As they go, a pretty good adaptation of a graphic novel. This fast paced action adventure doesn't try too hard, in that it sticks to a single massive building that nestles in a huge future metropolis. This sort of thing works well in action movies (the classic 'Die Hard' scenario), as it limits the possibilities a little which decreases the likelihood that the audience will be rolling their eyes come the finale. The supporting actor is alright too, and while she isn't amazing, she does introduce a little of the emotion that people like to see, and that Judge Dredd obviously lacks.
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| So scars aren't always attractive - we all learned something new today. |
The plot isn't really all that, but is about as complex as one would expect, and it clumps along at an alright pace. There is very little introduction to anyone however, and while I'm sure this was to satisfy viewer's need for immediate violence, but it kind of dumbed down the movie.
The cinematography is often pretty great, though. It maintains a very graphic novely style with it's bright colouring and distinctive style of action sequences. Slow motion is often used in a 'Matrix'-like way, slowing the picture to create landscapes that wouldn't look out of place in a graphic novel. I found the conclusion particularly beautiful. As Ma Ma falls to her death while on Slo-Mo (a drug that makes time slow down for it's user) we are treated to her descent in slow motion, with shattered glass twinkling around her, before a view from the ground pointing up as her face smashes into it and splits open slowly. It shows everything but I wasn't particularly disgusted, it was more a case of "woah purdy".
But yeah, a cool sleek action movie that is somewhat devoid of brains and plot, but oozes presence and style.
Dredd: 38.5