Monday, November 28, 2011

'Red State' (2011)


'Red State', listed in the 'horror' genre of most websites is more of a thriller and a what a bad ass one it is.

I was really intrigued by its title and its poster and then more so by this trailer(link below). I thought its just another horror-teen-slasher flick, but because of my new born love for horror films and the political nature of its title I watched it. (Streaming on Netflix)

Trailer:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq9PyqX6HQ8

The pace of the movie is fast, the 120 minutes felt like 90 or so and its got some true "edge of the seat" sequences. Its by no means an Oscar winner (which is not always a bad thing) and does not particularly have a character arc but I do not think it ever tried to achieve those things. Its a thrill ride helped along with some great performances by Melissa Leo and Michael Parks. Look out for a beautifully shot monologue which goes on forever building intensity and establishing the sickness of the antagonists.

I do not want to give out any details of the story except that its about an extremist catholic family church which collides with the real world one night.

Don't read the story, don't read any reviews, just go watch it.

P.S.:- Its written & directed by Kevin Smith, yes the one who made 'Clerks' and all the other comedies. He calls it his first "grown up" film :)

P.P.S.:- "I fucking love this movie!!!" --Quentin Tarantino about 'Red State'
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6 comments:

  1. gubzoidNovember 29, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    A few points I noted about the movie which may inspire the uninspired to go watch this, although I think Onkar's post should be enough for that...
    1. The credits at the end of the movie are divided into "Sex", "Religion" and "Law"
    2. When a fascism of one kind is ended by beginning another, it is time to think about what the hell is going on!
    3. The political aspect is so slightly slipped into this movie that you just cannot help but admire how well the writer has portrayed numerous messages in one 2 hour movie.

    WATCH IT GUYS...it helped me get over my Sunday evening blue!

    ReplyDelete
  2. nuttyNovember 29, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    nutty looks at gubzoid and hides behind her monitor in fear...

    Admittedly the slasher/horror genre is not my cup of tea, but this review did persuade me to read the synopsis for the movie on IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0873886/synopsis) and woah! I think I'll pass on this one ;)

    All the same, looking forward to more recommendations here from other genres!

    @gubzoid - you worry me, my girl!

    ReplyDelete
  3. OnkarNovember 29, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    @nutty - haha, arre its not gory at all, a very "clean" thriller. I presume you do not like Tarantino either

    ReplyDelete
  4. nuttyNovember 29, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    Arre I like Tarantino. He's more gritty than gory usually.

    But I definitely do not like nor understand the Eli Roth / Saw-series kinda slasher stuff...

    brrr!

    ReplyDelete
  5. OnkarNovember 29, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    Yea I can't sit through 'Saw' either.
    This one is more Tarantino and less 'Saw'

    So I hope you try to watch it, you may like it :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. gubzoidNovember 29, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    You people disappoint me...blood, gory, slashing especially while you are enjoying a good meal or chai...is perfect ;)
    I am watching you Ms. Nutty...be aware!!!!
    On a more serious note, this is more like a bank-robbery-edge-of-the-chair thriller vs. bloody-horror.

    ReplyDelete

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