joanna in reel life-- WOLVERINES! WOLVERINES! WOLVERINES!
as a rule, i snub my nose at remakes. as a defining character flaw, i absolutely refuse to accept anything remade from an obviously flawless 30's-40's-50's classic. as a learned person of middling age, i appreciate the cringe-worthiness of 80's film yet remain fairly adamant that they are best left as they are, in all their campy goodness.
however, all that changed when i walked into RED DAWN.
2012's take on this 80's classic (i agree with it's timelessness, although even i know that it's die-hard fanboys cannot deny its horribleness) has had a long hard road getting onto the big screen, and yes, somehow made it a full three years after shooting completed. mgm's bankruptcy, the main baddie switching from controversial china to the less controversial north korea... it's been an arduous uphill trek for filmmakers and cast. and i may be asked "was it all worth it?"
the answer: yes!
sure, the babyfaces are freshly scrubbed (and WHAT is up with josh peck's flat-ironed mop?!) and there's a smidgen of bad acting, but the plot is somewhat timely and frightening, the action is explosive, the tension is razor sharp, the humor is well-placed, and the message is clear and resounding: something akin to a trumpet, on a clear bright day, under a tricolor banner. it pulls at your heartstrings, it kicks your patriotic arse, it doesn't compromise, even for a second, and succeeds against all odds (namely, critics).
and just so it's all out in the open so we don't confuse truth for bias: yes, i mistake The Hemsworth's eyes for the sky sometimes.
best moments: robert finally getting his butt in gear and the absolutely hilarious subway scene. both got applause in my theater.
best line: "you messed with the wrong f****ing family."
watched: 11/21/12
with: my mother
snacks: none
however, all that changed when i walked into RED DAWN.
2012's take on this 80's classic (i agree with it's timelessness, although even i know that it's die-hard fanboys cannot deny its horribleness) has had a long hard road getting onto the big screen, and yes, somehow made it a full three years after shooting completed. mgm's bankruptcy, the main baddie switching from controversial china to the less controversial north korea... it's been an arduous uphill trek for filmmakers and cast. and i may be asked "was it all worth it?"
the answer: yes!
sure, the babyfaces are freshly scrubbed (and WHAT is up with josh peck's flat-ironed mop?!) and there's a smidgen of bad acting, but the plot is somewhat timely and frightening, the action is explosive, the tension is razor sharp, the humor is well-placed, and the message is clear and resounding: something akin to a trumpet, on a clear bright day, under a tricolor banner. it pulls at your heartstrings, it kicks your patriotic arse, it doesn't compromise, even for a second, and succeeds against all odds (namely, critics).
and just so it's all out in the open so we don't confuse truth for bias: yes, i mistake The Hemsworth's eyes for the sky sometimes.
best moments: robert finally getting his butt in gear and the absolutely hilarious subway scene. both got applause in my theater.
best line: "you messed with the wrong f****ing family."
watched: 11/21/12
with: my mother
snacks: none