Stallone Film Takes Dreadful To New Levels
“Judge Dredd,” Sylvester Stallone’s latest, has the perfect setup to provide a commentary or message about justice.
In the film (set in the future), the police are the judge/jury/ executioners who perform trials on the spot. The speedy justice system also imprisons innocent people.
But the film says “So what?” By the end of the movie, no point or moral has been made, but there are dead bodies everywhere.
The storyline of “Judge Dredd” is a little more complex than the average action film. A master criminal named Rico (Armand Assante) escapes from a highsecurity prison. His plan is to create chaos and kill as many judges as he can, in order to help a public official overthrow the government.
And after Judge Dredd (Stallone) is framed and imprisoned for a murder he didn’t commit, Rico’s plans take effect. Dredd and Rico are also linked together by a mysterious past.
Of course, Dredd is the only one who can stop Rico and save the city, but first he must get out of prison and examine his shady past.
Storyline aside, this is pretty much a straight action movie. For all its opportunities to make a statement, “Judge Dredd” opts for a shootout or extended chase scene. There’s no more substance here than in any other Stallone movie.
Another major problem is that it’s extremely hard to take this film seriously. One of the reasons for this is the silly costumes the judges wear. They appear to be a cross between a black Mighty Morphin Power Ranger and a G.I. Joe action figure. Their outfits, complete with a helmet that covers most of the face, are hilarious at first, but by the end of the movie are just hokey.
The best part of the film is the gigantic robot, which was used to fight wars in the past but now serves as Rico’s bodyguard and executioner. It’s a big, scary killing machine, and the film uses it to full effect.
Stallone’s acting has always been minimalistic, but here it is almost nonexistent. He maintains a flat persona through the movie. He always frowns and speaks in a low voice, and instead of inspiring dread and reverence, it magnifies Stallone’s lack of talent. This is comic for about three minutes.
Diane Lane holds her own as a fellow judge, and Rob Schneider is annoying as Dredd’s wise-cracking sidekick. Armand Assante steals his scenes, except those with the robot.
By the end of its 90-minute running time, “Judge Dredd” is beyond boring. There are much better action movies in theaters right now, and better films based on comic books. Go see “Batman Forever.”
Grade: D-