Writer: Peter Chai

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “Judge Dredd” and “The Raid: Redemption”

17 years ago, Judge Dredd went from the comic book to the big screen and showed us how the justice system was being implemented in the corrupted and violent dystopian land called Mega-City One. Today, we see the product of director Pete Travis' reboot effort by bringing the "Street Judge" back on the road to continue his heavy duty justice in "Dredd".

In "Dredd", the Judges act as judge, jury and executioner fighting against injustice at the east coast line of North America. Coined as one of the most dedicated law enforcers in town, Judge Dredd (Urban), the 2000AD's super-cop is given a mission to hunt down a drug lord and psycho Ma-Ma (Headey) in a 200-storey skyrise tower block. Dredd's not alone as a helping hand in the form of rookie Judge wannabe Anderson (Thirlby), who has an unusual psychic ability joins him along for the ride. Trapped under a dark and restricted block, the duo deal with Ma-Ma's insane plans and find a way out from the building after revealing the truth behind the production of an addictive drug named "Slow-Mo".

Unlike what muscleman Sylvester Stallone did in the 1995 film, taking off his helmet does not seem like an option for Judge Dredd in Travis's new rendition of the dark-comic character. Too bad for the ladies, as there is zero chance for you to stare upon Karl Urban's charming face, but on the other hand, this might be a great news for the audiences as it would be able to create a more mysterious element. Besides his versatile movements and steady gun-battle strategies, one cannot run away from Urban's deep and convincing voice that is very similar to what we have heard from all the superheroes in the Bat suit.

The filmmakers embrace the slow-motion technique extensively throughout the movie. They combine it with the Peach-City residents' experiences in tasting the "Slow-Mo" drug. Under this circumstance, the audience are able to feel the intensity of being intoxicated by drugs that slow down the function of the brain.

Without placing a companion like psychic girl Anderson alongside Judge Dredd, we might be bored to death with the judge who does everything with fewer emotions and speaks in a straightforward manner to define the meaning of law and justice in front of the evil forces. Things will be more emotionless if nobody comes in to neutralize the intensity of his strict-minded principal on his "I Am The Law" attitude.

In the reviewer's view, it is not necessary to watch the thriller in 3D glasses. The 3D effects failed to pleasure our eyes during the blood-splashing scenes. Furthermore, the gun-firing action scenes can still be an excited piece of art without the effect.

Overall, if you are eager to fulfil your imagination on how futuristic authorities shut down violence on the spot in split seconds, buy a ticket or two for "Dredd" as it is not a bad choice.

Cinema Online, 21 September 2012