Why Dredd is a Masterpiece - 10 years later

Join me as we look back on Dredd, one of the best action films of the 2010’s, delving in depth into what makes it a masterpiece. Enjoy!
T.U.H.O.S. Podcast - / @uninspiredhour
Follow me on twitter: 1inspired_rvwer?t...
Clips used (show them some love!):
"A Message from Karl" - 2000AD: • A message from Karl Ur...
"A Tribute to Squibs" - Jukka-Pekka Bohm: • A Tribute to Squibs
Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
3:28 - Mega-City One
5:43 - DREDD
11:11 - Ma-Ma, Tragedy of Circumstance
14:43 - Rookie Anderson
19:28 - The Score
20:18 - Cinematography & aesthetic
22:42 - The End...
23:33 - Karl's Message
23:44 - Outro
#dredd #2000ad #comics #review #analysis #masterpiece #cinema #karlurban #alexgarland #reviews #comicsonline #comicbooks #comicbook #film #videoessay

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Here are a few of the best Judge Dredd comic runs if you're interested in reading some! - The Cursed Earth Saga - The Day The Law Died - The Dark Judges - America - Origins - Block Mania/Apocalypse War All available on the official 2000AD comics site: 2000ad.com/ Thanks for watching!

[@GuinessOriginal]

Mate you missed chopper!

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

oh no, that must've been really harsh, plus it was a first edition...sorry man. Hopefully you manage to get something worth as much in the near future! (sentimental & monetary worth of course).

[@pertuk]

Also Oz and The Judge Child Mission

[@pertuk]

Better still, read the first 7 or 8 volumes of the complete case files

[@jorodo299]

Can recommend combining America with Total War - great examination of the motivations of protesters / activists and those policing them.

[@ktg8030]

I thought this was an amazing depiction of Judge Dredd, and are disappointed Urban didn’t make 12 of these films.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

So am I, there could've been so much more stories to tell with the Judge, and Urban is still waiting for that call.

[@gazzaboy84]

I agree and it was amazing in 3D

[@stevezilla68]

If I ever win the lottery, this is what I'm doing with it.

[@enderjed]

Urban has said he'd love to make more of them

[@andu1854]

There was a chance Netflix was going to make this a series and it didn’t happen, which sucks because Karl was down to keep playing Dredd

[@3lithepunk]

Karl urban is a really good actor, the fact that he didn't take off the helmet is a sign of dedication

[@danrebeiz4598]

And a level of humility you rarely see in big name Hollywood actors.

[@butterflyvision3084]

This is the way

[@wilsonjonah]

It was actually in his contract that while he was on set, he was to wear the helmet and not take it off

[@toolegittoquit_001]

Better than the Madalorian

[@naverthis7552]

​@@wilsonjonah from what i heard its the opposite, he said he will only take the Role if they keep the Helmet on.

[@N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S.]

Everyone heaps praise on Karl Urban for his incredible portrayal of Dredd and Lena Headey for her terrifyingly cold portrayal of Ma-Ma, but too few praise Olivia Thirlby for her portrayal of Anderson. From her nervous energy at the start of her assessment, to her reluctant execution of the guy who tried to kill her and Dredd, to the ass-kicking, name-taking badass she is at the end, Thirlby took her character on a journey. Top shelf stuff.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Thirlby was incredible & managed to convey subtlety in her performance. As I said in the video, its too bad she never reached the same heights as her co-stars.

[@xyaeiounn]

This movie didn't make a single wrong step. It had the love. Not one character messed up a syllable. This could so easily have collapsed into a cheesy mess looking for fan money. Of course we'll never speak or think of that Stallone movie.

[@Gambit771]

She was very bland. Not the Anderson I read in the comics. She's fine but definitely the weakest aspect of the film.

[@mikeb4822]

@@Gambit771 If they had named Thirlby's character anything other than Anderson I would have given this movie a good solid 8.5 but this treatment of the Anderson character knocks it down to a 6 at best for me. Still I wouldn't expect anything better from Hollywood. Can you imagine the shit show that would result if they ever got their hands on Halo Jones.

[@Gambit771]

@@mikeb4822 I think knocking it to 6 is a harsh but I agree with your sentiment. Would like to add that this film is not Hollywood, it is an independent and if it was Hollywood then it probably would've made a profit. Or Hollywood would've ruined it by meddling and not understanding the source material. I'm going to say the second option would've happened.

[@Lieutenant_Dude]

I still love how at the end, the chief judge asks what happened and dredd just says, “Drug bust.”

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

He's soo goddamn cool!

[@nelsonchereta816]

"She's a pass."

[@DavidFarrer-sk5tc]

“Perps were…uncooperative.” Is a line straight out of the comics, exactly what Dredd would say! 😅 👍

[@philsurtees]

@@DavidFarrer-sk5tc Yeah, they murdered a whole floor of people with 2 mini guns (aside from everything else)! _"Perps were ... uncooperative."_

[@TemptationsEnd]

@@DavidFarrer-sk5tcthey say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well judge dreds words are worth 1000 pictures. Because you can infer whatever level of legal carnage you want. Because this is the “self insert” badass character. Which is probably less epic than what the real judge dred did. 😂

[@paulhilton6426]

I can't actually think of a movie that deserves the title of "most underrated" more than Dredd. Just an amazing film.

[@OutrageIsNow]

Easily in my top 5

[@jonathanguzman3044]

1000% agree

[@beebTim]

I watched this with my 2 sons and a number of their friends in 3D. Possibly the best cinema experience ever. Brilliant, brillant, brilliant film.

[@benjiewoods4865]

Its actually so sad. Because of its underatedness we most likely wont get sequals

[@sana-cm7oc]

This. Absolutely incredible film.

[@davidpaylor5666]

The best franchise that didn't happen. It is so close to the actual Judge Dredd in spirit and style that it's near perfect, Mr Urban totally gets Joe Dredd. And Lena Headey is MAGNIFICENT.

[@lowrider81hd]

Is there any role Lena doesn’t excel in! She’s one of the greatest completely underrated actresses. Pure craft and artistry.

[@CalridRobnor123srs]

I agree, it's weird that they did not continue with the world of Mega Ctiy One. I would have loved to see them explore the weird and oppressive word of America post nuclear holocaust, but sadly it was not to be.

[@CalridRobnor123srs]

Oh and then they remake The Little Mermaid, and manage to actually disturb and disenfranchise very fan of that film including Hans Christian Anderson who is spinning no doubt in his grave at 500mph. I could go on, naming film after film that deserved better and not the rehash tired trite, but Hollywood went insane 20 years ago.

[@javiercastro8660]

000ñ0⁰ñ

[@javiercastro8660]

​@@lowrider81hd000

[@dirtyhenry917]

I make it a point to watch Dredd at least once every year. It remains one of my all-time favorite movies. I wish there had been another installment in the franchise.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

I think we all wish there was another installment in the franchise

[@Advythe]

Same dude

[@drsiege3434]

This, for me, is one of the best, comic-accurate movies ever. It's criminally underrated and deserves a sequel. The acting was near perfect - especially Urban and Ma ma.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Too bad we might never get a sequel, it's a true shame.

[@Gambit771]

It isn't comic accurate but does part respect to the source material.

[@ImrahilToChaos]

Anderson is nothing like she is in the books.

[@notundermywatch3163]

It should be revived as a series

[@simonwallis84]

It’s probably the most underrated movie in the past 15 years,Urban never showing his face is a testament to his acting ability. Brilliant innovative film work

[@kathrynck]

Predators (with an s) came out around that time, and was also pretty underrated. Both films suffered from bad movies preceding them. Judge Dredd, with Stallone, really hurt the Dredd IP. And the Predator IP was slowly trashed with campy AVP films. Good movies which follow behind a bad one (in the same IP) make less than they deserve / Bad movies which follow a good one (same IP) make more than they deserve. But yeah, Dredd's box office was 1/10th what it should have been.

[@holliswilliams7717]

the best bit is the end when he picks up mama's drugs, it's like Karl, I know you've been grimacing this whole film and using your chin to act, can you...use it even more?

[@jonnowocky8179]

@@kathrynckDredd is on a totally different level to Predators, and I wouldn’t consider it an IP continuation. It’s hard to liken it to the very odd Stallone / ABC warrior film in any way, to its benefit. Garland clearly read 2000AD

[@staomruel]

And a sign of respect for the source material. Sly was 'too big a star' to not have his mug on the screen, smh.

[@beebTim]

@@kathrynck Couldn't agree more... on both films. We saw this movie in 3D as well, which was just fantastic.

[@perskeisari]

The point of Dredd giving Ma-Ma slowmo was not just a punishment, but also an insurance that her heart doesn't stop when she's in the range of the explosives.

[@misterbrady100]

Dredd is definitely cynical enough to punish someone this way. But I think you're right.

[@harrysachz6395]

...yeah.

[@Selrisitai]

Why would this prevent her heart from stopping?

[@perskeisari]

@@Selrisitai Not to prevent, but to delay enough time for be out of effective range of the transmitter I'd say. 'The effects include slowed perception of time, euphoria and additionally would prolong the any feelings user would have. Pain and/or pleasure.' (source: Wiki :D) I'd argue that the brain would be in overdrive and could not let the heart to stop in a while.

[@efxnews4776]

​@@misterbrady100I don't think this version of Dredd is all this cynical, this one is practical, and the use of the drug to slow time long enogh to prevent Mama's death would be something he would do... Dredd reminds of cops from BOPE or ROTA in Brazil, those guys are always fighting a war everyday, they don't have time neither the luxury of be sadistic towards criminals, what they do, they do for duty.

[@rizkhan3368]

I loved the movie the first time I saw it, never understood why it flopped , only to be appreciated so much a decade later.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Same, I feel like poor marketing, 3D's bad reputation & too much box office competition killed it at the cinema. At least people are appreciating it now.

[@ComicPower]

It came out in 2012 so got lost between the Avengers and Batman the Dark Knight returns.

[@paulmoger8961]

Blade Runner did poorly too when it came out. Now it's a cult classic.

[@dankan9448]

I would have loved to see this movie in theaters if I knew about it. Really bad marketing.

[@jokesplays4059]

if DREDD 2 released that would be an opening night showing for me, I missed out on the first one due to school, but watched it through i think netflix on a whim, despite hearing "how bad it was" I believe i was hearing people talk about how it flopped rather then the actual quality, it quickly became my favorite movie of the year

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Same here mate, I'd be in the cinema in a heartbeat to watch Dredd 2. Where I grew up, it wasn't shown in theatres so I discovered right after it hit digital. Loved it ever since.

[@tranzorz6293]

If a Sequel was planned it would be the first time in a long time that I would be excited to go and see a film in the cinema.

[@alexc8209]

But we dont want a Dredd 2 filmed this decade because if they do it they will make him gay or trans or a black female. better to wait 20 years for this American/Democrat stupidity to go away. I would like to see a normal country make a Dredd film though. Maybe a Russian version?

[@ianmills6260]

​@@alexc8209this is so cringe lol

[@Tuhoeterra]

@@alexc8209 tell me you're American without telling me you're American.🙃

[@model101t800]

I love this adaptation, I really hope Dredd 2 is going to happen after jumping in and out of development

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

I really do too, I know there's a rights issue because a TV show called Mega City One is being developped, which is the reason why Dredd 2 isn't happening for now; But even that is going through development hell.

[@wyattwilbourne530]

Same bro I want this movie so bad

[@nusku74]

​@TheUninspiredReviewer Rebellion own All the rights to Judge Dredd what are you on about? There has been talk of a Mega City One show for years, even Urban has expressed interest in returning. Its also in some form of development Hell as you stated, but has feck all to do with Dredd 2 getting made.

[@RCAvhstape]

@@nusku74 Insubordinate. And churlish.

[@adrianwaterman133]

​@@RCAvhstapeKey n Peel them all the way 😂

[@BlindTrustProject]

Olivia Thirlby doesn't get enough credit for her character. She's more than just a (very) eye pleasing sidekick and manage to really flesh a useful partner and counter weight to Dredd. Love her performance nicely moving between rationality, self confident, true fear of dying, courage and brain.

[@wilsonjonah]

I'd be so happy if she was Samus in a Metroid film, I don't think anyone else could do it but her

[@AlexanderWebb]

@@wilsonjonah 100% this

[@kanedaku]

100% pleasant on the eye

[@PainRack]

The character development Anderson undergoes is IMPRESSIVE.... And this itself highlights how she's ready....

[@chillshock2144]

She's gorgeous AND strong and most importantly, even with gifted powers not a "Mary Sue" character that seems to be all we're getting these days.

[@josephsalmonte4995]

You're not a simp for calling Olivia Thirlby gorgeous homie. She *is* gorgeous. Her, Karl Urban & Lena Headey killed their roles. Brilliant acting ❤️

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Olivia Thirlby is way too gorgeous, i'm stunned she hasn't been in anything of note except a small role in Oppenheimer since Dredd.

[@johngilmore697]

We are the mods! We are the mods! We are, we are, we are the mods! We are the mods! We are the mods! We are, we are, we are the mods! We are the mods! We are the mods! We are, we are, we are the mods!

[@mickieg1994]

I gotta say, the colour palette for this movie and setting was absolutely perfect aswell, the slow mo shots are so beautifully coloured they become pieces of art all their own, without feeling overblown or unrealistic

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Took the words right out of my mouth, it looks incredible.

[@MrRyuken555]

It was filmed in Johannesburg, South Africa, unfortunately the film is not that far from the reality of our country now.

[@mickieg1994]

@@MrRyuken555 I've heard stories and seen documentaries, what's happening in south Africa is genuinely terrible but the complete contempt from the west is somehow worse. Hope you and yours are safe, how's life in SA?

[@ianmills6260]

It really captures how awful of a place this city is to live. Great environment

[@Libertas_P77]

Dredd is a masterpiece, it deserves multiple sequels, and Karl Urban and his companion in the movie as the rookie judge were both fantastic.

[@justinhunt4767]

It didn't make money

[@jsavak99]

They should have made a sequel and used this director to do Batman

[@kbuttstadt]

DREDD is the epitome of efficient filmmaking.

[@SophiaAphrodite]

Get Shorty and 5th Element does this as well.

[@nilbog6942]

No

[@yourboyvic]

do more show with less tell

[@user-lt7op4ti6b]

AGREED. I have always used "efficient" as my highest compliment for a film yet so many people unfortunately don't fully understand what I mean when I say that.

[@user-lt7op4ti6b]

​@SophiaAphrodite no they don't. Both are good movies but both have multiple scenes and characters that could be cut and the movies would be improved immediately. Dredd doesn't have a single second of anything like that.

[@Dreckmal01]

Easily one of the best comic movies if the last 20 years, if not ever.

[@obsidian00]

It's right up there with the first BLADE...

[@j.r.huffnstuff3549]

Dredd, Sin City, Spiderman 2, The Dark Knight, and either Blade or Winter Soldier for the top 5. I find it hard decide if I like Winter Soldier as much as Blade 1, or if the whole MCU vibe takes it down a peg. Either way Dredd and Sin City are essentially masterpieces.

[@echoesofmalachor3700]

Dredd, Blade and V for Vendetta are my top 3

[@blindtomuk]

Saw this in the cinema and it was one of the few times I felt that 3d was well executed, added to the movie and wasn't a gimmick.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

I think that managed to make it stand out but was also its downfall. People probably passed it up because they thought it was another random converted to 3D movie. There were just too many at the time.

[@amateuranalyst]

Karl Urban needs to be used more. He's one of my favorite actors and absolutely NAILS everything he's in. Dredd has amazing atmosphere and I want more. I loved that you covered this, and with a great analysis. This video is damn good and deserves MUCH more attention.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Karl Urban has been severely underutilised in Hollywood, even though he's been in some of the best films of the early 2000's. He needs more leading roles! I've loved Dredd since I first saw it and thought I was the only one, it's rarely talked about in the mainstream but is always showered with praise when brought up. I've heard rumors of Dredd 2 finally moving forward a couple of months back so, fingers crossed. Thank you so much brother, means a lot, especially coming from you, the king of analyses himself! I still aspire to make one video as great as yours someday.

[@Sekir80]

@@TheUninspiredReviewer Reaaallly? 2 is moving forward? So, that's the reason I clicked on your video to figure this tidbit out! Thanks man! Btw: cool video, loved the edits!

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

@@Sekir80 It's still not official but we've gotten teases from Karl Urban in interviews. The main problem is that Lionsgate doesn't have the film rights for Dredd anymore, so those that do own them are making a TV show called Mega City One. Hopefully after that airs, a studio picks up the film rights & gets Dredd 2 rolling. Thanks a lot man! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, I really appreciate the kind words.

[@Sekir80]

@@TheUninspiredReviewer I'm really not into Hollywoodland workings, thus these infos are golden to me. Thanks for telling! You're welcome! As I looked around on your channel there are a couple of videos I'll be definitely watching! Especially love the oldies! Yet to see Invisible man, though, then I'll come back for that one, too. Will you put Metropolis to the list?

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

@@Sekir80 Oh don't worry I got you covered on the Hollywoodland workings man haha. Thanks a lot mate, I try to do a little bit of everything and I adore black & white cinema. Since you asked, I will add Metropolis. I mostly just choose at random whenever there's nothing new to review so you asked & I shall deliver once I can. Don't you worry, i'm a man of my word. Cheers & glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@paulbrown6464]

My favourite line is when Dredd asks Anderson if she is ready and then tells her she doesn’t look ready, followed up near the end of the film when he tells her she looks ready

[@fatmayo2293]

Along with the lines in the beginning...... Dredd: "Where's your helmet?" Anderson: "It interfers with my psychic ability." Dredd: "I think a bullet might interfere with it more." 😂

[@shake307]

The first time I watched this movie was in a whim. I didn't even know it was made. This movie blew me away. Criminally underrated

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Same here, I randomly bought it on DVD and wow, couldn't believe I had never heard of it before.

[@newp0rt]

i ignored it for a long while due to bad reception. i assumed it was just another trash reboot. i was wrong. popped up on netflix recently and threw it on as a bed movie. ended up glued to the whole movie and going to bed late. this movie was BEAUTIFUL. that first slomo scene hooked me. i cant believe how good it was.

[@markportch6526]

This is one of the greatest films of all time and Karl Urban is, wait for it... legendary

[@BRollStage]

This adaptation is so solid it makes my heart ache. The casting is on point, the tone is balanced perfectly with the budget, great pacing, reasonable stakes, believable villian. Karl Urban nails it. Chef's kiss. 💜📽

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

It is indeed, a goddamn masterpiece!

[@beebTim]

Urban does indeed nail it, but you can't overlook just how brilliantly Lena Headey played Ma Ma. If you get (got) a chance, watch it in 3D... Best 3D movie ever (and that includes Avatar).

[@justinwhitsitt7072]

I never heard of this movie till about 5 years ago when I saw it on Amazon. Just decided to watch it not expecting much. Turned out to be one of the best action movies of all time

[@seyo8068]

Karl Urban is king! dude made an excellent dredd, and in " The Boys " hes just unbelievable. a shame we will never see him in another Dredd movie...

[@the7percentsolution]

I met Karl Urban at DragonCon and just thanked him for this movie and never taking off the helmet. He wasn't very personable (probably because I didn't buy an autograph or anything) but he was pleasant enough for the brief interaction.

[@hstafford078]

This movie is absolutely amazing, and will stand the test of time as a classic. Just like John Carpenter's The Thing, which also failed at the box office, but now stands as a timeless example of great film making.

[@Dragonblaster1]

I think the worst thing about the Stallone film was the fact that he almost never wore his helmet. In the comics, you never see Dredd without his helmet. Karl Urban really nailed it. As you say, he was Dredd.

[@scottneil1187]

That and Judge Hershey and Dredd share a kiss. Utterly wrong, Judges are not allowed personal relationships in any way. Also, in the comics Hershey is basically the female Dredd, she's a badass and neither would kiss even if they were allowed.

[@Ghastly10]

I think what I liked about the Stallone version was the various environments, they seemed more like the Mega City One as seen in the 2000AD comics. Carl Urban's version was the overall story, the one thing to me that was a bit off was the Judges cycles and a couple of other things. But this was more than likely due to the budget for this movie being only $45 Million, compared to Stallone's version which was $90 MIllion.

[@garymiles484]

Not quite. Well on the few times Dredd removes his helmet in the 2000AD comics, a censor banner is placed over the face, but yes, you never saw his face.

[@Dragonblaster1]

@@garymiles484 Ah, yes, you're right, and a couple of times you see the back of his head

[@zerocool5395]

The movie is like 90 minutes long, Stallone wears the helmet for like not even 5 minutes lol.

[@daydreamers8254]

man i LOVED keith urban's Dredd. I really wish they made a sequel or two with him. he was perfect for the role.

[@desmond931]

Keith urban lol

[@hermes63]

I can't say how many times I've watched this film. Always start with "let's take another look at that particular scene", and after that, rewatch it thoroughly. Not only is brilliant, it makes you feel like you were there, as very few sci-fi films do.

[@user-lc8mn5ud1l]

Judge Dredd was based off Clint Eastwood's "Dirty Harry". Strontium Dog was based off Clint Eastwood's "Man with no name". Clint Eastwood's characterizations were a huge impact on 2000ad stories. Also the movie Dredd was like a typical week's episode of Judge Dredd in 2000ad - perfectly summed up as a "drug bust".

[@MANIKO5]

Truth.

[@sabbathjackal]

Robocop was originally written as a judge dredd script

[@holliswilliams7717]

Some critics complained that Karl's Dredd was a Clint Eastwood impression, but the character was originally inspired by Eastwood anyway.

[@holliswilliams7717]

One thing that was really cool was that Dredd didn't even bother mentioning the huge fight with the rogue Judges at the end, implying that it's such a common occurrence he doesn't even see it as worth mentioning.

[@M0butu]

​@@holliswilliams7717That is a compliment, not a complaint. 😅 Judge Dredd is based on Leone Westerns, which are based on Samurai and Noire movies. You like one genre, you like all the others.

[@comradecid]

having grown up with the comics, i remain beyond-words-grateful for this film's understanding and appreciation of the source material, whilst pursuing its own interpretation and adaption. this especially applies to the long-standing internal conflict shared by most fans and writers: we love dredd, the judges, their singular authourity, and the fantastic brutality of their world... whilst simultaneously aware of how awful it would all be in real life. we'd all eagerly look forward to epic end-of-year issues presenting exquisite storylines and artwork, that were also punctuated with dredd's personal reports exhibiting utter disdain for underground democracy activists. despite the story being set in america, this inherent duality of 'loving what you should hate' is one of the most british aspects woven deeply into the comic. and for once, this was not lost on the cutting-room floor.

[@Juggler4071]

It's clear that the people behind the movie really knew and appreciated the comics. There were so many background details taken from the comics that did not draw attention to themselves, and showed that when they were populating this world they did so with the source material at the forefront of their minds. I'm pretty sure they were more devastated than anyone at not having the chance to show more of the world in some sequels.

[@Rekaert]

I only really had two issues with the movie. 1: The Lawmaster. It's an ok looking bike, but the Lawmaster was always a cruiser style with forward controls. They made it a more mid-control bike. It works well enough, but I wasn't a fan of the design for Dredd. But hey, it's a hard bike to bring to the screen. 2: Dredd's general appearance. Time permitting, Dredd kept himself in a condition of good appearance. His uniform was well kept, and his facial hair was non-existent. In the comic he is pretty serious about his appearance reflecting well on the department as a whole, and doesn't like facial hair. He even wrote a book about how a Judge should present themselves. Naturally these standards are subject to the job at hand, as over extended periods he does sustain damage to his uniform and grown facial hair. In the movie Dredd starts off unshaven and his uniform is scuffed up badly. It would have been nice to see that progress over the film.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

I see what you mean, I think it could've been more doable concerning your second point rather than the Lawmaster which is much harder to make. The feel did show him get hurt and take damage, but I will admit that for what he went through during those 90min, he should've looked significantly more messed up.

[@Exile-exe]

Mega city 1 does not have the budget to buy Dredd, new shoes Every time he scuffs a toe. It’s realistic.

[@Rekaert]

​@@Exile-exe For the film that's the kind of grimy run-down and utilitarian aesthetic they were going for. In the source material, not so much. The tech in the film is far below where it is in the comic, where mass-automation has rendered nearly everyone unemployed. Judge Uniforms are rolled off an assembly line en masse at the whim of a dictatorial police-state who control everything. It's unclear how much of that is retained for the film, or where the film's tech level is precisely.

[@Osamabr]

i just watched this yesterday for the first time and it was phenomenal.

[@ThePereubu1710]

@17:55 - Ah....but she didn't fail her assessment. The automatic failure was, if I remember correctly "loss of primary weapon". Anderson's "primary weapon" wasn't her Peacekeeper, it was her psychic ability and Dredd recognised that. At least that's how I saw it at the time.

[@nigelft]

You're right more than you know ... In the comics, Judge Anderson was first, and foremost, a psychic, who used her mind more than anything else ... Imho, her character rightly deserves 2nd place behind Judge Dredd, but was underutilised. I would love a sequel in which she is now the fully fledged feared, and respected, Judge, whom has to team up with Dredd again ... except this time he can't call her rookie anymore ...

[@nyetzdyec3391]

The brain is always the primary weapon. You don't very often hear it expressed so bluntly, BUT... "Guns don't kill people. PEOPLE kill people." - is a subtle way to say the same thing.

[@Havoc_762]

If you rewatch the movie at the beginning of the movie while Dredd is speaking to the Chief Justice she tells Dredd that Anderson failed her initial assessment exams to become a Judge.

[@StevieB8363]

That's an interesting point that I didn't consider at the time. And it was certainly her psychic ability that allowed her to get the drop on the renegade judge who was going to kill her. When it came to "make or break" time, Anderson came through. Despite her lack of experience, she ultimately relied on her gut instincts and natural talents, and came out on top. While it could be technically argued that she failed by losing her Lawgiver, Dredd recognised that she had the heart and soul of a Judge, and would be a valuable addition, particularly given her special abilities. I have only a passing familiarity with the Dreddverse, but it does seem to me that Dredd values results above all else. And Anderson was going to deliver results.

[@Ylyrra]

@@StevieB8363 In the comics Dredd has a "no compromises" approach to The Law, except... well in rare circumstances he recognises that Justice is larger than The Law, and that sometimes there are other people who also have no compromise in them who serve the same ideals as devotedly but do things in a way he cannot. Basically a rare admission that he isn't always the right tool for the job, and Anderson is one of those small handful of others who he will trust to do some things he can't. In he movie, he recognises that even when she's already failed and has no reason to keep trying, she still puts justice ahead of everything else. Like him, it's just who she is.

[@danielsweet858]

This & Punisher: War Journal were two of the most faithful adaptations ever done. After the Stallone bomb stuck up the place I dreaded the character would never appear in cinemas again Karl can do no wrong... except for his autograph prices...

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

After the Stallone film, all my hopes for any film adaptation had withered away. We were wrong.

[@erictrevilian3180]

Probably the best Dredd analysis/retrospective I’ve seen. And I’ve seen more than my share. Well done, brother. And thank you for it.

[@mgiebus1869]

This film and Cyberpunk 2077 go hand in hand. Feels like the same universe

[@Redmenace96]

Ma Ma was a great villain character, and Lena Headly did a great job. As usual, a great action movie needs a villain as good as the hero.

[@daviddines479]

Yeah she did great in this. I hated her. Box successfully ticked. She kind of entered my conscience via 300 as the spartan queen. Loved her in that.

[@wyldhowl2821]

Yes, probably the scariest Headey character; Ma-Ma will fuck you up personally, and is 100% unafraid, even when Dredd is there to end her. Maybe she was once not this way, but fully committed now to being an apex predator.

[@ColinoDeani]

Indeed.. I loved her Performance.. She really delivered that Pretty Psychopath Vibe well

[@night1952]

Back when it came out I heard pretty much nothing about it so I thought it was just a pointless reboot but when I finally saw it... It's one of the best action movies I've seen. It certainly came out too soon.

[@bsgnerd]

Dang! Solid video. Writing, narration, editing, humor and subject!!! Rock solid

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Thank ya mate! I'm glad you enjoyed the video ;)

[@sorearm]

Dredd is absolutely fantastic. Gritty, hard as nails. Urban absolutely NAILED this performance. It is like 'training day' and a brilliant 'day in the life of mega city 1'. I've loved 2000 AD since a kid in the 80s and this was everythign we wanted

[@ml0723]

Easily one of my top movies. Such a cool film. Urban nailed the role. I don’t even bother watching the Stallone movie which is forgettable.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Truly is underrated & I feel so bad for the cast & crew who did everything to get a sequel moving, they really loved what they made. Agreed, although I do think Stallone's film nailed the futuristic look slightly better than Urban's.

[@toreyzyre]

Stallone's movie failed for me when not even 5 minutes into it he takes off the helmet personally. This one knows the source material and respects it, despite having an attractive male lead well capable of gritty facial expressiveness. Granted having Thirlby as the face viewed counterpart as our host pointed out, is an excellent dichotomy to the semi-faceless Dredd.

[@nathanaelmcmahan872]

I watch the old one for Rob Schneider about every decade or so when I'm really bored and baked. The new one is obviously superior. I like slow-mo when it actually has a plot device, ex The Matrix.

[@KidNamedKeezy]

@@toreyzyre yeahs that ruined it for me as well, I saw dredd first then went to see the first. Staleness version does a lot right but is just super cheesy which looking back isn’t the worst. Urban is just more solid in the role.

[@Stan_the_Belgian]

Stallone version still is and was "cool", not as dark but entertaining

[@scottfitzpatrick1939]

Karl Urban brought so much character while wearing almost a full mask. This movie did so much with so little. Its never dull and super impressive

[@nospoon4799]

Urban is Dredd now. I suspect time travel.

[@LEvpic161]

This is one of those movies that I can keep coming back to and it never gets boring

[@philsurtees]

Some of the greatest one liners in history in that movie. I love the end, when his boss comes, and she asks him what happened, and after all they've been through, he says _"perps were ... uncooperative."_ Legendary understatement...

[@parheliaa]

Dredd, and Alita Battle Angel, are the two of the most underrated SF movies in the last 10 years. Pity, that I learnt about both of them long after they were gone from cinemas

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

I actually watched Alita when it came out, i'm so pissed we probably won't get a sequel.

[@richardturner4074]

​@@TheUninspiredReviewer I watch that movie at least twice a month 😊

[@FightCollective]

Yeah and I'd add District 9 to that list.

[@BenevolentBloodhound]

@@TheUninspiredReviewer why not

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

@@BenevolentBloodhound It's been stuck for a while, because Robert Rodriguez has been busy with other productions & the Disney/Fox merger slowed everything down. The last info we've gotten is Rodriguez saying they're "Talking about it a lot" & the studio is "Slammed with all the Avatar stuff". Looks like Disney is more focused on Marvel & Avatar than giving out 200mil to something like Alita 2.

[@-Markus-]

Fav scene is at the very end…when dredd just walks away, bullet wound in his stomache and the peach trees sign lights up once again behind him and that amazing musics drops!

[@lowrider81hd]

We deserve a sequel of this sequel!

[@Xhumed]

As a 2000AD and Judge Dredd fan since I was a small child, Dredd was possibly the best adaptation of a comic I've ever seen, and Karl Urban was fantastic as Joe. It captured the feel of the comic perfectly- this is just another day in Mega City One, not some big grandiose event. The extreme poverty and brutality against the poor that Thatcherism creates when both the greed of politicians, corporations, law, and crime born of poverty and hopelessness, target them indiscriminately (2000AD was born from 1980s Britain). Something the Stallone film never understood (made by Americans who missed the entire point of the comic).

[@bryna7]

Thatcher wasn't the only brutal capitalist...and Americans are well aware of how destructive classism is.

[@Xhumed]

@@bryna7 Not the ones who made the Stallone version.

[@demonmonsterdave]

@@TheBenson51 It is not implied that both started at exactly the same time.

[@demonmonsterdave]

@@TheBenson51 We were discussing the fact that 2000AD, which the author connected with Thatcher, was started before Thatcher came to power. In my opinion, this is perfectly fine because Thatcher's Britain didn't begin with her being PM but later can be named for her because she was a personification of the forces that were shaping British society. Obviously, not everything has to start at exactly the same time to be concurrent. The rest of your comment is aimed at someone else, I think.

[@demonmonsterdave]

@@TheBenson51 Your own opinion is interesting, but 1979-1990 are the officially accepted dates. Along with the fact that social and political factors exist so that leaders are elected, and not the other way round, it is clear that 2000 AD was born out of that particular political era and social climate that we now call Thatcherism.

[@danthestuntman]

Loved working on this movie as a Stuntman and the Tactical Advisor. Had the dream job of training Karl and Olivia. Great breakdown of the movie. Keep up the good work!

[@Orogenesis]

Just stumbled on this. Excellent review you deserve to get big!

[@viper1524]

I have been reading Dredd since I wad a kid and this film is near literal perfection, appalled its didn't get a sequel or at least a chance to be on the small screen, heard rumours it may happen and got my fingers crossed, excellent review as well.

[@TonyDennie123]

Wasn't the time it came out that killed it. It was the extreme lack of marketing that killed it. I've been a huge fan of Judge Dredd since the 90s before Stallone movie and when I heard about this movie I was psyched! Problem happened when I didn't hear about it again until it had been in theaters for almost two months. Practically no ads, no mainstream interviews, I mean nothing. I still ask people today if they've seen it and everyone of them thinks I'm talking about Stallone's version because they never heard of this one.

[@colinfoo2856]

The fact that Karl was a Dredd Comic fan speaks for itself. It blew my mind ( high Ex😊) when I watch it in the Cinema 10 years ago, without knowing anything about it, expecting it to be another bad Hollywood depiction just Stallone version. Boy! Was I wrong. Was expecting a sequel and still waiting for it. Though I know it will never Ever happened.

[@0ne0fmany]

As a Kid, I loved the old Stallone Dredd. I still do, I think it has a bit of that 90s and comic book charm to it. But the remake is one of the best action movies I've seen. In an age where the PG rating is usually catered to a wider audience, I really appreciate how it was gruesome yet mature and just beautiful with the slow-mo shots this movie was.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

I agree, the Stallone film, like most films of the 90's keep a certain charm that makes them super enjoyable to watch today. But as you said, the newer version is tip-top Dredd!

[@BlueDemon77]

Urban's Dredd and the tone, style and story is way better than the Stallone movie (no way!!), but I actually prefer the look of the sets in the Stallone film, the streets and buildings looked closer to Mega-City One in 2000 AD in my opinion.

[@markusps3248]

Great review! But as for Dredd's character development i wouldn't say there is no arc. At the beginning he was so uncompromising and by the book that he wasn't even willing to accept someone as a candidate for a Judge when he failed his exam even by a few points. At the end when he learned that even Judges can be corrupted, he realized that he needs to compromise with his standards and let Anderson pass even though she failed the assessment on two occations. It might not be a complete 180 but I would definitelly qualify it as an change in his character.

[@MD-yd8lh]

True

[@InvisibleJiuJitsu]

100%. For him to miss that shows a massive misunderstanding of the film

[@peterbrazukas7771]

I agree with most of your read on this, but I do think part of Dredd's acceptance of Anderson as a passing candidate was his realisation that although she may have had her firearm taken from her, an instant fail among all recruits, in her case as a psychic it's her mind that is her real weapon. Once he understood that, he could see her potential as a very effective Judge. If she lives long enough.

[@DS9TREK]

It's also that he's prejudiced against mutants. Dredd is basically a fascist in a uniform.

[@MD-yd8lh]

@@DS9TREK its not the dread are fascist, its all society

[@SilusGrundy]

Great film. Just wished they could've used the futuristic Mega City used in Stallone's Dredd.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Definitely have to agree with you on that one.

[@tompearce5418]

You could have built the entire MCU around either version of Mega-City One - the capacity for new storylines is infinite.

[@Carstuff111]

I loved this movie instantly. And to this day, I WANT MORE!

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

We need a sequel! #makeDredd2

[@TheSocialProfile]

“You look ready” I loved that bit

[@somethingbrite8484]

Utterly stunned that this wasn't a massive hit. Urban totally nailed Dredd...indeed the entire movie from writing to production nailed it. The 2000AD comic reading kid that I once was could never have asked for a more faithful treatment of Dredd and Mega City One. Brilliant. (And Stallone's Dredd sucked)

[@ComradeCommissarYuri]

They botched the marketing., a lot of people didn’t even know it was based on the 2000 AD comic

[@daviddines479]

Its really annoying when really good movies do bad at the box office and pretty average movies do well.

[@holliswilliams7717]

It's a question of marketing unfortunately. People have really, really short attention spans so everything needs to be advertised or marketed or it will sink, even if it's really good like this film.

[@Gambit771]

I have to say that Stallone's dredd mega city one is far closer to the comics than Urban's.

[@seebarry4068]

For the record, as a massive 2000ad kid back in the day, I paid for my cinema ticket on this one, I tried to make it successful. So sad, this could’ve led to an MCU rival for the grown ups, AD is jammed full of great stories and characters.

[@jonathanguzman3044]

Oh yeah. This is definitely more for grown ups. No cheesy one liners or over the top costumes or predictable good vs evil narratives like the mass produced garbage marvel pumps out every year

[@Vertexnine]

Fantastic analysis - Subbed! Also, your meme taste is spot on. When Dredd shoots Mama followed by JK Simmons chuckling was hilarious

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Thank you mate! Glad to have your sub, i've been on a little hiatus posting but rest assured I'll be back by this weekend for lots more videos to come!

[@ICR68]

Totally agree. I grew up with Dredd from his first appearance, and this movie fully captured both the character and his environment in ways Stallone didn't. After watching it I simply had to buy the Blu-Ray! Karl Urban nailed it.

[@dominiquecharriere1285]

I must have seen it 7 times now, and it is always the same pleasure. I'm seeing it every year since I discovered it. It is indeed a masterpiece.

[@crispybits3765]

Dredd is indeed a masterpiece, and one of my favourite films of recent years. Such a shame it bombed on the big screen, but good that it got the credit it deserved in the long run. Great video by the way. Loved the focus on the sadness of Ma Ma, because as wicked as she is, I have always viewed her as a tragic character. Like you, I also get the sense that she has an extreme death wish, but perhaps wants to inflict as much pain as she can before she goes, just like the pain inflicted on her by the world.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Thank you mate, glad you enjoyed my analysis!

[@coolman229]

I really like how Dredd deals with the heartbeat monitor Ma Ma tries to use against him. He figures out that the signal likely wouldn't reach from the bottom and just chucks her out the window.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

He basically said "modern problems require modern solutions" haha

[@darrengordon-hill]

Genius

[@Dave_Parrott]

Hellz yeah dawg! Dredd is better than many very successful action movies. Watched it several times, and I RARELY watch a movie more than once.

[@teux01]

It was a real shame how this movie kinda flew under the radar at the time. I've probably seen it a dozen times and it's always a fun ride.

[@fangsabre]

I really love the use of Dredd as this force of nature within the universe while also making him human. He has thoughts and feelings that are capable of change, but his convictions and force of will define who he is. He really comes across as a sort of wandering dispenser of justice. Its just that hes tailored to worlds where 'justice' isnt actually that black and white, but is also too violent for any sort of rehavilitative approach. I could see Dredd in just about any cyberpunk setting and he would work. I could see Dredd being dispatched to take care of a petty water warlord outside Mega City 1 a la Mad Max Fury Road. I could see Dredd taking out drug cartels and corrupt businessmen in Robocops Detroit. I could see Dredd taking out cyberpsychos with brutal efficiency in the Night City, or hunting replicants in Blade Runner. Hes kindof this walking cautionary tale of what we become if we make a man like Judge Dredd necessary.

[@pepperpeterpiperpickled9805]

this was fantastic mate, thanks

[@LimgGo]

thank you very much for the great sum up of a fantastic movie!

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

You're welcome mate ;)

[@tkyusko]

I was lucky enough to see this in 3D and in my oopinion the drug scenes were some of the best 3d effects I've seen. I was such a good representation of Dredd, I loved it.

[@fredrikoregard832]

Oh man, im still waiting for a sequel. This is really a masterpiece, one of my fav movies. Can watch it again and again without being tired which is uniqe for a movie.

[@colummalec8043]

11:04 is literally the entire synopsis of Dredd... Such. A. Great. Film. Fun and engaging review with awesome cutaway choices to other cinema as well as meaningful and well-timed plant-jokes. Solid production and you've made me a suscriber.👍

[@jagofjokester1127]

The one movie that deserved sequels. And possibly needed them.

[@MrMusicbyMartin]

After Dredd came out, I enthused about it to a friend who like me had collected and adored 2000 AD as a youngster. His reaction was surprising - he thought the violence was abhorrent. For me the violence was an inherent part of the story - it was just as abhorrent in the comic sometimes and while I could enjoy the thrill of violence as any teenage boy would, I knew that violence was the ‘bad guy’ in this story. I’m sorry that me friend didn’t see the social commentary - another aspect of the classic Dredd of the grim late 70s / early 80s. And Dredd was ALWAYS a flawed character - this is another subtle point which you might miss if viewing casually. I thought it was a brilliant movie, driven by the story rather than the action and I hoped in vain for a sequel - the Judge Death story would have been a great opportunity to learn more about ‘Joe’ . . .

[@rorymcclernon4674]

Cant believe it was over 10 years ago now. I LUV this move. Wish we could get a sequel or a franchise out of this. We all need more Kieth Urban!

[@scottneil1187]

Nobody wants more Keith Urban!.

[@shaundaly1134]

Dredd was a banger of a movie. It so deserved a sequel or 5.

[@mikelastname2645]

I had friends from campus talk me into going into this movie. I will always remember this. I would always recommend and share movies to them but would have missed this in the theater. Thanks homies

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Those are some great friends man! Cheers mate ;)

[@toreyzyre]

Class act review man, I live for the days when I find golden goose channels like yours. Really well done, scripted, ,structured, and a super analysis of a criminally(ha puns...ok I'll get in the isocube) underrated films. I miss quality journalism, and every so often I come across you, and others like you. May others follow your example and utilize more longform, well-edited and thoughtful breakdowns as opposed to lazy couch surfing screen shared trimmed off after thought style dreck. Plus one subscriber to you sir.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Thank you kindly mate!

[@danielkeizer4174]

I agree. That movie and Carl Urban didn't get the praise it deserved. Unfortunately it was poorly marketed for reasons beyond me. It's closest to the comics and actually captures the principle ideas behind it. Its brutal nature. It's lack of nuances. It was indeed perfect on so many levels. It's unfortunate it didn't get a sequel. Would've loved to see the dark judges angle played out on screen. That is a story worth telling. Just from a stoic versus death and mortality point of view.

[@nickgali8613]

Great Film! thanks for covering it dude :)

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Welcome mate! Glad you enjoyed the video ;)

[@Kevin.A.S]

Just subbed, i cant believe you dont have at least 100k, not even 10k is preposterous!

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Much appreciated mate! I'm working my way up there ;)

[@agent_meister477]

Pity we never got a sequel. Excellent video, thank you. Try the Judge Dredd comic strip in the British comic 2000AD. You won't be disappointed.

[@greg.peepeeface]

I can watch Dredd over and over, and I can watch it more than most of the current movies released nowadays. EDIT: I know you're a new channel, but you did a great job, and I subscribe to several film channels.

[@n2bfw884]

Thanks for the great review.😊

[@harleyHDz]

I remember watching this randomly on tv and its weirdly since then many years later still in my head as this really unique movie, just the way it was shot and edited, truly a creative under appreciated and under valued movie.

[@vorlon010]

I think that, especially back when it originally came out, marketing it as 'Dredd 3D' did it a huge disservice - I thought at the time it was just some kind of cheap cash-in project to promote 3d TVs, so I never saw it in the cinema. I was hugely disappointed in myself when I eventually saw it and realised what a gem it actually was.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

You know, I have to agree. I think calling it Dredd 3D did it a massive disservice & made people think it was a cash grab (like most 3D films after Avatar). Marketing really was at fault.

[@sspiegel1]

The only film i've watched more than 10 times. A masterpiece for sure

[@escapeinto4khd319]

Urban knocks it out the park, one of the best 4k video and audio out there. Pace and cast exceptional. Can’t believe no hype or scarce reviews for the video and audio (4K) on this disc. Got the steel book for $22 which so far has been one of the best demo discs in my 200+ collection. Great video on this film👍✌️👍 Thanks !

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Glad you enjoyed the film so much you got the steel book. It is awesome, and worth the money. Cheers mate!

[@skellener]

No one has ever underrated this movie. It’s been a classic since it was released.

[@thewokecritic]

Nice work! Got to head out, so could only catch the first few mins, but looking forward to watching all of it later. Saw Judge Dredd in the cinema and it was brilliant.

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Thank you mate! It truly is a testament to good action filmmaking.

[@L.A.S._productions]

Will forever picture the final slow mo shot of dredd looking down at mama, that is like one of the most beautiful moments in any movie I’ve seen kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqrNl4GHZdF9pJY

[@koendsatu8226]

People can say all they want. This is one of my favourite films.

[@andymouse]

Marvelous review old chap ! I need to see this again and soon...cheers. RIP Calculon

[@TheUninspiredReviewer]

Thank you mate! Be sure to have a big plate of cheese on the side whenever you decide to watch it again. Rip Calculon ;)

[@andymouse]

Squeak !@@TheUninspiredReviewer

[@vadersfather1248]

As someone who grew up collecting 2000 ad this adaptation was flawless,the Easter eggs alone were great ,stallones so called movie was ruined the moment he took his helmet off I really do wish a sequel or even a series would be made