Red State (2011)
After receiving an online invitation for sex from a mysterious woman (Academy Award winner Melissa Leo*) three teenaged boys head to the town of Cooper’s Dell. But instead of enjoying the night of their dreams, the teens are plunged into the nightmarish world of Abin Cooper (Michael Parks), a fundamentalist preacher with a deadly moral agenda. As the boys suffer unthinkable horrors inside the preacher’s compound, a military task force is mobilized. With Cooper’s Dell teetering between salvation and damnation, the task force’s leader (John Goodman) braces for furious battle with Cooper and his heavily armed followers in this fever-pitched action thriller from writer-director Kevin Smith (CHASING AMY). *2010 Best Actress in a Supporting Role, The Fighter
Misunderstood by many. @BabyJo2008
It's very clear from reading the poor reviews of this film that a lot of people are outraged by what they think is a good vs evil film, when in actuality this is a horror film. A film where the worst of the worst happens at every turn, and lives in nearly every character. Even those we want to cheer for and relate to make the worst choices when they get the opportunity to save the day. From hideous incompetence to violent zealots, to moronic teens, to arrogance in power - this film shows what happens when the worst imaginable factors on both sides of a situation collide. It's a smart and unique film, and just because you don't get it, does not by any stretch mean it is unworthy of praise from those who do. Truest great art makes you feel something. This film pulls from its viewer - anger, intense frustration, sadness, greif, and even humor. Yes, there are beautifully crafted performances. Yes, there is a horrifyingly genuine creepy atmosphere. No, it's not a big budget picture BUT you'll never notice that if you let this story teller display his art for you. Excellent piece of cinema, Mister Smith. Thank you.
Red State, something different. @CDC_
I just finished Kevin Smith's newest film Red State. I am very pleased to say that all the critics of not just movies, but Smith himself, are entirely wrong. Smith has done the impossible (or at least highly improbable), he has brought originality back to movies. In a time where remakes, reimaginings, and reboots reign supreme, Kevin Smith does the unspeakable and creates something completely original. To try and compare this movie with something else is an exercise in futility. This film stands alone, and is unlike anything I have seen before. I wouldn't call it a horror movie, but that is not an insult. Smith has effectively created a new genre with Red State. Red State is to movies what Primus is to music. Unique. Indescrabable. Not for everyone, and that my friends, may be the biggest praise of all.
Great Movie @Stinger6811
This movie is so far apart from anything Kevin Smith has done before. This is definitely a great thriller to watch. There aren't any real GOTCHA moments or anything that will really make you jump, but it will make you think. Along the lines of the Westboro baptist Church, Kevin nailed the creepy factor of a cult like religious based group. This should make up for cop-out, at least there was no "Willis" like moments. I had the pleasure of seeing this in New Orleans and watching the Q&A afterwards with Melissa Leo, Stephen Root and of course, the big man himself. Even if you aren't a fan of Kevin Smith's work, (and why wouldn't you be?) this is the first thriller he has ever done, and he made it look easy. Bucking the trends of traditional release, he came up aces. The ending had a great twist, and there were quite a few surprises throughout the movie. This one is definitely a must see!
Awesome! @Haynertime
Seriously.
Red State is awesome. @carlsonmcdonahan
Words cannot describe the awesomeness of this movie. Michael Parks is the new Darth Vader. He deserves to win every Oscar this year, even the ones that aren't meant for people to win. John Goodman is awesome as usual, but with additional doses of incredible. This movie is Earth-shattering and should be treated like a gift sent down from heaven by The Metatron to us mere mortals, we can chose to shy away in fear or bask in the golden showers of eternal Red State glory.