Judge Dredd
Here Is What You Need To Know:
It takes some guts to put Dredd in the title of the film, doesn't it? Judge Dredd is one of those films that often looks good, as the visual effects are fun and sets are cool on occasion, but the film itself is far from brilliant.
1995 Judge Dredd is based on a comic book and follows the frolicking exploits of Judge Dredd, played by master thespian, not lesbian, Sly Stallone. Dredd is judge, jury and executioner in the futuristic Megacity. The city is overrun with crime in all flavors and it is the job of the Judges to instantly punish-violently any poor fool they catch red handed. Like all dystopian futures, a savior is desperately needed. The bulk of the “plot” is comprised of Judge Dredd being sold down the river, in large part by his clone brother played by the ever annoying Armand Assante, who is building an army of clones. Dredd, as a convicted felon, is assisted by the comedic relief of Rob Schneider, who does add some humor to the film.
What Was Cool:
-The visual effects and sets are the highlight of the film.
-Rob Schneider is entertaining and Max von Sydow aids a level of refinement to the film, that while helpful, at time seems out of place. Von Sydow's contribution helps pull the weak script up a tad.
-Director Danny Cannon does a nice job, especially considering he had only two features under his belt at the time he landed the Judge Dredd job and neither were visual effects big-budget affairs like Judge Dredd.
What Was Stupid:
-Having to watch Stallone “act” again was painful.
-The script is all too familiar and doesn't take the dystopian future story anywhere new. There are much better dystopian visions of the future to be had, such as Equilibrium which was recently recommended by Alan here at HDFEST.
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
-The visual effects and direction are solid.
Story C- (Most of the major plot elements are borrowed from other films.)
Use of Science B (The film does attempt to touch on the implications of some of our current scientific endeavors.)
Acting C+ (Some good performances bypass Stallone.)
Portrayal of Women C+
Visuals-VFX and SFX B
Visuals-Set Design/Props B
Wardrobe/Costumes B
Style/Sex Appeal B
Enjoyability Grade C+
Home Theater/HD Factor B
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) C
Overall Innovation C
Overall Grade C+
A Little Fact About Cherie:
I have traveled extensively and speak 1.3 languages.
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