Review- DREDD

Dredd (Lionsgate, 2012)

Forget the 1995 Judge Dredd movie with Sylvester Stallone and Rob Schneider in it. Lord knows that I've spent the last 17 years trying to do just that. Instead, walk in with no expectations and bag of popcorn and enjoy the ultra-violent mayhem on the screen. I have only read a handful of Judge Dredd comics, and none since the '80s, so my knowledge of the character is extremely limited.

I saw this in 3D. I am so over 3D, especially the extra $3 that they charge you per ticket. They won't even let you reuse your glasses. Even if you bring them back, they make you pay this “technology surcharge”. There was a limited 2D release, but it was only one showing after 9PM. I went to the 10:15 AM showing today with my brother, and it was empty. We rented out the entire theatre for the price of our two tickets. Winning!

This movie is apparently a box office bomb here in the States, and that's a shame. It's not a bad movie; in fact, I found it to be a highly enjoyable, action packed flick without a moment to catch your breath. The 3D was used to maximum effect, with bullets and blood flying every which way. It would be almost impossible to calculate a body count as Judge Dredd passes judgment on the criminals of Megacity One.

I have no idea how this ranks in comparison with the comic books. A quick check revealed that The Complete Case Files trade paperbacks compile the entire series in a series of 19 books. The problem is that many of them are out of print. You'd think that they would have reprinted Volume 1 to coincide with the film's release. Sheesh. You'd also think that they would've used the classic Anthrax song I Am The Law in the film's credits. I'd wager that Anthrax introduced Dredd to most American fans circa 1987, and with Joey Belladonna back in the band these days it would have made a nice, full circle.

If you are a comic book movie fan, an action film fan, or a fan of the Dredd-inspired fare like Robocop, then you should give Dredd a looksee. You won't be sorry.

Junk Food For Thought rating: 4 out of 5. 

I recently relocated my Fortress of Solitude, and it took an entire Uhaul cargo van to move my collection. The back row has a couple of empty boxes and blankets for buffering, but the rest of it is my beloved collection.

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