Happy Thanksgiving!

By James Rummel

I have a special tradition for this holiday. I always have a good dinner, as most everyone does, but I also watch Dredd (2012).

A dystopian crime drama, soaked with violence and despair, instead of a feel-good film that uplifts the spirit? There are a few reasons for this.

I worked two jobs during the 1980’s, and would rent videos for the few days I had any free time. There were many nights I would watch cheap movies featuring forgettable action heroes that were filmed on a shoestring. Although Dredd had a respectable amount of money in the budget, and it looks pretty good, the gritty and hyper-realistic tone of the film reminds me strongly of all of those direct to video offerings where everyone involved tried to do their best with what they had.

Another reason is that it is a pretty good film! Entertaining, and the characters are true to the source material. None of which can be said of the first effort to bring the character to the big screen.

The last reason is that I am really, really thankful that I don’t live …Read the Rest

Source:: Hell In a Handbasket