Judge Dredd (1995)

In a dystopian future, Judge Dredd, a law enforcer with the power to arrest, convict, and execute criminals on the spot, is framed for murder. Stripped of his authority, he must fight to clear his name and stop a dangerous conspiracy threatening Mega-City One, while partnering with a reformed criminal.

WHAT I'M WATCHING

9/6/20242 min read

In a dystopian future, Judge Dredd, a no-nonsense law enforcer with the power to be judge, jury, and executioner on the spot, finds himself in a pickle. Framed for murder, Dredd is stripped of his shiny badge and cool helmet. Now he's got to clear his name, stop a dangerous plot that threatens Mega-City One, and team up with a reformed criminal. It's like a buddy cop movie but with more scowling and fewer donuts.

Judge Dredd was one of my all-time favorite summer flicks from the 90s. I just could not resist Sylvester Stallone's gravelly voice declaring "I am the law!" It's cheesy goodness at its finest. During my Stallone phase, I binged on his movies - Demolition Man? Check. Rocky marathon? You bet. But Judge Dredd holds a special place in my heart.

The movie is a feast for the eyes with its 90s-tastic cinematography and special effects that were cutting edge... for 1995. As a connoisseur of cheesy action movies, I gobbled up the over-the-top action and one-liners like they were the last slice of pizza. Stallone's portrayal of the tough-as-nails Judge Dredd is so perfect, it's like he was born to wear that helmet (even if he takes it off way too often for die-hard comic fans).

Now, I know what you're thinking: "But what about the 5.6 rating on IMDb?" To that, I say: embrace the cheese! This movie is campy, it's cheesy, and it's awesome. It's the cinematic equivalent of a deep-fried Mars bar - you know it's not good for you, but you can't help loving it.

Behind the scenes, there was a bit of a tug-of-war between Stallone, who wanted more comedy, and the director, who was aiming for a darker, more satirical tone. The result? A glorious mishmash that somehow works. And let's not forget Rob Schneider's comic relief - his Stallone impression never fails to crack me up, no matter how many times I've seen it.

Sure, comic book purists might grumble about Dredd taking off his helmet (a big no-no in the source material), but for those of us who never read the comics, it's all part of the fun. Plus, it gives us more opportunities to see Stallone's signature scowl.

The supporting cast is pretty solid too. A young Diane Lane brings some serious acting chops as Dredd's partner, and there's even a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo from the legendary Ian Dury. And don't get me started on the giant robot - that mechanical beast stole every scene it was in!

So, if you're a fan of cheese, Sly Stallone, futuristic settings, and have a high tolerance for 90s special effects, give Judge Dredd a shot. It's a wild ride that'll leave you quoting "I am the law!" for days. I give it 4 out of 5 hotdogs - because nothing says dystopian future like processed meat products!

"I am the law!" (Sorry, couldn't resist one last time)