Gurlyndrobb
While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.
Rio Hayward
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
Bob
This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.
gavin6942
A reclusive man (Brian Cox) sets out for justice and redemption when three troublesome teens (Noel Fisher, Kyle Gallner, Shiloh Fernandez) kill his dog for no good reason.First of all, why was Lucky McKee replaced? And Angela Bettis replaced, too? This seems terribly unfortunate and probably cost the film some fans and attention it might have otherwise had. (With all due respect to the new director, who did a phenomenal job.) At least us horror buffs have Ashley Laurence and Robert Englund to work with. (Not to mention veteran actors Tom Sizemore and Richard Riehle.) The whole story is great and spins out of control. It has the sensibility of "Mystic River" and the revenge of "Falling Down"... the best of both worlds.
Scott LeBrun
Emotionally effective Jack Ketchum adaptation is overall thoughtful and compelling filmmaking. While the story eventually turns somewhat conventional, it's still a nice character study of a damaged man who determines to see justice done on behalf of his beloved dog. It may have worked even better if the antagonists weren't pretty one dimensional. But a wonderful, strong performance by lead actor Brian Cox holds it all together, along with the assistance of a fine supporting cast.Cox plays Avery Ludlow, a solitary widower who lives basically for three things: his house, his store, and his cherished mongrel dog Red. One morning while fishing he's accosted by three punks. Young jerk Danny (Noel Fisher) is dissatisfied with how little they'll make from robbing Avery, and cold bloodedly, casually shoots the dog in the head. A devastated Avery spends his time after that seeing what he can do legally about the situation. There isn't much, of course, but all he really wants is for Danny to cop to what he did and apologize. But no apologies will be forthcoming, not from Danny and not from his well-off father Mr. McCormack (Tom Sizemore). Avery gets in contact with a reporter, Carrie (Kim Dickens) looking for a human interest story.Cox is the main reason to watch this. Convincing at every turn, he creates a character whom you like and root for. Familiar faces in the other roles include Ashley Laurence as McCormack's wife, Robert Englund and Amanda Plummer as Mr. and Mrs. Doust, and Richard Riehle as Sam. Ketchum makes a cameo appearance as a bartender.Capable direction by Lucky McKee and Trygve Allister Diesen (the latter replaced the former weeks into shooting, for undisclosed reasons) helps a lot, as well as lovely music by Soren Hyldgaard. Fundamentally it's a good story, well told and well performed by all, with a heart warming wrap-up.Eight out of 10.
thinker1691
Two men, Trygve A. Diesen and Lucky McKee have taken writer Jack Ketchum's endearing novel and created an equally touching movie. What's surprisingly interesting is Brian Cox, an established actor who is known for his more boisterous, authoritarian and commanding roles gives a superb tour-de-force, in this film. Playing retired gentleman Avery Ludlow who's quiet peaceful and uneventful life is interrupted by the senseless killing of his beloved pet dog. The dog's name " RED " is also the title of this story which is about a trio of cold hearted teen-age boys who are responsible for the murderous act. Mr. Ludlow hopes the boys will eventually grow up and confess to the crime, but is disappointed when they don't and instead take shelter in a wealthy father's powerful status and influence. He is therefore prompted to seek justice on his own. The movie is all about his gallant efforts. In addition the audience will be deeply impressed by the acclaimed performance given by Brian Cox. After watching him and the other cast members such as Noel Fisher, Tom Sizemore and Robert Englund, one will conclude this is one great film which should earn it, a special place among the modern Classics. ****
Coventry
I haven't read anything from author Jack Ketchum's novella repertoire yet and this is only the first movie adaptation of his work that I watched, but nevertheless I had high expectations because he has a wide and loyal fan base, which includes several people whose opinions I value enormously. The basic plot description makes "Red" sound like a raw and primitive vigilante/revenge thriller – the type of film that "Death Wish" spawned a truckload of in the 1970's – but the truth is that this is much more of a compelling drama and detailed character study rather than a gratuitously violent thriller. Thanks to the, hands down, brilliant tour-de-force acting performance of Brian Cox and the recognizable defaults in our modern day society (like abuse of power and derailed youth), "Red" is a saddening and diligent fable about one man's consistent quest for justice where others would have given up long time ago already. Avery Ludlow is a small town's store owner who enjoys nothing more than to go fishing in his fixed and idyllic little spot, accompanied by his old but faithful dog Red. Red is Avery's dearest impedimenta, as it was a present from his deceased wife. When a trio of adolescent thugs, on the lookout for money and kicks, cruelly and cold-heartedly kill Red with a headshot, Avery obviously seeks retaliation. He confronts the boys' father with indisputable facts and asks for an appropriate punishment, but since Mr. McCormack is an obnoxious and wealthy local businessman, the accusations are simply laughed away. Moreover, when Avery seeks help and support around town, McCormack uses his political influence to obstruct him. Especially the first half of "Red" is extremely powerful and fascinating. The dramatic event at the fishing lake, Avery's first acquaintance with the arrogant Michael McCormack (fitting role for Tom Sizemore) and his first attempts to acquire justice are all masterfully accomplished sequences that literally ooze with suspense and craftsmanship. I watched this movie at the annual Fantastic Film Festival in my country, amidst a whole gathering of usually outrageous and bloodthirsty horror freaks, but I assure the audience was dead quiet and staring at the screen with eyes and mouth wide open during these intense sequences. The second half is unfortunately a lot less impressive, on the very of disappointing even, due to a handful of far-fetched twists and illogical sequences. The escalation of the vendetta between Avery and the McCormack family are simply too implausible to take seriously and the climax is too violent to fit in with the overall tone of the film. Nonetheless this is a remarkable and long-haunting film with a lot of heart & passion. The major stars receive excellent support from familiar B-movie faces, like Robert Englund, Amanda Plummer and Ashley Laurence. Particularly that last one was a refreshment to see again, as she hasn't appeared in a half-decent movie since she depicted the lovable Kirsty Cotton in "Hellraiser".
