Red Dawn (2012) - Review Thread

Neverending · 11-21-2012, 10:38 PM

WOLVERINES!!!

1984's Red Dawn was about the Soviet Union invading America and a group of high school teenagers fighting back. It was pretty ridiculous to say the least - even for `80s movie standards. So when a remake was announced, eyeballs were rolling. If this s--t was silly in the 20th century, then just imagine in the 21st century. Especially when the enemy is now North Korea. But the remake has one advantage over the original. It is fast paced and action packed. Translation: It is HIGHLY entertaining.

To say "Red Dawn 2.0" is the hidden gem of 2012 is an understatement. In addition to exciting and edge-of-your-seat action sequences, the film has an incredible cast. Chris Hemsworth once again proves why he's the next big action star. Josh Peck is shockingly impressive and has a few badass moments. Even Josh Hutcherson and Tom Cruise's adoptive son deliver better-than-usual performances. When you're watching a movie about kids fighting a military force, it helps if you like them and actually BELIEVE they can pull it off.

Another noteworthy thing to mention is that the North Koreans aren't portrayed as idiots. They always manage to fight back. The heroes, or WOLVERINES, which is what they call themselves, win many battles, but at no point do you get the feeling that they're winning the war. Even during the movie's closing minutes, the Wolverines face constant set-backs. It is strangely inspiring because, most likely, they won't defeat the North Koreans unless the U.S. Military actually steps-in at some point. And yet, they march on. One could argue that the film is great propaganda for the military but the movie never feels like it is.

Overall, YES, the concept is incredibly dumb but the execution is very strong and results in a great action film. I highly recommend it. If you watched Skyfall and felt it could have used some more bombastic action scenes (I'm looking at you Dracula) then Red Dawn will definitely satisfy your thirst.

Ewok Droppings · 11-22-2012, 09:14 AM

I was hopeful when I heard they were remaking this because I kind of like the apocalyptic action films where the end has come. The previews looked pretty cheesy though. Might have to check this out on discount night or something.

nine1wing · 11-23-2012, 11:04 AM

Your review makes me happy, I am a complete sucker for the first one and have always wanted an up to date one made, even liked the movie tomorrow after the war.

Neverending · 11-23-2012, 02:55 PM

I'm sure you'll love it, nine1wing.

Dhamon22 · 11-23-2012, 05:31 PM

I haven't heard a single positive remark about this. Maybe a redbox rental if there is absolutely nothing else to check out.

carnage4u · 11-23-2012, 06:15 PM

I don't rely on critic reviews, but this is literally the first positive thing I"ve seen about this movie. I'll watch it. When its on netflix

Dhamon22 · 11-23-2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnage4u

I don't rely on critic reviews, but this is literally the first positive thing I"ve seen about this movie. I'll watch it. When its on netflix

I don't either but there are certain people that I trust. Theres a reason this thing was delayed by three years apparently.

Justin · 11-23-2012, 07:55 PM

Well, I think in this case the critics might be worth listening to: it has a 12% on Rotten Tomatoes.

JG7_ME262 · 11-23-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin

it has a 12% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Shocker!!!

Justin · 11-23-2012, 08:21 PM

I didn't say it was shocking.

Neverending · 11-23-2012, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dhamon22

Theres a reason this thing was delayed by three years apparently.

MGM went bankrupt and the movie was shelved. Just like, you know, another Chris Hemsworth movie called Cabin in the Woods. This is NOT a critics movie. Any idiot can tell you that. It's a dumb action movie. Of course they're gonna hate it. They have to hate something and Twilight has become too easy of a target. Red Dawn is a cool, badass, GUY movie. If you have any balls you'll go and see it.

Daniel · 11-24-2012, 12:09 AM

AWFUL RT score + not trusting Neverending's opinion = avoid like the plague

Neverending · 11-24-2012, 12:33 AM

It got a B cinemascore. Audience reaction hasn't been bad. But whatever. You guys are never gonna see it anyway, so why waste my time.

DarthVader 2004 · 11-24-2012, 12:42 AM

I saw both Red Dawn and Rise Of The Guardians on Thanksgiving day and I am glad I did for both were great movies. Helmsworth I think will be a great action movie star down the road. He just needs a few guy movies under his belt.
I don't remember the original that well really so maybe its why I liked this movie fine.
I really don't care for Isabel Lucas as an actress. Many young blonde actresses could have been better but other then that its a great cast.
8/10.

MasterChief117 · 11-24-2012, 01:52 AM

RedVader likes it...Oh God.

SnoBorderZero · 11-24-2012, 04:32 PM

This movie looks like ****.

Dhamon22 · 11-24-2012, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neverending

MGM went bankrupt and the movie was shelved. Just like, you know, another Chris Hemsworth movie called Cabin in the Woods. This is NOT a critics movie. Any idiot can tell you that. It's a dumb action movie. Of course they're gonna hate it. They have to hate something and Twilight has become too easy of a target. Red Dawn is a cool, badass, GUY movie. If you have any balls you'll go and see it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neverending

It got a B cinemascore. Audience reaction hasn't been bad. But whatever. You guys are never gonna see it anyway, so why waste my time.

I don't have the balls to waste whatever little spending money I have on this. And a 'B' cinemascore is nothing to hang your hat on. Thats not a good grade for something like this.

I heard the special effects were pretty solid. Thats about it.

Doomsday · 11-24-2012, 07:27 PM

Yeah, I have not heard too many kind things about this movie. Then again I'm not a fan of the original even though I love 80s movies. Still not quite sure how my brain worked that out.

DarthVader 2004 · 11-24-2012, 09:32 PM

Make no mistake its not no Skyfall its just not aweful and has some decent action in it and if want something not Cullen then its worth going too.

Neverending · 11-24-2012, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dhamon22

a 'B' cinemascore is nothing to hang your hat on. Thats not a good grade for something like this.

It's a dumb action movie. Those type of films usually get a "C" or worse. Trust me. This movie is a lot better than critics and Internet hyperbole will have you believe. If you love action, you will like Red Dawn. It's wall-to-wall action, all of which are good, and Chris Hemsworth is a badass. If you can watch an average Mel Gibson or Bruce Willis or Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sly Stallone movie, you can watch Chris Hemsworth blowing up North Koreans for 90 minutes.

JG7_ME262 · 11-24-2012, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin

I didn't say it was shocking.

Yeah you did not. But the 12% says it all...

**JBond** · 11-25-2012, 01:45 AM

This movie is a young hick's wet dream.

Neverending · 11-25-2012, 02:22 AM

Interesting way to describe it.

Ewok Droppings · 11-25-2012, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neverending

If you have any balls you'll go and see it.

Wait, you don't have any balls right?!? Why did you go see it then?

nine1wing · 11-25-2012, 03:23 PM

I enjoyed this, both versions were better in their seperate ways, I thought the deer scene was better in this one lol, I like the scene,(boys avenge meeeeeee!) in the original. Just scenes like that some were better some I liked alittle less, some things were changed. The thing about this movie is it has me wanting a sequel, loved the last shot of the movie. I would love a bigger budget and really see america fight back.

View Poll Results: Rate and Comment
10 (WOLVERINES!!!!!)	0	0%
9	0	0%
8	2	33.33%
7	0	0%
6	0	0%
5	0	0%
4	3	50.00%
3	0	0%
2	0	0%
1 (Patrick Swayze rolls in his grave)	1	16.67%
Voters: 6. You may not vote on this poll

11-21-2012, 10:38 PM	#1
Neverending sex Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 18,156	Red Dawn (2012) - Review Thread WOLVERINES!!! 1984's Red Dawn was about the Soviet Union invading America and a group of high school teenagers fighting back. It was pretty ridiculous to say the least - even for `80s movie standards. So when a remake was announced, eyeballs were rolling. If this s--t was silly in the 20th century, then just imagine in the 21st century. Especially when the enemy is now North Korea. But the remake has one advantage over the original. It is fast paced and action packed. Translation: It is HIGHLY entertaining. To say "Red Dawn 2.0" is the hidden gem of 2012 is an understatement. In addition to exciting and edge-of-your-seat action sequences, the film has an incredible cast. Chris Hemsworth once again proves why he's the next big action star. Josh Peck is shockingly impressive and has a few badass moments. Even Josh Hutcherson and Tom Cruise's adoptive son deliver better-than-usual performances. When you're watching a movie about kids fighting a military force, it helps if you like them and actually BELIEVE they can pull it off. Another noteworthy thing to mention is that the North Koreans aren't portrayed as idiots. They always manage to fight back. The heroes, or WOLVERINES, which is what they call themselves, win many battles, but at no point do you get the feeling that they're winning the war. Even during the movie's closing minutes, the Wolverines face constant set-backs. It is strangely inspiring because, most likely, they won't defeat the North Koreans unless the U.S. Military actually steps-in at some point. And yet, they march on. One could argue that the film is great propaganda for the military but the movie never feels like it is. Overall, YES, the concept is incredibly dumb but the execution is very strong and results in a great action film. I highly recommend it. If you watched Skyfall and felt it could have used some more bombastic action scenes (I'm looking at you Dracula) then Red Dawn will definitely satisfy your thirst. __________________ "Would you like some boob action?" -Conan O'Brien July 13, 2004 12:55 AM "We’re No. 1 in TBS’ key demographic: People who can’t afford HBO." - Conan O'Brien May 18, 2011 "I honestly don't know who gives me a bigger boner: Zoe Saldana OR Chris Pine. Star Trek Into My Pants!" - Kevin Smith February 24, 2013 The Batman Appreciation Thread

11-22-2012, 09:14 AM	#2
Ewok Droppings Executive Producer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Endor Forest Floor Posts: 14,481	I was hopeful when I heard they were remaking this because I kind of like the apocalyptic action films where the end has come. The previews looked pretty cheesy though. Might have to check this out on discount night or something. __________________ The flat Earth myth is one of the greatest errors in modern history.

11-23-2012, 02:55 PM	#4
Neverending sex Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 18,156	I'm sure you'll love it, nine1wing. __________________ "Would you like some boob action?" -Conan O'Brien July 13, 2004 12:55 AM "We’re No. 1 in TBS’ key demographic: People who can’t afford HBO." - Conan O'Brien May 18, 2011 "I honestly don't know who gives me a bigger boner: Zoe Saldana OR Chris Pine. Star Trek Into My Pants!" - Kevin Smith February 24, 2013 The Batman Appreciation Thread

11-23-2012, 05:31 PM	#5
Dhamon22 High Flying Bird Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Parkville, MD Posts: 7,076	I haven't heard a single positive remark about this. Maybe a redbox rental if there is absolutely nothing else to check out. __________________ @theoriolereport The Redbox Report Podcast - http://theredboxreport.podbean.com @theredboxreport

11-23-2012, 11:04 AM	#3
nine1wing Executive Producer Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 375	Your review makes me happy, I am a complete sucker for the first one and have always wanted an up to date one made, even liked the movie tomorrow after the war.

11-23-2012, 06:15 PM	#6
carnage4u The Bad Man Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 4,018	I don't rely on critic reviews, but this is literally the first positive thing I"ve seen about this movie. I'll watch it. When its on netflix __________________ Carnage4u Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life. -- Terry Pratchett

11-23-2012, 07:55 PM	#8
Justin Executive Producer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 11,920	Well, I think in this case the critics might be worth listening to: it has a 12% on Rotten Tomatoes.

11-23-2012, 08:21 PM	#10
Justin Executive Producer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 11,920	I didn't say it was shocking. __________________ "I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out." - Bill Hicks

11-24-2012, 12:09 AM	#12
Daniel Flawed Design Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,634	AWFUL RT score + not trusting Neverending's opinion = avoid like the plague __________________ Only fear can make you feel lonely out here

11-24-2012, 12:33 AM	#13
Neverending sex Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 18,156	It got a B cinemascore. Audience reaction hasn't been bad. But whatever. You guys are never gonna see it anyway, so why waste my time. __________________ "Would you like some boob action?" -Conan O'Brien July 13, 2004 12:55 AM "We’re No. 1 in TBS’ key demographic: People who can’t afford HBO." - Conan O'Brien May 18, 2011 "I honestly don't know who gives me a bigger boner: Zoe Saldana OR Chris Pine. Star Trek Into My Pants!" - Kevin Smith February 24, 2013 The Batman Appreciation Thread

11-24-2012, 12:42 AM	#14
DarthVader 2004 Executive Producer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: West Virginia Posts: 13,616	I saw both Red Dawn and Rise Of The Guardians on Thanksgiving day and I am glad I did for both were great movies. Helmsworth I think will be a great action movie star down the road. He just needs a few guy movies under his belt. I don't remember the original that well really so maybe its why I liked this movie fine. I really don't care for Isabel Lucas as an actress. Many young blonde actresses could have been better but other then that its a great cast. 8/10.

11-24-2012, 01:52 AM	#15
MasterChief117 I believe in you Jim Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Gotham City Posts: 13,374	RedVader likes it...Oh God. __________________ "I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. I only know what I can do." "There's greatness in you. But there's not an ounce of humility. You think that you can't make mistakes, but there's gonna come a moment when you realize you're wrong about that. And you're gonna get yourself and everyone under your command killed."

11-24-2012, 04:32 PM	#16
SnoBorderZero There is no bathroom Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kindergarten Terminator Posts: 8,106	This movie looks like ****.

11-24-2012, 09:32 PM	#19
DarthVader 2004 Executive Producer Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: West Virginia Posts: 13,616	Make no mistake its not no Skyfall its just not aweful and has some decent action in it and if want something not Cullen then its worth going too.

11-25-2012, 01:45 AM	#22
JBond Beyond Join Date: May 2000 Location: Sol Posts: 67,675	This movie is a young hick's wet dream. __________________ The due date for Round 137 of the CS Film Club is Monday, July 1st, 2013. 59 out of 64 Hugo Award winners completed. "Die Hard 5 makes Die Hard 4 look like Die Hard 1" - Doomsday

11-25-2012, 02:22 AM	#23
Neverending sex Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 18,156	Interesting way to describe it. __________________ "Would you like some boob action?" -Conan O'Brien July 13, 2004 12:55 AM "We’re No. 1 in TBS’ key demographic: People who can’t afford HBO." - Conan O'Brien May 18, 2011 "I honestly don't know who gives me a bigger boner: Zoe Saldana OR Chris Pine. Star Trek Into My Pants!" - Kevin Smith February 24, 2013 The Batman Appreciation Thread

11-25-2012, 03:23 PM	#25
nine1wing Executive Producer Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 375	I enjoyed this, both versions were better in their seperate ways, I thought the deer scene was better in this one lol, I like the scene,(boys avenge meeeeeee!) in the original. Just scenes like that some were better some I liked alittle less, some things were changed. The thing about this movie is it has me wanting a sequel, loved the last shot of the movie. I would love a bigger budget and really see america fight back.