Dredd

I had been looking forward to seeing Dredd for some time. Acclaimed screenwriter Alex Garland (The Beach/28 Days Later) had written the screenplay and the stills and trailers were showcasing an awesome-looking production, with an overall aesthetic closer to that of our own world.

I'm happy to report that Garland and director, Pete Travis have delivered a stunning film!
With the creator of Dredd (John Wagner) on board as creative consultant, Garland and his team have stayed true to the character and produced a visceral, yet respectful thrill-ride!
Undoubtedly inspired by District 9, the film was made in Johannesburg (doubling for Mega City 1). With the addition of giant-sized tower blocks in place, Jo-burg looks suitably sun-drenched and smog-filled - and completely over-populated. A perfect setting for chaos to ensue!

Much has been said of the plot and how it mirrors that of The Raid. This is an unfortunate coincidence. Despite their similarities, Dredd has much to offer - particularly to fans of the comic, who'll finally see their hero brought faithfully to life!
Karl Urban excels as Dredd (keeping the helmet on thankfully). He successfully channels Clint Eastwoods voice and gruff exterior for the character - and is physically imposing, despite the lack of gargantuan eagle atop his shoulder!
Olivia Thirlby is very good as Psi-Judge, Anderson. Introduced as a rookie, she is assigned to Dredd who puts her through her paces during one hell of a first day!

The plot sees Dredd and Anderson enter one of the aforementioned tower blocks in search of a drug dealer. Little do they know, gang leader Ma-Ma (Lena Headey) has been slowly taking over this particular tower block in an effort to gain a monopoly on new drug Slo-Mo.
Slo-Mo allows users to perceive time at one percent it's normal speed.

The sequences which emphasis the use of Slo-Mo are something to behold - particularly in 3D!
Dredd is one of the few 3D films I've enjoyed, since it's recent re-emergence. The film is quite violent and bloody and the 3D element goes some way to expand and even improve upon the action. Particularly with the slow-motion sequences, the use of 3D is a necessary addition.

Despite Dredds relatively low budget, it looks spectacular. It cements Dredd and Anderson as memorable characters within the sub-genre of comic-book adaptations - and hints at a larger world.
Bring on the sequel!

4/5

Poster image courtesy: http://www.mondoarchive.com/

This image is by artist, Jock - a famed comic-book artist and chief conceptual artist on Dredd!

Poster image courtesy: www.filmofilia.com

I believe this image was used to help promote the film by way of the comic-books. I'm curious to know who illustrated it - no further information was available at time of going to blog?!