Movie Review: Red Dawn (2012)
I finally saw the remake of Red Dawn the other day and at first my fanish brain went all wibbly wobbly with a Thor vs Patrick Swayze brat pack comparison interdimensional crossover and then it all settled down and I could gather my thoughts.
I enjoyed the original movie both from a conceptual point of view and a cast. The idea of America being invaded by Communists and 'failing' to resist the invasion with the populace needing to resort to guerilla tactics is fascinating. It touches the same topics and ideas which alien invasions explore, only with real 'human' invaders who are potentially easier to beat. As a movie, it was particularly relevant for 80s mid-Cold War, with the Red threat still looming (as it were). The remake did a great job in making the kick off of the plot relevant by focusing more on North Korea and while the notion seems far fetched, it's not beyond the realms of reality for North Korea to attack the US. (Reality would probably involve a nuclear strike not some 'fancy EMP' weapon, just saying).
I enjoyed both movies on that basis - the exploration of the idea of fighting for freedom in America itself, adopting guerilla resistance tactics. In fact, due to more recent events, I think that aspect - guerilla/insurgent resistance - resonates a lot more with Americans than it did in the 80s. The parallels to Iraq and Afghanistan are quite stark and referenced appropriately. There is a 'pleasant' irony underneath it all.
Perhaps mainly due to memory lapses, so I could be mistaken, I felt the remake did a slightly better job with the plot - giving the Wolverine's a face in the North Koreans to resist, a man to dislike. The action was slick, if a little hurried and it captured for me a sense of the old movie style of 'training up, fighting, getting better, fighting more' type montage.
The climax in the remake was better than the original (imo) and I loved the cameo appearance of John Winchester Jeffrey Dean Morgan. I instantly had all sort of fannish thoughts: Of course John would fight. Where are the boys though? :D
I remember being slightly disappointed with original ending. It was very tragic, open ended with Patrick walking off into the great unknown with his dead brother (I think). It left me feeling sad and off - which was the point I think - the incogruities of war and fighting. The remake had a more 'full' ending as it were, even if it was still tragic. I don't mind the tragedy, even as I howled 'NO!' as that is the nature of war - people, friends, family die. But it ended on a higher, more positive note.
One of the main reasons I watched the original was the attraction of the cast - the brat pack. Charlie Sheen, Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey etc. I can't say they terribly impressed me at the time (Im delving into my misty archives to verify this) but it was a great cast. 2012 and the remake. Well... *draws hearts all over Chris Hemsworth* - I personally loved the cast. Thor, Peeta, Jessica Moore,John Winchester, great bad guy, the Sheriff Dad... just all great. My only sore spot was Chris's younger brother (name escapes me) - I didn't especially like him or rate his acting.
On the whole, I liked the remake at lot. Great concept, well executed, good acting, real emotion.
I enjoyed the original movie both from a conceptual point of view and a cast. The idea of America being invaded by Communists and 'failing' to resist the invasion with the populace needing to resort to guerilla tactics is fascinating. It touches the same topics and ideas which alien invasions explore, only with real 'human' invaders who are potentially easier to beat. As a movie, it was particularly relevant for 80s mid-Cold War, with the Red threat still looming (as it were). The remake did a great job in making the kick off of the plot relevant by focusing more on North Korea and while the notion seems far fetched, it's not beyond the realms of reality for North Korea to attack the US. (Reality would probably involve a nuclear strike not some 'fancy EMP' weapon, just saying).
I enjoyed both movies on that basis - the exploration of the idea of fighting for freedom in America itself, adopting guerilla resistance tactics. In fact, due to more recent events, I think that aspect - guerilla/insurgent resistance - resonates a lot more with Americans than it did in the 80s. The parallels to Iraq and Afghanistan are quite stark and referenced appropriately. There is a 'pleasant' irony underneath it all.
Perhaps mainly due to memory lapses, so I could be mistaken, I felt the remake did a slightly better job with the plot - giving the Wolverine's a face in the North Koreans to resist, a man to dislike. The action was slick, if a little hurried and it captured for me a sense of the old movie style of 'training up, fighting, getting better, fighting more' type montage.
The climax in the remake was better than the original (imo) and I loved the cameo appearance of John Winchester Jeffrey Dean Morgan. I instantly had all sort of fannish thoughts: Of course John would fight. Where are the boys though? :D
I remember being slightly disappointed with original ending. It was very tragic, open ended with Patrick walking off into the great unknown with his dead brother (I think). It left me feeling sad and off - which was the point I think - the incogruities of war and fighting. The remake had a more 'full' ending as it were, even if it was still tragic. I don't mind the tragedy, even as I howled 'NO!' as that is the nature of war - people, friends, family die. But it ended on a higher, more positive note.
One of the main reasons I watched the original was the attraction of the cast - the brat pack. Charlie Sheen, Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey etc. I can't say they terribly impressed me at the time (Im delving into my misty archives to verify this) but it was a great cast. 2012 and the remake. Well... *draws hearts all over Chris Hemsworth* - I personally loved the cast. Thor, Peeta, Jessica Moore,John Winchester, great bad guy, the Sheriff Dad... just all great. My only sore spot was Chris's younger brother (name escapes me) - I didn't especially like him or rate his acting.
On the whole, I liked the remake at lot. Great concept, well executed, good acting, real emotion.