Dredd (2012)

Directed by: Pete Travis

Written by: Alex Garland

Based on the characters created by: John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra

Players:  Karl Urban, Lena Headey, Olivia Thirlby

Setup: In the decently distant future, mankind exists in a massive city stretching from Washington D.C. to Boston and containing 800,000,000 citizens.  It is here we find the titular Judge Dredd as he begins to take a young rookie cop out on her first assignment, which at first appears to regard nothing more than a random act of violence and murder.  However we soon find the two police officers in grave danger as they attempt to survive the onslaught of a gang that controls a 200 story housing complex, while trying to discover what their key witness is hiding.

Review:  Enemies of 1995's Judge Dredd rejoice, and supporters possibly run to a Japanese cuddle bar and wallow in despair (seriously, these exist).  Unlike the sweeping wannabe epic action adventure of yesteryear, this rendition is a much more taut, tight, and realistic version of the uncompromising police officer from the future, and I welcome it with open arms. 

For all those unfamiliar with the character of Judge Dredd (now played effectively with the helmet always on by Karl Urban) and his general thought process, it is laid out for us pretty clearly by the opening car chase and subsequent criminal apprehension (police officer, judge, jury and executioner, he is the harsh deliverer of the law) This is also apparent in the following discussion with the Chief Judge (his boss yo).  His pairing with the young and "gifted" Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) continues development of varying ideologies (hers being more compassionate towards criminals, along with being more optomistic about society in general).  As the duo face off against vicious gang leader Ma-Ma (calmly played by Lena Headey) characterization continues at a minimal pace while unique special effects add attractive background to the action, mainly emulating the effect of the futuristic drug "Slo-Mo" which is a major part of the plot. 

Giving off clear notions of inspiration from Harry Callahan of Dirty Harry, Judge Dredd emulates the character while the movie itself slightly emulates almost any entry of that series: Harry's brand of justice is always presented, questioned, and openly reaffirmed or slightly altered by the film's finish.  Here is a similar setup, with Dredd appreciating "lessons" given to him by his green but wise counterpart.  As the story really is contained to this film, you could almost see a series of films here like the Dirty Harry series, with various adventures of Dredd occurring in sequels (unlikely however considering the film's low box office gross).

With the director's chair being helmed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point, Endgame), its grit and style efficiently won me over.  However the story by Alex Garland (writer of the masterpiece 28 Days Later and the semi-masterpiece Sunshine), and in essence substance, was lacking.  We have some interesting scenes of exposition, as well as a few twists and turns throughout the piece, but overall the picture mainly consists of kinetic (albeit gorgeous) action in front of fantastically reserved science fiction production design.  Some of the entertaining yet cliché one liners don't help matters, like a gem from our main character when an enemy has him cornered (don't want to spoil it; just hold out after he lifts up his hand and says, "Wait").  

Regardless of its weaker points, the movie succeeded in finding my overall approval with its beautifully unique style, realistic and reserved sci-fi action set pieces, and appreciation for the delivery and ostensible metaphor on violence with it's portrayal of ultra-violent material.  For a good and gratuitous time, this fits the bill just fine.

Tidbit: Director Duncan Jones (Moon) was at one point approached to direct, but felt he would want too much control over the story and vision.  Could've be interesting though...

Drink of Choice:  Brutal yet very fun, you need a heavy yet tasty drink.  For Dredd, we’re going with the ZZU Bar and Grill’s very own Gorilla Piss (solid name… RIGHT?!) by the master bartender Alfredo.

• Bacardi 151
• Orange Juice
• Pineapple Juice

Mix and serve.  No portions are given as some range should be given to those when making this potent concoction.  As for me, I got through college with Alfredo serving up a decent portion of Bacardi with just splashes of juice: think 20 parts Bacardi, 1 part orange juice, and 1 part pineapple juice.