As soon as first-time film director Dan Bradley (a veteran stunt coordinator) was announced to be at the helm of the remake of the 1984 film of the same name, the liberals were already trying to criticize the film. Red Dawn stars an eclectic cast of big-name stars and former child actors trying to live up to the classic movie’s name.

The intro informs us that NATO has almost fallen apart and an Asian “Pacific Rim” alliance has come to power. One day, America is invaded by the Army of North Korea and Russia. It also incorporates some more modern developments. Brothers Jed Eckhart (Chris Hemsworth), a US Marine, and his younger brother Matt (Josh Peck), a high school football quarterback, are forced to flee with some friends from their homes in Spokane, Washington, and engage in guerilla-style tactics against the invaders using their school mascot The Wolverines as their team name. However, Captain Cho (Will Yun Lee), is a ruthless adversary who will stop at nothing in stopping the young freedom fighters.

Despite what the mainstream folks are saying, this is not a bad film. It is not as epic as the original, which is a masterpiece, but this one is definitely entertaining. It highlights the growing national debt, cyber-warfare, and many other political hot spots that most filmmakers would try to avoid or fall into political correctness when trying to describe. 

The acting is decent. No one does terrible, but everyone was believable. It was good to see Peck grown up after watching him on Drake & Josh. I will say, the battle scenes are realistic, and even the impact of death is very emotional. My only problem with the film is that it leaves the film wide open for a sequel and it lacks a certain epic quality that the original nailed when it first came out. It does present its narrative and story well, at least. Of course, anytime you can watch Americans take on some commies, even in modern times, it makes for fun viewing.  

Bottom line, the Red Dawn remake is an excellent popcorn film that takes risks most Hollywood filmmakers avoid while managing to keep itself entertaining. 

FAVORITE QUOTE: Marines don’t die, they go to hell and regroup.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Foul language and violence.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my documentary reviews of Naruto: Blood Prison, The Host, and The Bodyguard.  Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

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