Red State

Starring: Michael Angarano, Melissa Leo, Stephen Root, Michael Parks, John Goodman, Kevin Pollak, Anna Gunn, Kerry Bishe, Kyle Gallner, Kaylee DeFer
Directed by: Kevin Smith
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Horror, Thriller
2011

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Three teenagers clash with a group of fundamentalist Christians in an isolated compound.

Review:

Tim: Oh, Kevin Smith. You finally break out of your typical trend of movies with something unique and different, and yet, the best you can do is Red State. I love that Smith is trying something different, and I think he showed a few glimpses of absolute brilliance. However, the movie ultimately falls down and disappoints. Smith got close to a good movie here, but not quite.

I can't really say that this is an enjoyable movie. I don't think Smith was really going for that, though. It felt like he was trying to create a controversial, conversation spurring film. There's definitely a place for that. I know he was trying to anger some people. The movie attacks religion, the federal government, teenagers, and more.

Smith does assemble a fairly good cast. I loved John Goodman in the film. He gives such a good performance and was really fun to watch. I wasn't as impressed with Melissa Leo. She's given some good performances over the years, but I felt like she's too one-note in this film. She wasn't bad, but I wasn't overly impressed. I loved seeing Kevin Pollak in a small role, too. Michael Parks does a good job in a difficult role. He really embraced it and turned in a good performance. I liked Kerry Bishe quite a bit as well.

The movie is interesting in the ways that it changes. It starts off feeling like a movie about high schoolers consumed by sex. It turns into a very frightening kidnapping movie, and then finally, an action shoot 'em up. The movie works fairly well like this, but it is interesting how many different facets the film has. I can't say I was riveted during the majority of the movie, but I was interested in the story and where Kevin Smith would take us. He makes interesting enough characters and puts them in situations so that we do have a bit of an emotional investment in them. He does a good (not great) job in this regard.

There is a moment, though, toward the end of the movie that I want to discuss. Something so crazy and unexpected happens that for a moment, I absolutely could not believe I was hearing or seeing. I literally sat up straight, wide eyed. I wondered, "Could Kevin Smith be about to do what I think he's doing?" It was such a balsy, crazy, original, amazing twist. I couldn't even fathom what was going to happen next. It was my favorite part of the film- that moment of "What?!?!" And then, a moment later, he pulls the curtain off and reveals that everything isn't what it seemed. Sadly, the truth is significantly more boring and safe. In a span of two minutes, I went from thinking Smith was a genius to lamenting the lost opportunity. The movie ends with that bad taste still in our mouths. I love Smith for creating that insane moment, but am disappointed that it ultimately does not pan out as I hoped.

As a whole, Red State is an interesting if unsatisfying film. Smith shows flashes of genius, but the movie feels a bit off and incomplete. It is an interesting exercise, but I couldn't call it a good movie. It certainly has an amazing amount of promise, but it sadly doesn't live up to its potential. My favorite part of this movie is that it represents an interesting evolution in the filmmaking of Kevin Smith. I like the direction he's headed and am excited to see where it leads him. Unfortunately, Red State isn't a very good movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



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