Capsule Film Review: Dredd (2012)

Second adaptation of Judge Dredd, cult comic book about judge who brings swift justice to crime-infested future dystopian world, is light years above the utterly forgettable 1995 film with Sylvester Stallone. In new version title role is played by Karl Urban, who never reveals his face covered by Dredd's iconic helmet. Very simple plot shows how Dredd, during the routine field evaluation of young novice Anderson (played by Olivia Thirlby), begins investigating triple murder in one of Mega City's huge skyscrapers. The building happens to be owned by a vicious drug gang, led by Ma-Ma (played by Lena Headey) who is determined to have Dredd and his apprentice killed. Directed by Pete Travis and written by Alex Garland, Dredd is triumph of simplicity. Unburdened with origin story, this film puts limited time and space to good use and features impressive action scenes, some of which were even more impressive in 3D. Although some characters and subplots, like a hacker played by Domhnall Gleeson, look unpolished, Dredd is one of the most pleasant surprises not only for fans of famous comic book, but also to fans of science fiction and action genres.

RATING: 8/10