Originally posted by SYSTEM-J
This film is an unashamedly adolescent science fiction action romp, but in recent years we've grown accustomed to that meaning dumbed-down, contrived Michael Bay . Dredd is a throwback to the '80s - it is pure pulp material, but executed with a level of uncompromising artistic intensity. Combine the wanton carnage of Robocop with the stunning production design of Bladerunner and you have an idea of what this film feels like. You might not enjoy the subject matter, but it would be extremely ignorant to deny that this is a superbly well made film on just about every level.
This. This. This.
Out of all the recent sci-fi action flicks I've seen (Prometheus & Looper, mainly) I enjoyed Dredd waaaay more. The story is dirt-simple, but it's executed so well. There is literally not a dull moment in the movie. It's fast, it's beautiful, it's fun, and it does all this without trying to come off as something more than it is.
Redd
Excellent movie, excellent music. Brutality!
phyrrus
quote:
Originally posted by enydo
+1 I was definitely reminded of some 80s flicks like Escape from LA/NY, especially some of the indoor shots. They did a really good job of establishing the outside world a la Blade Runner as well.
GoSpeedGo!
Finally saw it. It truly is ing awesome.
I loved how deliberate it was - on many levels it is a "slow" movie.
1. the most obvious are the slow-motion scenes motivated by effects of the drug, which are just gorgeous
2. the plot is very simple and the film slowly gives us bits of new information
3. the average shot length is noticeably higher than what's a current norm for action movies like this - I don't have the exact number (will measure it during my next viewing), but no way it is around 2 or 3 ASL like most action films today. I'd say this is also because of the 3D which pushes filmmakers to make more clearly arranged scenes.
4. also the characters mostly move quite slowly, especially Dredd. With the exception of the opening motorcycle-car chase there is no such a fast paced action sequence later on (some of them are even in slow motion). The final showdown could be seen as almost anti-climatic.
5. the soundtrack's bpm is low most of the time, despite it being quite energetic electronic music.
Like the latest Universal Soldier, this is almost an arthouse B-movie; apart from the clever and beautiful use of slow-mo, Dredd also relies on subjective dream-like visions in terms of its plot and is quite atypical by having two main protagonists. Such a badass and in a way subversive film.
LAdazeNYnights
I caught this a couple days ago for the first time as well.
I also rejoiced at the dearth of frenetically-paced action scenes. I was initially turned off by the obvious similarities to The Raid, but this was something else entirely. I thought the gore was all very well done - sometimes they didn't leave a whole lot to the imagination, but it was worked into the scenes in a way that made me more tense than squeamish (and I'm usually the 'that's ing gross...' type).
MSZ
Seen it, I liked it a lot, but there wasnt enough...depth? for me to make me love it. This would be a killer on-going series, HBO style.
SYSTEM-J
Yeah, the measured visual style is part of what feels like an '80s throwback, where action films were filled with ponderous, muscular heroes steadily gunning down hordes of enemies. The arrival first of John Woo balletic choreography and then of late '90s shakey cam freshened up the visual style of action movies, but it's nice to get away from rapid editing and overly-busy shots.
Lagrangian
so this and batman are on my to-do list for the holidays, i love you guise.
itsamemario
quote:
Originally posted by MSZ
Seen it, I liked it a lot, but there wasnt enough...depth? for me to make me love it. This would be a killer on-going series, HBO style.
What the hell are you talking about not enough depth? It was 3D for s sake! [/Cameron]
Edit: And I would most definitely watch that show. Great call.
WittyHandle
Hadn't thought of that. You're right, it'd make a great series.
SYSTEM-J
The original plan was to make a trilogy, and the simplicity of this film was because it was a simple case of establishing the character and the feel of the universe. The latter films would tackle some of the bigger storylines from the comics, and confront the questionable morality/politics of the Judges. Sadly, it's unlikely those sequels will ever get made, because not enough of you s listened to me and went to see it.
