Back in the nineties Sylvester Stallone made a film based on a British comic book character named Judge Dredd. It did not do well. It was goofy and stupid and not at all like the actual comics. It's now 2013 and last year a film came out with the same character but a whole new look and attitude. The film is simply called Dredd and is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray disc. Should you watch the new film? I would say yes, most definitely.
In Dredd, the titular hero is trapped in a mega-block tower which holds 75,000 people. He is there to investigate a murder with a rookie Judge named Anderson. When they arrest one of the parties involved in the murder the head of the powerful Ma-Ma clan puts the building on lockdown so she can kill the two Judges.
Basically the plot is very reminiscent of the first Die Hard, which is not a bad thing. The fact that our heroes are alone in a complex where practically everyone wants them dead makes for a very awesome action movie.
And boy does it have action. Explosions, gun play, even a few fist fights are all in there for your enjoyment. One thing you should know going in this is a very violent and bloody film. It's very dark but still has some pieces of humor thrown in to lighten the mood somewhat. But all of this is in line with the comics.
The character of Judge Dredd is easily the best part of the movie although he is a tad one-dimensional. Played with gravelly voiced precision by Karl Urban he is a true super-cop in every sense of the word. You never actually see his face either, he never takes off his helmet which adds to his mystique.
Olivia Thirby as Anderson is excellent as well. Her character just barely failed the Judges test and in this film is being assessed by Dredd. Her arc from slightly overwhelmed partner to full-fledged hardcore cop is a great counterpoint to Dredd who has seen it all.
Plus Lena Headey as the villainous Ma-Ma gives what could have been a weak antagonist and makes her a truly villainous criminal. In one scene she levels an entire floor in her quest to kill Dredd and Anderson.
This movie is a great action flick and one I look forward to watching again. It sucks that it did dismally at the box office because we're unlikely to get another. But still I give this film Four Stars.
I've added a link to the films content advisory page here. And a link to the films website here. Also a link to where you can buy this film on DVD and Blu-Ray at Amazon here and here.
This is a great action film that everyone should check out. Who knows maybe it's home video sales will get us another one. So get out there and buy, buy, buy. Bye.
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