A sequel is so unlikely. Nobody went to see this at theaters. It's a cult film, basically. I only saw it in theaters because I'm a movie person and was curious, but had super low expectations. Especially considering it was ONLY in 3D at the height of the 3D craze where everything and your mother was in 3D and was just a stupid gimmick to get higher ticket prices. Oh, how wrong I was. I told people, at the time, there are only two films I recommend in 3D: Avatar and DREDD. It was a beautiful use of 3D, only ever utilizing it from the perspective of someone on slo-mo. Perfect.
Same reason I love the drug slow mo, it’s the perfect excuse to use slow motion in a highly stylized artistic way, and not just slow motion to look bad ass
I saw Dredd and Anderson at the end as : Dredd was the personification of Law, bound in Iron and uncompromising. Anderson was the Insight that turns Law into Justice.
Exactly. I can't stand how every other comic book movie has the fate of the universe at stake. Doomsday weapon, sky portal full of CGI aliens, or Evil McEvilson here to kill the world, that's EVERY other comic book movie.
@@christophergongora7885 going to be difficult since Cyberpunk has you playing outside from the laws, but i could love if some mods are made after all.
As a fan of many Judge Dredd storylines, the Dredd movie shows him exactly like I expected he would be in the flesh - and in my mind, only as portrayed by Karl Urban. And whether he's playing a Rohanian, a Necromonger, a simple country doctor on a starship, or a Judge, Urban is outstanding.
Or Billy Butcher. Simply outstanding performances. I wish this film got a sequel.. would be interesting to see Dredd go against The Dark Judges and the war with East-Meg One. Damn shame will never happen :(.
I always liked Dredd's confrontation with the two armed kids. Despite everything we had seen up until that point, Dredd actual tries to defuse the situation, and when shots start getting fired, he stuns them rather than shoots them. It really helped make it clear that while Dredd is unrelenting, he still adheres very strongly to his moral and legal code.
Quite probably among the movies that desperately and indefinetly requires continuatuon/sequels; the world presented in the movie as well as the characters were genuinely good; even the antagonists
One of the reasons why I love this movie so much is exactly how you described it- there’s not an over reliance on exhibition. The character’s actions speak louder than the description of his actions. Of course, the cinematography, writing, and choices made by the director were brilliant too. I never saw the movie in theaters, but I really wish I would have. I am definitely one of the people you described in your video, a cult fan of the film.
True. Watch it for first time, and in mind i have this failure with Stallone. But half way on a movie i was so amazed. Urban as a Dredd - perfect. Anderson - from zero to hero. Mama - badass. Movie - incredible.
@@0ut1and3r As the video says, it was more than just bad promotion, it was crappy timing. I think that if it had been released a few months earlier or later it would have done far better in the theaters.
There’s typically a hero’s journey element to the main character in films, where they leave their home or safe area, face challenges, overcome them and return a changed individual. But that’s Anderson’s story. Dredd doesn’t need to change because he’s more a force of nature than anything else.
I suppose Dredd does have a little bit of a journey revolving around Anderson. He doesn't want back up, isn't used to being shackled with someone he doesn't need around, and obviously has distrust/disgust of psykers. Anderson is all of those and by the end he learns to respect her, perhaps learning that sometimes he does need back up and people's abilities can be valuable
The movie is called Dredd and mostly focuses on him, but in this story Anderson is the one undergoing the hero's journey, while Dredd is the "Mentor" of the Campbellian Monomyth. It is a masterfull way to tell the Story of an allready developed character (Dredd) who does not go through a transformative journey in a compelling way
Boy has a flat character arc, a testing arc. An experience designed to harry and wear down a hero or protagonist, to push them in all of their weakest spots, but instead show the world around them changing and going through an arc. It's something that Dredd here shares with Paddington.
I just realized that Anderson could of cheated on the test she failed using her psychic powers, the fact that Anderson ALMOST passed says more good about her than if she had passed.
Now starting to think that if she took off her helmet to allow her psychic powers out - maybe Dredd's justification for keeping his on, was to keep them out (oh, and he's Dredd)
@@SendarSlayer There's also something intimidating about seeing someone but being unable to see their eyes, he made himself appear more inhuman by keeping his helmet on.
He throws MaMa off the 200th floor. Stands there and watched her fall. After she hits the grounds he waits a moment to confirm the explosives aren't going to kill him and everyone else in the building. And his reaction? A single, disinterested, 'Yeah.' His whole character summed up in one word.
Years late to this but I don't think Dredd gave her a hit if slomo to make her suffer I think it was calculated move knowing if she were high she most likely would not have a heartattack before colliding with the ground.
I do enjoy Dredd showing he has a soft side at the end of the movie without compromising his character. Like what was mentioned, he waiver from who he is and what he does, but ever so slightly. Right before he passes her and moments after they walk out, he tells her the assessment is over. She just has that look on her face like that screams, “we just went through hell, and you wanna talk about my assessment.” And gives him her badge because she knows she messed up a bit.
This always appealed to me about Dredd in the comics. He is the law. He in uncompromising... however he's also shown to leverage it to the betterment of individuals of the Big Meg, even if subtly. Surprising amount of depth on display for Dredd over the years.
I put this on Netflix for background noise and ended up getting absolutely nothing done because it was just too good. I watched the whole thing without hardly blinking. I have never been more pleasantly surprised by a movie in my life. I wish I saw it in theaters.
Same here. It was Netflix n i put it on a years back on a bored weeknd nite just to fall asleep to. Ended up on the edge of my seat in love with the whole thing start to finish. Then proceeded to buy it on bluray for myself and also as a few birthday gifts for friends
@@adraper6816 I think what alphy was meaning was that this movie was better than the Stallone version of the same, for ALL of the reasons mentioned in this video.
No worries, at least we are getting a sequel to Wonder Woman 1984 right? Right guys? Guys??? Seriously though this movie did just fine, I don't get why we aren't getting a sequel when so many undeserving movies do.
Karl Urban is one of the best character actors of the last 20 years Eomer William Cooper Vaako Billy butcher Dredd Leonard McCoy Skurg All iconic characters
As I see it there isn't so much written law in Mega City One. Each Judge decides for themselves what is justice. Dredd recognized that though Anderson wouldn't do things the same way he would, she too would serve justice in her own way. Therefore he passed her.
@Marcus Tulius Cicero I'm not sure how to answer that other than to say it's not a cockney accent. When I watched the first episode I thought, his accent is odd I can't work out what it's supposed to be, kind of an Aussie / South African hybrid? So I googled "where is Billy Butcher from" and when it said east London I thought whaaat!? No way.
to me Dredd was like Berserk brutally violent and nearly every onscreen adaptation has colossally failed and the only one that gets it even remotely right gets axed before it even gets passed the gate.
The pre butchered TMNT was up there too and iirc Lone wolf and Cub came to the states in the 80's also. But Dredd was in a league of it's own, no question.
I love this assessment but disagree with one point, while Dredd pursues justice above all, I think he's shows he very much cares for the citizens he protects. Spoilers Ahead, though most are mentioned in this video. TLDR; Dredd strikes me as a very caring individual who uses a hardened exterior to deal with an equally hard world. During the opening chase, he starts with his dispassionate but relentless pursuit but when the civilian is killed, he ramps up his violence. He refers to citizens as innocents, which I feel is a big part of why he pursues justice, and his ruthlessness and perceived lack of care for citizens is a concession to the reality of how bad crime is. Later, when he is evaluating Anderson in Peach Trees, he refers to her reasons for wanting to ba a judge and whether she believes she can make a difference as admirable, though his tone also indicated that he also thought it may be naive. After the massacre with the anti aircraft guns, his interrogation of Kay is angry, the wanton destruction and loss of life clearly upsetting him. Throughout the movie, his pursuit of the law never feels like it exists just to enforce arbitrary rules, but that he enforces the law because laws are the best tools he has to protect the innocent. Even his takedown of Mama was calculated, striking her in a way that allowed him to potentially neutralize a threat that could not be negotiated with. Heck, it can also be assumed that his passing of Anderson was motivated by her pursuit of justice when she no longer had any incentive to do so, having failed by loosing her lawmaker. He saw in her the same reasons he values to uphold justice, to protect the innocent and not just because it the duty of a judge but because it is right.
In every assessment and test, people are allowed to make mistakes...you don't typically need to make a perfect score. Dispensing justice gets messy and in my eyes, she passed. She lost her primary weapon and was kidnapped, but she freed herself and got her weapon back! She saved Dredd and assisted in bringing Ma-Ma to justice which established order in Peach Trees again. The assessment doesn't just end once you make a mistake.. it took the entire period into account and Dredd made a logical conclusion, she's a pass.
@@clarissadanae7370 She got a weapon back. Her own blew itself up in the hand of the gang guy who was about to execute her with it. Not to say I disagree with you. She's a pass.
Good point. Notice the obvious anger in his voice when reporting on that dead civilian in the opening chase. And he didn't say "continuing pursuit", he dropped out of official radio jargon and made it pretty obvious that those jerks had all just earned bullets in the head.
Dredd 2012 is the best reboot I've ever seen, more darker and more grittier than the 1995 Stallone film, which was treated as campy and ridiculous. Karl Urban is the perfect actor to play Judge Dredd. Lena Headey is also perfect to play a drug queen taking control of the streets and a thousand foot high skyscraper.
To be fair the 2000AD were never the most series things around had a good mix of ridiculous and dark which kind of like the Fallout games which made the Comic's so interesting. I would love a combination of the set, vehicle, and outfit production of the Stallone film which pulled off the Comic Book art style really well combined with the darker and brutal feel of this movie like a Sin City for example. Maybe not go too overboard Dredd does have some over the top things which may not translate well into movie form like Texas City having cowboy hats on its buildings etc.
The thing about that is he was wrong. As a normal state, they abandoned them to the lawless people. He only wants to come in and claim authority when it served him. He'll be gone soon and they they get to answer to the gangs for helping him He was a selfish jackass.
@@icecold9511 what gang? Dredd and Anderson single-handedly obliterate all gang members in the tower and the rest will be taken care of by another judge that we saw coming after the lockdown was lifted.
Theoretically, how much time must pass for a film to be considered a cult classic, what is the criteria, and who set the rules ? When I first saw this film I knew that I would watch it again. I cannot say that for many films. Anyone who hasn't seen this film has missed out on a bit of awesomeness.
I don't think there are any hard and fast rules, I think it has more to do with the fan base. Dredd came out and did poorly in theaters and the studio decided that a follow up wouldn't be worth it, without accounting for what it was up against that summer. The people who saw it, on the other hand, spread how good it was by word of mouth and there has been a groundswell of people that want a sequel. It is the fairly vocal fans that I think turn this into a classic. When people try to cosplay as Dredd now, they usually imitate this version of the character, rather than the comic book, or Stallone, version. It is this fan base that I think classifies it as a cult classic, in the same way that you could consider the original John Wick a cult classic. The fans love it and want more and keep asking, even when the studio keeps telling them no.
Like you I don't have many movies I rewatch, this is one of those movies I'll rewatch just about any time. I'm just sad how this was promoted and such, Id really love a sequel.
You would rarely see Dredds face in the comics maybe in a flashback back of his childhood, this was done on purpose because Dredd is not suppose to be seen as human but the embodiment of law given flesh, law has no face the creator said.
I've collected the comics since the 80s and was terrified when this movie was announced, with good reason based on previous offering. This is a shining example of how you can get it right for everyone. Hard Core fans, casually familiar, and know-nothings were all praising this one. Give me another.
@@Itried20takennames yeah i mean how could we not know that was Stallone with the 45 degree mouth he can't fix. it's good to see that Stallone and Schwarzenegger have humbled out in their old age and have actually gained the ability to actually act.
They should bring Urban and Thirlby back to reprise their roles in a whole Dredd verse series.. they can even do some the comic cross covers if they want to boost the publicity In that movie.. just think in some Alternative Reality "MaMa" woulda made a great Judge an probably is.
Love the scene after he appears down and out of the fight, he is saved by the rookie, tense soundtrack stops... A new soundtrack begins, sort of inspiring the word relentless, “okay, basic field dressing”. The best
When he says "Wait" to the corrupt Judge who then gives a monologue about Dredd asking for a few seconds more life. Then we get Dredd's reply "For my partner to shoot you" after Anderson shoots him in the back.
I didn't know who Karl Urban was when I saw this, but I was blown away by how he didn't mess up one syllable. Just one overly sarcastic word or grimace could've ruined the movie, but he was pitch-perfect. Dredd was always a satire on Confucian legalism and the 'tough cop' idea, the comic character has matured into a well-expressed dystopian figure.
The only good thing about the 90's version was it was more faitfull to the over the top visuals in the comic.. BUT I much rather have the more simple and realistic Dredd uniform in Dredd :P
@@tonyw1983 My problem with is was how Stallon insist on being allowed to remove the helmet or else he wouldn't sign on for it. Dredd don't remove his helmet EVER.. And as I said the Visuals of the 90's version were much more in keeping with the comic.. Still I do prefer the more simplistic armor of Carl Ubans Dredd since it actually looks practically and like something you could use in a combat situation.
I regretfully passed on this one when it was in theaters but I finally watched a year or so ago and have loved it ever sense. Such a great, underrated movie that's finally getting some much deserved credit.
Gimme the Block Wars. Gimme the Apocalypse War. Gimme a Journey Across the Cursed Earth Epic... and maybe the dark judges? Must admit I'm much less inclined towards them being on the screen than just sticking to the pages of the comics.
I remember watching the movie for the first time, and I was blown away, I've never seen anything like it, Ruthless and Badass, and this movie managed to portray a bad ass character without forcing it, pure awesomeness
This is one of the most under appreciated films of all time. This is like an 80's action movie made in the 2000's. The Paul Verhoeven influences are obvious.
One of the most underrated films ever made. It’s so efficient and entertaining. Story and characters are in focus. Fantastic score. Great cinematography. Action. One- liners. I love it.
I absolutely love Karl Urban and this version of Judge Dredd. Although I am also a fan of the sylvester stallone version as well. What can I say I am a sucker for movie that most people pan. You should explore DOOM.
the Stallone version showed Mega City 1 as it appeared in the comics, and the Judges' uniforms were spot on. Unfortunately, the story lacked any coherence, it was ruined by the fact that Dredd had his helmet off in the first five or six minutes, and left it off until the end. Also, if Rico was his clone brother, then they would've been identical.
Honestly that is metal as hell. They’re there for justice not saving people. Imagine taking a hostage and the judge just keep fucking walking at you. Because he isn’t there to save the hostage. He’s there to punish you.
This film went a long way to removing the stain of the 90's Stallone version (never understood people that purport to love the comic and this travesty in the same breath). Having been a life-long follower of the character it was a joy to watch something that "got" the essence of the character. A great "Day in the life of..." story, plucked from the pages of 2000AD. Great review.
Karl Urban _was_ Judge Dredd. As a major fan of 2000 AD as a child, I was deeply disappointed by the Stallone flick, which is fun as long as you don’t think of it as a Judge Dredd film. Urban restored my fasting.
Such an underrated film, and Karl Urban is absolutely perfect for this role! No one else could display so much emotion just through the lower half of their face
Great review and I'm with you 100%! There is no screwing around in this movie. No one tries to make us like this world or any of the characters. They are who they are - deal with it! I was blown away by Karl Urban. Fantastic job by all involved. I also was hoping someone with a brain would go for Dredd 2. Shot down again.
I remember a saying that if you have to explain everything to your audience, then you don’t respect them. Leaving little breadcrumbs for the audience to follow along, until they put the pieces together. This is a sign of respect to your audience, and helps make and entertaining medium.
I think another reason Dredd gives Anderson a pass is because when she loses her weapon, rather than wait for Dredd to dock her for it, she announces up front that she's failed. And despite failing the assessment, she continues on with the mission at hand without hesitation in order to finish the fight. Because what matters is upholding the law, not being rewarded for doing so at the end of her examination. This demonstrates that Anderson's commitment to the law for the sake of justice is genuine - she literally stands opposite the cadre of corrupt judges who only perform duties if they're paid to do so. And THAT is precisely the kind of personally Dredd is looking for. It doesn't matter if Anderson does her job in a different way than Dredd (showing leniency to a perp who was forced to commit crimes against his will). As long as she does her job out of a true sense of duty, she is worthy of being a Judge in Dredd's eyes.
Nian (sorry if I said your name wrong) I freaking love your channel. When I need an explanation of a film or a game I go directly to your channel. Because I know you are the only one who can actually take the time and actually explain it in every way possible for the viewers to learn but to still have fun. Thanks man and keep doing what your doing.
@@spooks196 Then some controlled anger..................followed by some angry control............followed by...........an angry deeper control..................then some............
Training. Fans of the comic know he is kind of like Master CHief in that all he knows is being a Judge because that's what he was trained to be, unlike his brother he wasn't nuts though.
If we ever do get a sequel, I kind of want to see a live action adaption of the Dredd vs Batman crossover comics. Think of the dynamic between the two. One of them rules through absolute force, the other through absolute morality.
here's the thing tho as Badass as Dredd is Batman is the complete opposite of the spectrum. and not to mention i think Dredd would be impressed in how Batman doesn't kill his enemies yet they are just as scared of him as Dredd's enemies are scared of him.
To this day, it still baffles me how this movie can't get a sequel, while a movie about an Evil Bong can get seven installments, and a crossover with an serial killer gingerbread man.
As usual, you're spot on here. Thank you for the enjoyable watch. It's almost criminal how underrated this movie was when it needed support. We complain that Hollywood is out of ideas, yet when a masterpiece like this comes along and breaks the mold, it's a box office flop. This should have spawned a franchise helmed by the ever awesome Karl Urban. Although it wasn't entirely out fault in fairness, the movie was horribly marketed and the pushing of the 3d aspects didn't help at a time when that tedious fad was very much nearing its end.
I saw Dredd after I saw the Raid, and could definitely see the influences there. Glad you mentioned the Raid in your video, and I can see you know your material! Dredd was an amazing movie and severely underrated. It just came out at the wrong time and got lost in the sea of other movies, as you mentioned here.
The more time passes, and the longer we continue with the constant parade of endless generic sequels and reboots, the more I appreciate just how utterly fantastic a film Dredd was. I am almost, almost glad it didn't get spun into some diminishing returns franchise. Almost.
One other thing about MaMa being an opposite of Dredd is that she never raises her voice. Her voice and tone are calm and even which is opposite her actions.
What's really terrifying about the Mega-Cities is the reason for the squalor. The society of Dredd is a post-scarcity one, everyone gets a UBI. The reason for the squalor is that people have given up. This is connected to the high unemployment rate. Everyone is unemployed due to everything having been automized. A lot turn to crime simply because it's the only thing that makes them feel like they do something actively in their own life. The society Dredd hails from shows the dangers of just giving people a UBI without giving them something to do. This is a dangerous proposition as humans need to feel that their actions matter. While a UBI in the face of increased automation is necessary and good it must be followed up by making something available for people to do, as long as there's at least an illusion that it matters.
I absolutely Love when you do these analysis's of the characters!! You usually provide a view that isn't my own, which is excellent because I can learn things that I wouldn't see on my own! ☺❤❤
Thank you. Thank you so much for putting up so much enjoyable content (for free!) on such a regular basis. I love all things fiction and film, the videos that you make truly bring out the curiosity and deep fascination of things in me. I am very grateful to be following such an amazing content creator.
Dredd was such an entertaining movie. Wish it got a sequel but it does well as a stand alone movie
Wish it would. Would love to see him go against The Dark Judges, Necropolis, and possibly the Apocalypse War against East-Meg One.
Isnt a show still on the table?
@@Mastervading4306 if the Boys wrapps up with season 2 (as cool as the boys is i don't see it living very long) a Dredd show would be awesome.
A sequel is so unlikely. Nobody went to see this at theaters. It's a cult film, basically.
I only saw it in theaters because I'm a movie person and was curious, but had super low expectations. Especially considering it was ONLY in 3D at the height of the 3D craze where everything and your mother was in 3D and was just a stupid gimmick to get higher ticket prices.
Oh, how wrong I was. I told people, at the time, there are only two films I recommend in 3D: Avatar and DREDD.
It was a beautiful use of 3D, only ever utilizing it from the perspective of someone on slo-mo. Perfect.
What happened with the TV series?
I like how they managed to squeeze in an excuse for him to say "I am the law" without it sounding forced.
How would it have sounded force if it was differently done. To me all movies are done by force
i love hearing it in karls voice but i always read it like Sly Stallone, slurring it out
Same reason I love the drug slow mo, it’s the perfect excuse to use slow motion in a highly stylized artistic way, and not just slow motion to look bad ass
Mee too
@@quinnmarchese6313 bro yes!!! Yes!!
I saw Dredd and Anderson at the end as : Dredd was the personification of Law, bound in Iron and uncompromising. Anderson was the Insight that turns Law into Justice.
What a great comment.
Not just insight, but empathy.
@@rottensquid 06:35 not to save people but punish innocents
@@omalone1169 Right! Without Anderson, Dredd is just oppression. And ineffectual oppression at that, given how few crimes he can even respond to.
@@omalone1169 he says "not to save innocents but to punish wrongdoers", I think you might have mixed his words up.
I love how the story was just a day in the life scenario
Also, funny to know that all this killing and policy work did nothing to control the crime in the city. Next day will be all the same.
@@rodU65 its not about controlling its about dispensing justice
yeah for like Regular SWAT this would have been a good enough to retire after Mission.
but for the Judges it was just a tuesday.
felt that was a strong part of the movie, making it good
Exactly. I can't stand how every other comic book movie has the fate of the universe at stake. Doomsday weapon, sky portal full of CGI aliens, or Evil McEvilson here to kill the world, that's EVERY other comic book movie.
Imagine Karl Urban as Doom Slayer
No lines, just grunts, all action
He was the doom slayer in the 2005 movie adaptation of the game Doom! Lol
I refuse to acknowledge it xD
Its not real, it cant hurt me
The film adaptation of Doom deserves a look at. Am I right? As always Reaper's a great character.
Cant wait for Cyber Punk I wanna make a Dredd type character
@@christophergongora7885 going to be difficult since Cyberpunk has you playing outside from the laws, but i could love if some mods are made after all.
As a fan of many Judge Dredd storylines, the Dredd movie shows him exactly like I expected he would be in the flesh - and in my mind, only as portrayed by Karl Urban. And whether he's playing a Rohanian, a Necromonger, a simple country doctor on a starship, or a Judge, Urban is outstanding.
Let's not forget a priest turned vampire.
And Butcher from The Boys.
And the guy that Chris Tucker kissed on the 💋lips
Or Billy Butcher. Simply outstanding performances. I wish this film got a sequel.. would be interesting to see Dredd go against The Dark Judges and the war with East-Meg One. Damn shame will never happen :(.
Don't forget a CIA agent
(RED)
This role itself convinced me that Karl Urban would be a fantastic Batman
I hadn't even considered that, but now reading it, yes - it feels like he would make a better Batman than Bale.
But the thing about being a good Batman doesn’t mean he’ll make a good Bruce Wayne
BatFleck
@@cheknauss9867 HERESY HERSESY
It's you opinion and I respect that
from his performance of Dredd and Billy Butcher he make either a great Batman or Great Punisher.
I always liked Dredd's confrontation with the two armed kids.
Despite everything we had seen up until that point, Dredd actual tries to defuse the situation, and when shots start getting fired, he stuns them rather than shoots them.
It really helped make it clear that while Dredd is unrelenting, he still adheres very strongly to his moral and legal code.
Quite probably among the movies that desperately and indefinetly requires continuatuon/sequels; the world presented in the movie as well as the characters were genuinely good; even the antagonists
ah remember the days when dredd was getting a series... simpler times
Series got encased in Boing Spray... Just like Anderson.
Absolutely!!! I would love to see more of their world than just Peach Tree and a few streets
I just watch it every now and then. Have probably watched it 10 times. there are only a few movies I can do that with
@@loganross1861 same, i might rewatch it tbh, it seems like the right time for it.
One of the reasons why I love this movie so much is exactly how you described it- there’s not an over reliance on exhibition. The character’s actions speak louder than the description of his actions. Of course, the cinematography, writing, and choices made by the director were brilliant too. I never saw the movie in theaters, but I really wish I would have. I am definitely one of the people you described in your video, a cult fan of the film.
Probably the best scene, in the movie, is where he throws MaMa's number 2 down several stories and walks away. MaMa looking terrified..
@Geektalker I bet that drug bust scene was amazing in 3-D!
Most Underrated movie I've seen
+Big Jack *Laughs in The Fountain/Mr Nobody/The Europa Report*
But JudgeDredd is definetly underrated
they didnt promote this movie properly unfortunately.
One of my favorites. I was like 12 when this came out and it was my dad and i's guilty pleasure Sunday movie
True. Watch it for first time, and in mind i have this failure with Stallone. But half way on a movie i was so amazed. Urban as a Dredd - perfect. Anderson - from zero to hero. Mama - badass. Movie - incredible.
@@0ut1and3r As the video says, it was more than just bad promotion, it was crappy timing. I think that if it had been released a few months earlier or later it would have done far better in the theaters.
There’s typically a hero’s journey element to the main character in films, where they leave their home or safe area, face challenges, overcome them and return a changed individual. But that’s Anderson’s story. Dredd doesn’t need to change because he’s more a force of nature than anything else.
I suppose Dredd does have a little bit of a journey revolving around Anderson. He doesn't want back up, isn't used to being shackled with someone he doesn't need around, and obviously has distrust/disgust of psykers. Anderson is all of those and by the end he learns to respect her, perhaps learning that sometimes he does need back up and people's abilities can be valuable
The movie is called Dredd and mostly focuses on him, but in this story Anderson is the one undergoing the hero's journey, while Dredd is the "Mentor" of the Campbellian Monomyth.
It is a masterfull way to tell the Story of an allready developed character (Dredd) who does not go through a transformative journey in a compelling way
Boy has a flat character arc, a testing arc. An experience designed to harry and wear down a hero or protagonist, to push them in all of their weakest spots, but instead show the world around them changing and going through an arc.
It's something that Dredd here shares with Paddington.
"Hot shot." He doesn't just call the perp that. He gives his gun a voice command, ordering up a Hot Shot. Cleverly working it into the dialog.
Little detail is when he enters the mall, the poster in the back shows an arrow to the perp’s location saying “hottie house”. Nice detail.
Heck, they even figured out how to work in slow-motion and make it feel organic! I don't know if I've seen that work outside of The Matrix movies.
I just realized that Anderson could of cheated on the test she failed using her psychic powers, the fact that Anderson ALMOST passed says more good about her than if she had passed.
Now starting to think that if she took off her helmet to allow her psychic powers out - maybe Dredd's justification for keeping his on, was to keep them out (oh, and he's Dredd)
@@goldcd The helmet gives him a tactical advantage even against non-psychers. No reason to remove it = don't remove it
@@SendarSlayer There's also something intimidating about seeing someone but being unable to see their eyes, he made himself appear more inhuman by keeping his helmet on.
Could have*
@@badxgrass Well, you could of used a full sentence if trying to correct my grammar...
He throws MaMa off the 200th floor. Stands there and watched her fall. After she hits the grounds he waits a moment to confirm the explosives aren't going to kill him and everyone else in the building. And his reaction? A single, disinterested, 'Yeah.' His whole character summed up in one word.
Love it.
Just wish he would have walked off and you heard faintly "courts adjorned."
Years late to this but I don't think Dredd gave her a hit if slomo to make her suffer I think it was calculated move knowing if she were high she most likely would not have a heartattack before colliding with the ground.
I do enjoy Dredd showing he has a soft side at the end of the movie without compromising his character. Like what was mentioned, he waiver from who he is and what he does, but ever so slightly. Right before he passes her and moments after they walk out, he tells her the assessment is over. She just has that look on her face like that screams, “we just went through hell, and you wanna talk about my assessment.” And gives him her badge because she knows she messed up a bit.
For Normal people it was hell for the Judges it was Tuesday. and Yeah Dredd being the Touch love dad to Anderson was a nice touch at the end.
think it was dredd seeing it is part of his duty, she is part of his station to complete training
This always appealed to me about Dredd in the comics. He is the law. He in uncompromising... however he's also shown to leverage it to the betterment of individuals of the Big Meg, even if subtly. Surprising amount of depth on display for Dredd over the years.
I put this on Netflix for background noise and ended up getting absolutely nothing done because it was just too good. I watched the whole thing without hardly blinking. I have never been more pleasantly surprised by a movie in my life. I wish I saw it in theaters.
Same here. It was Netflix n i put it on a years back on a bored weeknd nite just to fall asleep to. Ended up on the edge of my seat in love with the whole thing start to finish. Then proceeded to buy it on bluray for myself and also as a few birthday gifts for friends
I have watching this movie so many times… loved this movie
This version of the movie is actually good, it’s definitely underrated.
@@adraper6816 I think what alphy was meaning was that this movie was better than the Stallone version of the same, for ALL of the reasons mentioned in this video.
God I loved this movie, the fact there's no sequel is criminal
The fact there isn't a serie of atleast 3 seasons is criminal.
Criminal, you say?
@@angry_zergling might be another
I want to see his barman vide9
No worries, at least we are getting a sequel to Wonder Woman 1984 right? Right guys? Guys??? Seriously though this movie did just fine, I don't get why we aren't getting a sequel when so many undeserving movies do.
@@angry_zergling Failure to produce a sequel. 3 years in the Iso Cubes
I'm a simple man, I see Karl's urban Dredd, I click it
Admirable
Karl is pretty scared of big cities. :D
Karl Urban is one of the best character actors of the last 20 years
Eomer
William Cooper
Vaako
Billy butcher
Dredd
Leonard McCoy
Skurg
All iconic characters
I liked him as Black Hat in Priest
Grim reaper in DOOM
one simple rule that most films seem to forget: Show, don't tell.
As I see it there isn't so much written law in Mega City One. Each Judge decides for themselves what is justice.
Dredd recognized that though Anderson wouldn't do things the same way he would, she too would serve justice in her own way. Therefore he passed her.
Karl Urban went from Éomer to Dredd to Billy Butcher and he's honestly one of my favourite actors. Also, he's from New Zealand. So, that's cool.
You forgot Doctor Leonard "Bones" McCoy.
@@Nowhereman10 and the "behold, my stuff" guy in Thor Ragnarok
He is a great actor but his "cockney" accent in the boys is waaay off
@Marcus Tulius Cicero I'm not sure how to answer that other than to say it's not a cockney accent. When I watched the first episode I thought, his accent is odd I can't work out what it's supposed to be, kind of an Aussie / South African hybrid? So I googled "where is Billy Butcher from" and when it said east London I thought whaaat!? No way.
@Marcus Tulius Cicero yes exactly that. Combination of all those things.
Dredd was THE hardcore mainstream comic in the 80s
The best comics from late 80s
to me Dredd was like Berserk
brutally violent and nearly every onscreen adaptation has colossally failed and the only one that gets it even remotely right gets axed before it even gets passed the gate.
I remember getting the first 2000 AD comics back in 1977 and it had Dredd in. Had some interesting freebies in there, especially for a 12 year old.
Believe it or not it shared that spot with tank girl
The pre butchered TMNT was up there too and iirc Lone wolf and Cub came to the states in the 80's also. But Dredd was in a league of it's own, no question.
I would like to see the uncut version of this movie before they had to appease sensors worldwide
I love this assessment but disagree with one point, while Dredd pursues justice above all, I think he's shows he very much cares for the citizens he protects.
Spoilers Ahead, though most are mentioned in this video.
TLDR; Dredd strikes me as a very caring individual who uses a hardened exterior to deal with an equally hard world.
During the opening chase, he starts with his dispassionate but relentless pursuit but when the civilian is killed, he ramps up his violence. He refers to citizens as innocents, which I feel is a big part of why he pursues justice, and his ruthlessness and perceived lack of care for citizens is a concession to the reality of how bad crime is.
Later, when he is evaluating Anderson in Peach Trees, he refers to her reasons for wanting to ba a judge and whether she believes she can make a difference as admirable, though his tone also indicated that he also thought it may be naive. After the massacre with the anti aircraft guns, his interrogation of Kay is angry, the wanton destruction and loss of life clearly upsetting him.
Throughout the movie, his pursuit of the law never feels like it exists just to enforce arbitrary rules, but that he enforces the law because laws are the best tools he has to protect the innocent. Even his takedown of Mama was calculated, striking her in a way that allowed him to potentially neutralize a threat that could not be negotiated with.
Heck, it can also be assumed that his passing of Anderson was motivated by her pursuit of justice when she no longer had any incentive to do so, having failed by loosing her lawmaker. He saw in her the same reasons he values to uphold justice, to protect the innocent and not just because it the duty of a judge but because it is right.
Nice
In every assessment and test, people are allowed to make mistakes...you don't typically need to make a perfect score. Dispensing justice gets messy and in my eyes, she passed. She lost her primary weapon and was kidnapped, but she freed herself and got her weapon back! She saved Dredd and assisted in bringing Ma-Ma to justice which established order in Peach Trees again. The assessment doesn't just end once you make a mistake.. it took the entire period into account and Dredd made a logical conclusion, she's a pass.
@@clarissadanae7370 She got a weapon back. Her own blew itself up in the hand of the gang guy who was about to execute her with it.
Not to say I disagree with you. She's a pass.
Good point. Notice the obvious anger in his voice when reporting on that dead civilian in the opening chase. And he didn't say "continuing pursuit", he dropped out of official radio jargon and made it pretty obvious that those jerks had all just earned bullets in the head.
Totally agree with you, but for some strange reason I read this entire write up in Urban's Dredd voice 😅
Dredd 2012 is the best reboot I've ever seen, more darker and more grittier than the 1995 Stallone film, which was treated as campy and ridiculous. Karl Urban is the perfect actor to play Judge Dredd. Lena Headey is also perfect to play a drug queen taking control of the streets and a thousand foot high skyscraper.
To be fair the 2000AD were never the most series things around had a good mix of ridiculous and dark which kind of like the Fallout games which made the Comic's so interesting. I would love a combination of the set, vehicle, and outfit production of the Stallone film which pulled off the Comic Book art style really well combined with the darker and brutal feel of this movie like a Sin City for example. Maybe not go too overboard Dredd does have some over the top things which may not translate well into movie form like Texas City having cowboy hats on its buildings etc.
"Ma-Ma is not the law... I am the law."
@xLucky Sinz
Why did you say that name?
@xLucky Sinz r/whooosh
The thing about that is he was wrong. As a normal state, they abandoned them to the lawless people. He only wants to come in and claim authority when it served him. He'll be gone soon and they they get to answer to the gangs for helping him
He was a selfish jackass.
@@icecold9511 what gang? Dredd and Anderson single-handedly obliterate all gang members in the tower and the rest will be taken care of by another judge that we saw coming after the lockdown was lifted.
@@kaptenhiu5623
The gangs will return, unless the law keeps a presence.
6:30, that's right, he's not a hero, like Dirty Harry or Rambo, he's just someone who does his job well.
He was pretty much bred and raised to do his job well, it's all he knows.
DREDD is badass
I'm so disappointed a sequel was never made. This movie was just pitch perfect. Could have been an amazing franchise.
Theoretically, how much time must pass for a film to be considered a cult classic, what is the criteria, and who set the rules ? When I first saw this film I knew that I would watch it again. I cannot say that for many films. Anyone who hasn't seen this film has missed out on a bit of awesomeness.
Multi generational perhaps. If your mom saw it when it was released but hated it and now your child is into it?! Idk. Good question! 👍
I don't think there are any hard and fast rules, I think it has more to do with the fan base. Dredd came out and did poorly in theaters and the studio decided that a follow up wouldn't be worth it, without accounting for what it was up against that summer. The people who saw it, on the other hand, spread how good it was by word of mouth and there has been a groundswell of people that want a sequel.
It is the fairly vocal fans that I think turn this into a classic. When people try to cosplay as Dredd now, they usually imitate this version of the character, rather than the comic book, or Stallone, version. It is this fan base that I think classifies it as a cult classic, in the same way that you could consider the original John Wick a cult classic. The fans love it and want more and keep asking, even when the studio keeps telling them no.
@@tmac2744 This sounds reasonable.
Like you I don't have many movies I rewatch, this is one of those movies I'll rewatch just about any time. I'm just sad how this was promoted and such, Id really love a sequel.
@@nadtz 10:04 didn't realise it would not go off
You would rarely see Dredds face in the comics maybe in a flashback back of his childhood, this was done on purpose because Dredd is not suppose to be seen as human but the embodiment of law given flesh, law has no face the creator said.
I've collected the comics since the 80s and was terrified when this movie was announced, with good reason based on previous offering. This is a shining example of how you can get it right for everyone. Hard Core fans, casually familiar, and know-nothings were all praising this one. Give me another.
3:12, he never takes off his helmet, which what they stupidly did in 1995.
Cause Stallone had such a big ego.
Yup, I heard they wanted to keep it on, but Stallone was like “how I’ll they know it’s me?”
@@Itried20takennames yeah i mean how could we not know that was Stallone with the 45 degree mouth he can't fix.
it's good to see that Stallone and Schwarzenegger have humbled out in their old age and have actually gained the ability to actually act.
I saw the premiere in central London back in '95. The entire cinema booed when he took off the helmet.
According to legend, Urban would have declined the role if the helmet came off... He was a fan from way back.
This movie was so fantastic. It's criminal that it didn't reach a wider audience. Karl Urban is the man.
They should bring Urban and Thirlby back to reprise their roles in a whole Dredd verse series.. they can even do some the comic cross covers if they want to boost the publicity
In that movie.. just think in some Alternative Reality "MaMa" woulda made a great Judge an probably is.
Love the scene after he appears down and out of the fight, he is saved by the rookie, tense soundtrack stops... A new soundtrack begins, sort of inspiring the word relentless, “okay, basic field dressing”. The best
When he says "Wait" to the corrupt Judge who then gives a monologue about Dredd asking for a few seconds more life. Then we get Dredd's reply "For my partner to shoot you" after Anderson shoots him in the back.
I didn't know who Karl Urban was when I saw this, but I was blown away by how he didn't mess up one syllable. Just one overly sarcastic word or grimace could've ruined the movie, but he was pitch-perfect. Dredd was always a satire on Confucian legalism and the 'tough cop' idea, the comic character has matured into a well-expressed dystopian figure.
He's had one of the most amazing careers!
The only good thing about the 90's version was it was more faitfull to the over the top visuals in the comic.. BUT I much rather have the more simple and realistic Dredd uniform in Dredd :P
judge dredd has it's own charm to it. i enjoy it for the cheesy adventure it turned out to be. but yeah, Dredd was SO MUCH better.
@@tonyw1983 My problem with is was how Stallon insist on being allowed to remove the helmet or else he wouldn't sign on for it. Dredd don't remove his helmet EVER.. And as I said the Visuals of the 90's version were much more in keeping with the comic.. Still I do prefer the more simplistic armor of Carl Ubans Dredd since it actually looks practically and like something you could use in a combat situation.
The 90's was spoiled by the actors and the emotional storyline about Rico...The world building and design could not overcome Stallone's mishandling.
@@chuzzbot YEP!!
Ahhh... Stalone's Dredd is my guilty pleasure of a movie haha
I regretfully passed on this one when it was in theaters but I finally watched a year or so ago and have loved it ever sense. Such a great, underrated movie that's finally getting some much deserved credit.
One of my favorite movies of all time! Karl Urban is a very underrated actor.
Having recently gotten into the Dredd-verse I can safely say this movie is the most faithful.
And here we are, still hoping for the sequel
12:45, after hearing, that I wanted to see a Sequel to this movie, and a Spinoff tv series, JUDGE DREDD: Mega City One.
Gimme the Block Wars. Gimme the Apocalypse War. Gimme a Journey Across the Cursed Earth Epic... and maybe the dark judges? Must admit I'm much less inclined towards them being on the screen than just sticking to the pages of the comics.
I remember watching the movie for the first time, and I was blown away, I've never seen anything like it, Ruthless and Badass, and this movie managed to portray a bad ass character without forcing it, pure awesomeness
This is one of the most under appreciated films of all time. This is like an 80's action movie made in the 2000's. The Paul Verhoeven influences are obvious.
Dredd was an excellent movie that came out of nowhere. I only wish they'd do another one.
Straight forward. No bullshit sequences. No crappy dialogue. Just a clean story you can follow through till the end.
Omg I love this movie sm, want that Dredd tv series so bad
It'll get here at some point
One of the most underrated films ever made. It’s so efficient and entertaining. Story and characters are in focus. Fantastic score. Great cinematography. Action. One- liners. I love it.
I absolutely love Karl Urban and this version of Judge Dredd. Although I am also a fan of the sylvester stallone version as well. What can I say I am a sucker for movie that most people pan. You should explore DOOM.
I agree. Its a classic in my family's eyes. And Doom absolutely needs an episode!
the Stallone version showed Mega City 1 as it appeared in the comics, and the Judges' uniforms were spot on. Unfortunately, the story lacked any coherence, it was ruined by the fact that Dredd had his helmet off in the first five or six minutes, and left it off until the end. Also, if Rico was his clone brother, then they would've been identical.
Honestly that is metal as hell. They’re there for justice not saving people.
Imagine taking a hostage and the judge just keep fucking walking at you. Because he isn’t there to save the hostage. He’s there to punish you.
This film went a long way to removing the stain of the 90's Stallone version (never understood people that purport to love the comic and this travesty in the same breath). Having been a life-long follower of the character it was a joy to watch something that "got" the essence of the character. A great "Day in the life of..." story, plucked from the pages of 2000AD. Great review.
Karl Urban _was_ Judge Dredd. As a major fan of 2000 AD as a child, I was deeply disappointed by the Stallone flick, which is fun as long as you don’t think of it as a Judge Dredd film. Urban restored my fasting.
The background and tech of the city in Stallone's Dredd was correct. Karl Urban however channelled Judge Dredd from beyond...
Such an underrated film, and Karl Urban is absolutely perfect for this role! No one else could display so much emotion just through the lower half of their face
9:34 Seriously though, out of all the action films that always end with an explosion, this has to be top 3 of all time.
frickin' good movie. the fact that some ppl rated it low automatically triggers one simple quote in my mind:
"Judgement time!"
I still hold out hope they one day go for a fully R version of the dark judges.
This and Starship Troopers are my guilty pleasures in films
Great review and I'm with you 100%! There is no screwing around in this movie. No one tries to make us like this world or any of the characters. They are who they are - deal with it! I was blown away by Karl Urban. Fantastic job by all involved. I also was hoping someone with a brain would go for Dredd 2. Shot down again.
I remember a saying that if you have to explain everything to your audience, then you don’t respect them. Leaving little breadcrumbs for the audience to follow along, until they put the pieces together. This is a sign of respect to your audience, and helps make and entertaining medium.
Well said!
I have only one word "INCENDIARY". One of my top ten films, absolutely awesome, Karl at his best.Stallone laughable, Karl the real deal.
Best line ever.
I think another reason Dredd gives Anderson a pass is because when she loses her weapon, rather than wait for Dredd to dock her for it, she announces up front that she's failed. And despite failing the assessment, she continues on with the mission at hand without hesitation in order to finish the fight. Because what matters is upholding the law, not being rewarded for doing so at the end of her examination.
This demonstrates that Anderson's commitment to the law for the sake of justice is genuine - she literally stands opposite the cadre of corrupt judges who only perform duties if they're paid to do so. And THAT is precisely the kind of personally Dredd is looking for. It doesn't matter if Anderson does her job in a different way than Dredd (showing leniency to a perp who was forced to commit crimes against his will). As long as she does her job out of a true sense of duty, she is worthy of being a Judge in Dredd's eyes.
This judge dredd movie is my all time favorite adaptation of this character and i look forward and hope for more (mega city 1 series)
Nian (sorry if I said your name wrong) I freaking love your channel. When I need an explanation of a film or a game I go directly to your channel. Because I know you are the only one who can actually take the time and actually explain it in every way possible for the viewers to learn but to still have fun. Thanks man and keep doing what your doing.
Anger... And control, But there's something else, Something behind the control.
More anger... then a deeper control.
@@spooks196 Then some controlled anger..................followed by some angry control............followed by...........an angry deeper control..................then some............
@@tonykennedy8483 ....restrained fury beneath the furious restraint...
Training. Fans of the comic know he is kind of like Master CHief in that all he knows is being a Judge because that's what he was trained to be, unlike his brother he wasn't nuts though.
A hard on.
Dredd holds a special place in my heart. 2000AD was the first comic I ever read. This movie is the perfect representation of the comic
the marketing for this film was a failure. i only heard about it when it ran on TV heavily edited
You have me a new appreciation for not only a film I already like but also a character. Thank you.
If we ever do get a sequel, I kind of want to see a live action adaption of the Dredd vs Batman crossover comics.
Think of the dynamic between the two. One of them rules through absolute force, the other through absolute morality.
Ooo it can start with dred going around killing all Batemans enemies in Gotham and yeah that's as far as i got
No, we need a Dredd vs Death movie
"Gaze into the face of FEAR"
"Gaze into the fist of DREDD!"
here's the thing tho as Badass as Dredd is Batman is the complete opposite of the spectrum.
and not to mention i think Dredd would be impressed in how Batman doesn't kill his enemies yet they are just as scared of him as Dredd's enemies are scared of him.
Man i love this movie so much.. Gritty, grounded action with a great story, good actors and kickass music.
To this day, it still baffles me how this movie can't get a sequel, while a movie about an Evil Bong can get seven installments, and a crossover with an serial killer gingerbread man.
Respective budgets, it cost 45 million to make Dredd, while I am guessing the budgets for the Evil Bong films wouldn't pass 1 million.
As usual, you're spot on here. Thank you for the enjoyable watch. It's almost criminal how underrated this movie was when it needed support. We complain that Hollywood is out of ideas, yet when a masterpiece like this comes along and breaks the mold, it's a box office flop. This should have spawned a franchise helmed by the ever awesome Karl Urban. Although it wasn't entirely out fault in fairness, the movie was horribly marketed and the pushing of the 3d aspects didn't help at a time when that tedious fad was very much nearing its end.
"I AM THE LAW!!!!!!"
OK Stallone, Stop yelling. Carl's Delivery of that iconic Dredd line was perfect. It wasn't forced, or over dramatic. Perfect.
@@gregjr.8847 😂😂😂 well he did throw it out there to establish his position I did enjoy both movies. So........ I AM THE LAW!!!!!!!! DROP YOUR PHONE
One of the most underrated, underappreciated films of all time let alone comic book adaptations.
i love this movie and i love the stallone movie aswell
I saw Dredd after I saw the Raid, and could definitely see the influences there. Glad you mentioned the Raid in your video, and I can see you know your material! Dredd was an amazing movie and severely underrated. It just came out at the wrong time and got lost in the sea of other movies, as you mentioned here.
Geralt the Witcher, Judge Dredd and Batman are my 3 biggest heroes/idols. I wonder what that says about me? Maybe that i'm a big grump lol
You're consistent. After all, they're basically the same guy in different situations.
“You look ready”
The best compliment you’ll ever receive
The more time passes, and the longer we continue with the constant parade of endless generic sequels and reboots, the more I appreciate just how utterly fantastic a film Dredd was. I am almost, almost glad it didn't get spun into some diminishing returns franchise. Almost.
One other thing about MaMa being an opposite of Dredd is that she never raises her voice. Her voice and tone are calm and even which is opposite her actions.
Aww yes a fine example of that
Fantastic analysis of one of my favorite (and remarkably underrated) movies in recent times! Great stuff, you have sold me on this channel!
Dredd was probably the most underrated movie for me. It could’ve been much better if it has the same flair like John Wick
Only that very simple transition from
- You don't look ready
to
- You look ready
Was great. Man I wish they'd make a sequel.
Judge Dredd is a paragon of justice, and every benefit and problem that being an absolute paragon of a concept entails.
Idk why but your commentary always gives me chills..
Hey now.... Settle down. Stallones Dredd was fun and fondly remembered.
... by John Chandler... :p
Dude I love your channel! When you say thanks for stopping by, it always reminds me of Veronica Cornerstone saying that in The Anchorman.
Basically a story about a Adeptus Arbites dealing with crime in a Hive City
What's really terrifying about the Mega-Cities is the reason for the squalor. The society of Dredd is a post-scarcity one, everyone gets a UBI. The reason for the squalor is that people have given up. This is connected to the high unemployment rate. Everyone is unemployed due to everything having been automized. A lot turn to crime simply because it's the only thing that makes them feel like they do something actively in their own life.
The society Dredd hails from shows the dangers of just giving people a UBI without giving them something to do. This is a dangerous proposition as humans need to feel that their actions matter. While a UBI in the face of increased automation is necessary and good it must be followed up by making something available for people to do, as long as there's at least an illusion that it matters.
Notification gang
I've been a 2000ad fan since 1979. This was the Dredd we needed. Brilliant film.
I watched dredd twice at the cinema and countless times after,it never gets old unlike the Stallone shitfest.....excellent video
I absolutely Love when you do these analysis's of the characters!! You usually provide a view that isn't my own, which is excellent because I can learn things that I wouldn't see on my own! ☺❤❤
can you do a review on "Splinter" that movie is underrated and i'd like to hear your thoughts on it
Thank you. Thank you so much for putting up so much enjoyable content (for free!) on such a regular basis. I love all things fiction and film, the videos that you make truly bring out the curiosity and deep fascination of things in me. I am very grateful to be following such an amazing content creator.