Review: Dredd 3D
Movies based on comic-book characters can run the gamut from campy to straight action, and often have the greatest critics within the comic fanbase. British science-fiction anthology 2000 AD's best known and longest-running fictional character is Judge Joe Dredd, a law enforcement officer in Mega City One, a violent post-nuclear city that stretches from Boston to Washington. Chaos reigns within the streets, and drones are used to target suspects. With so many crimes occurring every minute, law enforcement officers have been given the title of "Judges" with the authority to arrest, sentence and exact punishment -- whether condemned to iso-cubes or executed on the spot.
Dredd 3D features Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) as he assesses rookie Anderson (Olivia Thirlby), who despite her marginal scores on the judge aptitude exams is a highly desirable candidate due to her psychic abilities. A "routine" call to investigate a homicide scene in the Peach Trees block becomes a fight for survival as the two judges stumble into a drug turf war. People are addicted to a new drug, Slo-Mo, which makes the user feel as if time has slowed down to an ultra-slow speed.
Three gangs struggle for control of the Peach Trees block, but it is the ruthless ex-prostitute and drug lord Ma-Ma (Lena Headey) and her gang who reign in the 200-story vertical slum. When Judge Dredd and his trainee attempt to leave the complex with a pivotal member of Ma-Ma's clan, the pair become trapped within and marked for execution by Ma-Ma. The residents of Peach Trees eagerly become vigilantes in order to be allowed out of the locked-down complex by killing the judges on the run.
Dredd 3D can best be summarized as a dark, stylized ultraviolent film due to its art direction, cinematography and special effects. From the opening scenes to the climax, the future is portrayed as a bleak wasteland suffering the effects of nuclear fallout. The body count is massive, and no one is spared in the impoverished crime-ridden slums.
The effects of Slo-Mo are interpreted and visually represented in full technicolor ultra slo-mo glory, resulting in explosive and bloody violence. The impact of a bullet through the head or body is slowed to such a speed that the special effects and cinematography must be well balanced to portray anatomical correctness. The CGI effects delivered, including the seamless integration of Cape Town, South Africa to portray a futuristic slum. However, the 3D was not significant or well executed enough to make it a selling point to 3D fans.
The acting in Dredd 3D is brilliant, especially as lead actor Urban disappears completely behind a mask for the entire film to become the stoic and angry Judge Dredd. However, it is Thirlby who steals the show thanks to a well written story arc, as her character must learn to sink or swim in the deep end. With the premise that one in five rookie judges don't survive their first day, viewers observe Anderson developing from a hesitant rookie to a quick-thinking and reacting partner. Headey gives a memorable performance as one of the most heinous and apathetic crime bosses I've seen. The supporting cast members also deliver strong performances, notably Wood Harris as Kay, the murderous detainee Anderson must escort, and Rakie Ayola as Chief Judge.
Personally Dredd 3D is a hard film to like, due to the overwhelming bloody and mounting violence. However, the character development of Anderson as portrayed by Thirlby warmed me up to this movie, as well as the pacing that keeps the audience engaged. As much as I don't want to recommend this film, the fact that I find it so disturbing to my nature means that it works. Its appeal won't be broad, but will certainly please its fan base.
Die-hard fans of Judge Dredd and 2000AD will enjoy the Easter eggs in this film that aren't too hard to spot, ranging from the graffitti throughout Peach Trees complex to the names of the other city blocks.