowded around the futuristic blocs would be mostly 100+ years old. That whole sector is a run-down slum.

[inflatabledalek]

Generally a solid fun film. Urban was great, as was the woman playing Anderson once I'd gotten my head round the fact she was a rookie rather than the more experienced comic character.

The villain was fine (though in terms of a cheap to realise on screen crinimal P.J. Maybe could have filled most of her role easily); and lots and lots of 80's style uber violence that, in the desperate desire for a US PG-13 rating, we rarely get these days.

The bad:

Other than a brief subplot with some other Judges the entire film is in the trailer (including Ma Ma's ending). If you're pushed for time you could just watch the trailer and all you're missing is lots of violence.

The low budget did show up in a few places (most noticeably that when Dredd's distress call is first answered only two Judges turn up).

It was a bit more serious that the usually bonkers gallows humour of the comic. Something like Dredd arresting the hostage he rescues near the start for some really minor crime would have been more in keeping with the tone.

Still a very solid foundation for future films though.