Judge Dredd—which is based on the character from 2000 AD, a weekly British comic—is a sadly generic action film that fails to grasp the subversive nature of its character.
The titular judge—and the system in which he serves—is written as a commentary on the overly aggressive tactics of American law enforcement. The movie, despite nailing the look and feel of Mega-City One and its characters, plays it much more straight forward. Sylvester Stallone, the literal Judge Joseph Dredd, is meant to be the hero.
And as an audience, you're meant to ignore that he's clearly a fascist in fancy, eagle-adorned clothing. That's sort of the tragedy of this film. It never knows what it wants to be. This is due in no small part to Stallone's clashes with the director, Danny Cannon. Cannon, who was a fan of the comic, wanted the movie to have a darker edge to it.
The execs and its star wanted to aim more for a standard summer blockbuster. It accomplished neither. And as a result, it tanked with both critics and audiences. On a budget of $90 million, it grossed just over $113 million worldwide. Its 20% Rotten Tomatoes score (with 54 reviews) is a little harsh, but not much.
All that aside, there is some fun to be had. The practical effects are top notch—kudos to the Angel Gang—Rob Schneider is inexplicably in it, and Armand Assante seems to be aiming for a Lifetime Achievement Razzie with just this performance.
So sit back, send a signal flare to your tastebuds with a Molotov Cocktail Imperial IPA from Evil Twin Brewing Co., and set your Law Bringer to Double Whammy! I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, Chumpzilla, Mayor McCheese, and a special guest are passing down harsh judgements up and down the block war!
This Week’s Segments:
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You can find this episode of Hops and Box Office Flops on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Podbean, Spotify, Acast, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music!
Necessary Roughness – Welcome to Foot ... Balls
True Romance – It’s White Boy Day
Jason X – Jason Gonna Give It to You
Critters 4 – Space Fur Balls
Leprechaun 4 – Irish Emmanuelle in Space
Hellraiser IV: Bloodline – Written by a Pinhead
Death to Smoochy – Gluten and Laugh Free
47 Ronin – Ronin with My Homies
Prince of Persia – The Lion of Central Casting
Gangster Squad – La La Confidential
Prey – Do Not Kill the Dog
Predators – Crazy Larry’s Den of Alien Antiquities
The Predator – Leaking Spinal Fluid
Predator 2 – Pred Harder
The Alamo – Remember It
The Last Duel – Misogynistic Gladiators
Almost Heroes – Drinking Has Its Benefits
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword – Arthur Begins
Dracula Dead and Loving It – Mister, Mister
Morbius – It’s Morbin’ Time!
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