ryokan_wc
Joined Jul 2010
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ryokan_wc's rating
To be honest, when the movie began, the first thought that came into my mind was 'why am i watching this movie?' and i feared it would be like Spirit (2008) or Jonah Hex (2010). It was choppy and messy in terms of the filming, and the soundtrack was just not comfortable to sit through and watch in the earlier scenes. Then i thought whether i had wasted my money, and time, on this movie. Even the narrative at the beginning reminded me of Megamind (2010), which was good in the animation movie, but not quite convincing for this action, dark movie. I breathed, trying to calm myself down and be patient.
Then, fortunately, the plot thickened and the direction of this movie turned away from my disappointment; drew me into the locked down Peach Trees building and went into high gear.
In this time of setting, in Mega City One, the 'Judge' is known to its people with combined powers of the judge, jury and executioner. Dredd is one of those Judges- and possibly the top of the league, and is faced with a task to coach rookie Anderson, who has psychic abilities. On this fateful first day, the pair is led into the Peach Trees, replying to a call of the death of three men. Their investigation, duty to uphold the law, drives them to discovering drug lord Ma-Ma, who controls this 200 storey building. Not wanting to be held by the law, Ma-Ma (somehow, i felt this villain lack depth and did not really create fear like other villains in other movies; she was just a ruthless leader) devices a vicious plan to outdo the Judges- by locking them in, with no way out and no one in. This was the point that i really got to the edge of my seat.
Despite its violence, the scene of the machine gun-laser-like shooting was brilliant, and the graphic was like for a game. There was not as many shootings as i had expected- sometimes, less means more. In another scene of the mind reading challenge reminded me of Jean Grey and Prof X, but in a more gruesome and vulgar manner. It was smart to have someone with psychic ability in the movie. An issue that were brought into the movie was corruption- not so original but it helped to move the movie to the next level.
The movie developed to a peak-high level and i felt the climax was shorter than what i anticipated for. Nevertheless, i was pleased at the end of the movie.
I could see why this movie is rated 18. First, the violence and blood can make you flinch. Then, there are scenes involving the influence of drugs called Slo-Mo, showing people who take them get high and the world around them sparkle, literally. Because it was 18, and because of these, i cannot but include them as points, not deductions, to the movie. The people behind this movie were bold and brave enough to include them.
Speaking in terms of originality, i found the combined powers of judge, jury and executioner a breath of fresh air (i was not familiar with this comic), and the scenes involving the Judges to pronounce their sentence to the defendant were, in an odd way, entertaining. Don't expect drama or intelligent twists, this movie is not for either. It has a story to tell, a simple one but told effectively, with sufficient violence to keep adrenaline high and pumping.
Dredd is a guilty pleasure as charged.
Then, fortunately, the plot thickened and the direction of this movie turned away from my disappointment; drew me into the locked down Peach Trees building and went into high gear.
In this time of setting, in Mega City One, the 'Judge' is known to its people with combined powers of the judge, jury and executioner. Dredd is one of those Judges- and possibly the top of the league, and is faced with a task to coach rookie Anderson, who has psychic abilities. On this fateful first day, the pair is led into the Peach Trees, replying to a call of the death of three men. Their investigation, duty to uphold the law, drives them to discovering drug lord Ma-Ma, who controls this 200 storey building. Not wanting to be held by the law, Ma-Ma (somehow, i felt this villain lack depth and did not really create fear like other villains in other movies; she was just a ruthless leader) devices a vicious plan to outdo the Judges- by locking them in, with no way out and no one in. This was the point that i really got to the edge of my seat.
Despite its violence, the scene of the machine gun-laser-like shooting was brilliant, and the graphic was like for a game. There was not as many shootings as i had expected- sometimes, less means more. In another scene of the mind reading challenge reminded me of Jean Grey and Prof X, but in a more gruesome and vulgar manner. It was smart to have someone with psychic ability in the movie. An issue that were brought into the movie was corruption- not so original but it helped to move the movie to the next level.
The movie developed to a peak-high level and i felt the climax was shorter than what i anticipated for. Nevertheless, i was pleased at the end of the movie.
I could see why this movie is rated 18. First, the violence and blood can make you flinch. Then, there are scenes involving the influence of drugs called Slo-Mo, showing people who take them get high and the world around them sparkle, literally. Because it was 18, and because of these, i cannot but include them as points, not deductions, to the movie. The people behind this movie were bold and brave enough to include them.
Speaking in terms of originality, i found the combined powers of judge, jury and executioner a breath of fresh air (i was not familiar with this comic), and the scenes involving the Judges to pronounce their sentence to the defendant were, in an odd way, entertaining. Don't expect drama or intelligent twists, this movie is not for either. It has a story to tell, a simple one but told effectively, with sufficient violence to keep adrenaline high and pumping.
Dredd is a guilty pleasure as charged.
The legend ends. The legend ends, magnificently. The third and final installment of the Batman franchise masterminded by Christopher Nolan lives to its expectation. Nolan needs no proving further that he has one of the best minds when it comes to directing a movie. That said, i was tricked by him, again.
No worries, i won't be spoiling this movie here- because you have to watch it yourself. This movie sets of eight years after The Dark Knight ends. As Bane is villain, Bruce Wayne/Batman struggles to protect and save Gotham City from Bane as he brings unimaginable chaos, leading to a war of great magnitude- one of the best in the cinema. At nearly two hours and forty five minutes, this movie is long and lots of developments are being done throughout to rise to an amazing climax.
One of the greatest assemble of cast. I always like Bale as the Batman- and i think he is one of the best among all other Batman movies. Anne H who plays Selina Kyle is a good addition to the movie and her character does push plot. M Caine and Gary O who plays Alfred and Gordon, Morgan Freeman as Dr Fox, Marion C as Miranda, Joseph GL as Blake and definitely Tom Hardy as Bane show top-notch performances. Each character, given the movie length, was well developed and explored. The score and music by Hans Zimmer, as good as always.
Some scenes are mind-blowing like the collapsing of the field and the bridges. Element of suspense is surely present, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I felt the ZOMG factor at its climax. The missiles chasing after the Bat in the air, the awesome bike that can change direction so awesomely. Just how the movie fits its puzzles so perfectly is brilliant- so good that it kept me and my friends thinking even after the movie. We kept thinking on how this and how that, the twists, and the special effects of the scenes. Surely, Nolan concluded his spin of this Batman saga brilliantly.
There is nothing much i would want to add because i do not want to risk spoiling this movie. The title of this movie got me to think, why 'rises'? After the movie, i got what it means. It would be better if you have watched the Batman Begins and TDK as some references were made from the earlier two installments. Nevertheless, if not, watch it and be thoroughly entertained.
This TDKR has definitely put DC Comic movies back in the forefront. If the other superheroes of this DC universe is made on such level, or combined, it would certainly give Marvel a run for their money! A great cinematic experience felt and definitely a must-watch.
No worries, i won't be spoiling this movie here- because you have to watch it yourself. This movie sets of eight years after The Dark Knight ends. As Bane is villain, Bruce Wayne/Batman struggles to protect and save Gotham City from Bane as he brings unimaginable chaos, leading to a war of great magnitude- one of the best in the cinema. At nearly two hours and forty five minutes, this movie is long and lots of developments are being done throughout to rise to an amazing climax.
One of the greatest assemble of cast. I always like Bale as the Batman- and i think he is one of the best among all other Batman movies. Anne H who plays Selina Kyle is a good addition to the movie and her character does push plot. M Caine and Gary O who plays Alfred and Gordon, Morgan Freeman as Dr Fox, Marion C as Miranda, Joseph GL as Blake and definitely Tom Hardy as Bane show top-notch performances. Each character, given the movie length, was well developed and explored. The score and music by Hans Zimmer, as good as always.
Some scenes are mind-blowing like the collapsing of the field and the bridges. Element of suspense is surely present, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I felt the ZOMG factor at its climax. The missiles chasing after the Bat in the air, the awesome bike that can change direction so awesomely. Just how the movie fits its puzzles so perfectly is brilliant- so good that it kept me and my friends thinking even after the movie. We kept thinking on how this and how that, the twists, and the special effects of the scenes. Surely, Nolan concluded his spin of this Batman saga brilliantly.
There is nothing much i would want to add because i do not want to risk spoiling this movie. The title of this movie got me to think, why 'rises'? After the movie, i got what it means. It would be better if you have watched the Batman Begins and TDK as some references were made from the earlier two installments. Nevertheless, if not, watch it and be thoroughly entertained.
This TDKR has definitely put DC Comic movies back in the forefront. If the other superheroes of this DC universe is made on such level, or combined, it would certainly give Marvel a run for their money! A great cinematic experience felt and definitely a must-watch.