Customer Reviews

Judge Dredd [VHS]

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(33)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(17)

 

 

The career of a Hollywood Star goes through various ups and downs. This excellent film came out at a point in Stallone's career when it was simply his turn to get reviewed harshly by the Hollywood community. He was getting older, his career had drifted considerably, and another Sly action picture was simply going to be a very hard sell. It took a much-underserved whipping when it was released.

As I say, that is a real shame, because Judge Dredd was one of the best comic book adaptations to ever make the cross into film. It perfectly captures the 70's/80's British comic book about a futuristic cop who reins supreme, given the power to arrest, judge, and execute wrongdoers in a world gone rampant with crime.

This was a big budget production, and the sets and special effects are magnificent. The story is extremely engaging, and it is packed with great action. The film really doesn't take a misstep throughout.

What makes the film a real treat are the supporting performances. Stallone himself delivers a perfect-pitch job as the Judge, nicely capturing all the stern dedication of the comic book, and as the film progresses, his character is beautifully and even touchingly rounded out. But I find myself remembering the lesser roles, such as Armand Assante as the arch villain, Rico, a man holding extreme power in his madness. When his temper flairs, everyone jumps back. The old veteran, Max Von Sydow, displays a pro's commitment in his portrayal of the aging Chief Justice Fargo, holding on to his power simply through a towering dignity. Diane Lane, Jurgen Prochnow, and Joan Chen are on hand to lend superior support, as well as Rob Schneider, who did a great job in giving the movie the touch of comedy needed to truly capture the original comic book. This film even has the great Scott Wilson on board as Pa Angel, a leader of a criminally mutated family that dwells in the "cursed earth."

Amazon reviews got it completely wrong. Their condescending review was typical of the kinder reviews given when the film was released. There is certainly no need to "lower your expectations" to enjoy this film.

You will do just fine if you come to this picture expecting great things.

--Mykal Banta

I have to say that I was not familiar with any Judge Dredd comics, games or had had any other contact with the character apart from this movie so I cannot compare the character to other sources. Therefore, coming from someone that did not "know" the Judge prior to the film I have to say that the movie was FANTASTIC!
There are slight hints of Mad Max and Total Recall, so the movie falls into the action/adventure/science fiction type of category, and what a major hit this action-packed movie is!
Sylvester Stallone, Armand Assante, Diane Lane, and Rob Schneider, have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are outstanding, making this movie one of the best of its kind. The actors' great talent and chemistry clearly shows, thus providing a film that can be watched over and over again. The plot, the setting, the special effects, the battles and the costumes are all wonderful!
In short, I would definitely line up to watch a sequel!

I went to see this movie when it first came out, and I have to say that I never understood why so many people hated it.

All I can think of that that they misread Stallone's portrayal of Judge Dredd. Stallone is purposely playing Dredd as a comic book character (which, after all, is what Dredd was), and therefore not a role laced with any deep meanings. Although there are some deeper scenes (Dredd speaking of what happened to his best friend, and later, Dredd and Rico meeting in the Janus complex), for the most part, the movie is just one big comic book. The movie is what it is, and what it was intended to be; a fun, action sci-fi comic. To expect anything else is unfair.

There are some good roles here, too. Stallone purposely goes two-dimensional as Dredd, which is perfect (Dredd sees only black and white when it comes to the Law). Rob Schnider was also pretty good, not too annoying, not invisible. I recall my friends and I were impressed with him in this one. Diane Lane is foxy, and Max von Sydow lends credibility as mentor and Chief Judge.

There were some interesting ideas on display here, and the execution of those ideas is handled quite well. Perfect? Well, no, but not bad, either.

The effects are a bit dated. Most are CGI, and while impressive for their day, they are very "videogame-looking" compared to more recent CGI work. Still, if you want a fun sci-fi action picture, this is the one.

First, I give the film itself a 4 star rating because I liked it.... BUT... As another reviewer stated (which I noticed after I bought the DVD), the packaging is not labeled correctly! They lied. The label says "ENHANCED FOR 16x9 TELEVISIONS",it is not. It's instead the low rez letterboxed 4x3 format. I'm one of the few who actually seem to care about such things, but I have unfortunately bought several movies of this type and have been scammed ("The Rocketeer" and "2010, Odyssey 2" and "True Lies" among others)... and because you have to open the disc and play it to find out, you can get no refund from the store. These people should be forced to either replace the disc with what they advertized or give your money back. But they don't. They get away with lying to you. Typical Hollywood.

Science fiction is such a wonderful medium in that it affords the creative community to test our concepts that would be impossible to explore in real life.

Judge Dredd is precisely that. A future post-apocalypic Earth (The Cursed Earth) where humanity lives in megacities and where society in order to keep order has established a Police Force with a Judges Power (Police, Judge, Jury, Executioner rolled up into one person - The Judge). These Judges have the power to chase criminals and dispense "Justice" on the spot. A Judge witnesses you jaywalking and he can, on the spot, Judge you guilty and impose a fine. In our society, such a concept is ridiculous and would never work but...suspend disbelief and take a look at what qualities a Judge would have to possess from an Ethics and Justice Perspective. Sometimes these concepts start out in Comics and Judge Dredd is no exception -- Judge Dredd is an award winning and very long running Britsh Comic. I've never read it though fyi.

The Movie is about one Judge -- the baddest and most feared/respected of them all (Judge Joseph Dredd). The movie adaptation follows the formula for many action movies of this time. Rob Schneider plays comic relif (small time thief who happens to be in the wrong time) throughout the movie. Diane Lane is the young new Judgette (sp?) and love interest of Stallone (no romance in the movie though just a bit of URST). Diane is as always lovely and such a wonderful acress. Stallone plays the cold idealistic Ethical Super Judge Dredd. Armand Assante plays a wonderful villain with a very cool bad Robot bodyguard. Max von Sydow and Jürgen Prochnow also play some wonderful supporting characters who deliver some wonderful performances. The acting is first rate and I can say that only Stallone could have played this role -- almost as if it was written for him.

I won't give away much of the plot - suffice it to say that Judge Dredd is accused of a crime he didn't commit, gets shipped off to jail and the bad guys almost take over. As Stallone, Schneider, Lane, and Max von Sydow work to fix things and come back from the edge of oblivion there's plenty of action, humor, big guns, big guns, shooting, big guns etc. Stallone saves the day and kisses the girl.

Genre: SciFi
Type: Action
Category: A (this is not a B movie)
Budget: Summer Blockbuster ($90million)
Actors: First Rate
Acting: Very Good
Special Effects: First Rate (for the time -- still good today)
How'd it do: Half Belly Flop ($100million worldwide)

This was a big budget film which received poor reviews. It was very formulaic and probably the critics were tired of the same formula being used....Big Tough Hero + Comic Relief Funnyman + Gorgeous Girl + Super Bad Guy + Super Tough Odds + Science Fiction Setting = Super Summer Bockbuster.

In fairness, the movie is a bit dated but if you enjoy this genre and want a fun movie to watch on a Sunday Afternoon in the SciFi action category - this is a good candidate. Its not a thinking person's movie (unless your roomate happens to be a philosophy PHD candidate in which case you'll go down having the classic Socrates and Thrasymacus debate for the rest of the afternoon). More of a hang your brain at the door and have some fun kindof movie. The underlying concept though is extremely intelligent. I really enjoyed this movie but definitely its an acquired taste - I hope the review helps make a decision.

This was somewhat hated by critics, but I loved Judge Dredd
with Sylvestor Stallone and Diane Lane. It had great stunts,
effects and action.

Based on the comic book, Dredd is framed for murder, unaware
it's the work of his serial killer enemy. He then embarks
with help from one of his friends to break out of prison
and certain death from Cannibals to clear his name.

Great movie, a big thumbs up go to the real and fun vision
of the director. Stallone as only he can do looks great.

Also check out the comic book and the Judge Dredd video games.

While I would never rate Judge Dredd as one of the best films of all times, it certainly is entertaining as long as you check you brain at the door. Stallone Plays Dredd, a cop/judge who goes around a futuristic New York overpopulated 100 fold and attempts to keep law and order. He is equipped with a really cool gun that can serve as flameflower, rocket launcher, laser blaster, and machine gun all in one, as well as flying motorcycle. Armand Assante plays the man who set him up for murder, and now Dredd must clear himself of the charge and take down his enemy. Rob Scheinder is funny as Stallone's accidental sidekick, a conman who Stallone sent to prison by mistake. I thought the action scenes were loud, fast, and out of this world, everything you want to see in a mindless, fun, popcorn flick. The special effects are great too, and you get to see A LOT of action. While not as good as Demolition Man, this one will keep you entertained, as long as you don't take it too seriously.

This action film starring Sylvester "Rocky Rambo" Stallone is a pretty decent movie which also stars Diane Lane and Armand Assante. I don't know anything about Judge Dredd, other than he's supposedly a comic book character and he never shows his face or whatever. I liked this film, but my issue with it is Rob Schneider. Did he HAVE TO BE in this movie? Seriously, all the guy knows how to do is raunchy comedy ala Adam Sandler. He was okay in "Around The World In 80 Days," but that was a Disney movie and everyone knows you can't get raunchy in a Disney film. I recommwend this movie. Good action scenes. Could have been longer, though, with additional character development of Judge Dredd and Judge Hershey and maybe even a romance between both of them.

I like this movie one of Stallone's better 90's action films and yes it's based on Judge Dredd. It seemed fans of the comics had a problem with Stallone removing his mask, in my eyes, the live action version maybe it's time to remove his helmet people. Plus you can see Stallone tried paying homage to Judge Dredd with his performance which I actually thought was very good.

Good action, nice set design, fun to look at, Diane Lane is hot, I didn't mind Rob Schiender all that much, and a good attempt in my eyes to make Judge Dredd come alive. The movie gets way too much negativity it's fun to watch.

They are remaking Judge Dredd in 2012 - get ready for a hard R helmet not removed Karl Urban as Judge Dredd. Should be worth a look as well.

"I am the Law!"

Judge Dredd is an awesome movie, but I wish they would make a Blu-Ray version. The action, characters, and plot are all great for this kind of movie.