This week I got to see Red State on Video on Demand.
Red State is the newest movie by Kevin Smith the writer and director of movies like Clerks, Chasing Amy, and Dogma. The story about the making of the movie has almost as much drama as the movie itself. From the start the movie was filled with controversy. Then at the premiere at Sundance the movie had protesters and Kevin Smith decision to self distribute was more of the talk of the festival then the movie himself. After taking it on tour to different states the movie was finally released on VOD before a limited release in theatres later this month.
The movie is about an ultra religious cult who decide that they need to do more then just protest gay funerals. Led by a charismatic preacher Albin Cooper (Michael Parks) who everyone calls father. When three teenagers go on the internet to find a women to have sex with they get lured into a trap set up by the cult. After being taken captive they realize that they have to fight for their lives. They witness someone else that was taken captive executed for being a homosexual then they realize they are next. Meanwhile the ATF is called in after a sheriffs deputy is shot. The head of the unit is Joseph Keenan (John Goodman) who wants to take down the compound peacefully, but gets orders to take it with force so the ATF does not get embarrassed again. An all out firefight ensues with an ending that is unexpected.
As my friend told me before I saw it the movie is like Mallrats in Waco. This is not your typical Kevin Smith movie. Some consider it a horror movie but it was more of an action thriller. Which was pretty well written and directed for a guy who usually makes really ridiculous comedies. The movie starts off as a typical Smith comedy about these three teenagers looking to score. But takes a drastic turn to craziness. The movie has some big stars including Academy Award winner Melissa Leo, John Goodman, and a small but great role for Kevin Pollak. A lot of talk was given to Michael Parks for his crazy preacher I think John Goodman stole the movie with his ATF agent who is forced to question his morals and follow a direct order. And of course the ending is something I never saw coming. I love it when endings surprise me and love it even more when good endings surprise me.
Overall: B+
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