Red State

SModcast Pictures | Release Date: October 19, 2011

6.3	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 94 Ratings

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kgstJan 24, 2012

Red State is the type of movie that would really keep you on the edge of your seat, if you weren't constantly being bashed over the head with the general "message": Kevin Smith hates religious nutjobs and corrupt government officials (don'tRed State is the type of movie that would really keep you on the edge of your seat, if you weren't constantly being bashed over the head with the general "message": Kevin Smith hates religious nutjobs and corrupt government officials (don't we all?). That being said, this film is far from something to avoid watching. The dialogue is very well written, and the film has some great shots that keep you in suspense constantly throughout the film. I felt the actors portrayed their respective roles very well, especially Michael Parks. I have much more to type but I will need to come back and finish it.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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Tss5078Feb 22, 2013

Kevin Smith's latest film does not feature Jay or Silent Bob, and it's most defiantly not what you're used to seeing from the acclaimed director. Smith not only directed and wrote this film, but he also produced it independently, keeping itKevin Smith's latest film does not feature Jay or Silent Bob, and it's most defiantly not what you're used to seeing from the acclaimed director. Smith not only directed and wrote this film, but he also produced it independently, keeping it out of theaters, but how come? The answer is simple, it's Smith's unique personality and ability to show a film in a context that is as real as possible. Red State is a fictional type story that resembles and mocks the events in Waco. Three High School kids, from a small town, decide to use the internet to find a prostitute. They think they found a bargain, but when they arrived they quickly discovered that all their lives are now in danger. The woman who placed the add, belongs to a religious cult, who owns a compound, where they execute sinners. Michael Parks plays the leader of this group, Abin Copper, and in ever sense of the word he is nothing but brillient! As the pastor with two personalities, a public and private persona, Parks is able to really give us an inside look at what is really going on inside the minds of these people, it really was a great performance. The other standout from this cast is John Goodman, who plays the lead FBI agent in charge, who has to battle his conscious at the same time he's battling Cooper. Red State is a dark and extremely graphic depiction of what life is like in an ultra religious, super conservative environment. Some of the graphic speeches and violence can be hard to watch, but the acting is off the charts good, and you can't ask for a more creative or innovative writer than Kevin Smith. As usual, this film isn't for everyone, but I really loved it.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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RoadwarriorDec 20, 2011

Is this really a Kevin Smith film? The stylized dialogue is most certainly his but the relentless seriousness is a brand new feather in his cap. A Tarantino-esque thrill ride fraught with moralistic angst in this plausible plot of the battleIs this really a Kevin Smith film? The stylized dialogue is most certainly his but the relentless seriousness is a brand new feather in his cap. A Tarantino-esque thrill ride fraught with moralistic angst in this plausible plot of the battle of good verses evil becoming evil verses good. Christian fundamentalist executioners in a range war with a "take no prisoners" government agency is the theme that is subtly underpinned by memorable characters for their very human characteristics. Raw yet believable acting abounds in this freakish "what if" storyline. Anything but fantasy it will have your nerve ends jangling at the harsh reality on offer, there are next to no excuses on offer for the in-your-face subject matter and the way it is presented.
As hinted at, Smith has taken a massive step away from his tongue in cheek, humour driven main body of work and given us reason to believe that his talent pool is far deeper than suspected, and via Red State we get a precursor to that certain unforgettable masterpiece that will undoubtedly set him firmly on the plateau of great writer/directors.… Expand

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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hoops2448Oct 20, 2011

Kevin Smith has always been able to defy genres with his films but Red State may be the best at it as it works as both a horror film and a satire.
Red State tells the tale of Travis, Billy Ray and Jarod who find a woman open to a foursomeKevin Smith has always been able to defy genres with his films but Red State may be the best at it as it works as both a horror film and a satire.
Red State tells the tale of Travis, Billy Ray and Jarod who find a woman open to a foursome online and head into the back end of nowhere to meet her. However she is a member of a Christian group hell bent on redeeming sinners. Sure its a played out idea but the way its executed is both surprising and extremely entertaining. Smith manages to make the horror original and well and truly haunting in places, with his satire being to the point but not overbearing with it being more comic than anything. The elements come together well to provide a seriously fun little film that does pose some questions while both making you laugh and scaring you in an extremely real way.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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PotentialDec 8, 2014

A fantastic film that comes out of nowhere. Kevin Smith is a down to earth guy, comes from nothing, and makes himself into something. Sure he has had some completely terrible films, but this is not one of them.

The film has doesn't haveA fantastic film that comes out of nowhere. Kevin Smith is a down to earth guy, comes from nothing, and makes himself into something. Sure he has had some completely terrible films, but this is not one of them.

The film has doesn't have twists, but what it does have is misdirection. You never know what way the film is going to go, flipping perspectives and often at times making you change your own point of view. For instance at the start you clearly know who the bad guys are, but as the movie progresses you find yourself doubting your opinion on them. Not because they are good people but because of how things have turned out in the film.

The best part is how it picks apart conventions and cliches you'd usually find in a horror movie or any movie for that matter. This film isn't afraid to get its hands dirty and offers originality in both its execution and its look.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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driver8207003Jan 10, 2012

Well, I think critics are being a little rough handed with my favorite NJ film maker. I loved this movie. Horror satire that presents architypes of three pretty prominent issues can very easily get tired, for they've been presented over andWell, I think critics are being a little rough handed with my favorite NJ film maker. I loved this movie. Horror satire that presents architypes of three pretty prominent issues can very easily get tired, for they've been presented over and over. Simply the fact that I remained connected to the screen, in awe of Michael Parks stunning and completely unnerviing performance, laughed at the traditional sharp Smith dialogue, and shook my head because even under the guise of satire, one still can't help but think that it's only maybe the slightest exaggeration in this day and age, made me come to conclude that this was a shining example of Smith's multiple talents as writer, director, filmmaker.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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RekkrFeb 12, 2014

Entertainment. This is perhaps one of the more solid and "pure" movies I have seen in a while. It seems to have just the right degree of self-awareness to keep it fun and captivating without pulling too hard in any direction.
By the end ofEntertainment. This is perhaps one of the more solid and "pure" movies I have seen in a while. It seems to have just the right degree of self-awareness to keep it fun and captivating without pulling too hard in any direction.
By the end of the film, it comes across as bizarrely charming. It has this 'casual' attitude - both in how it depicts and reacts to brutal violence as well as its portrayal of these bile-inducing religious zealots - that works perfectly. Just know that it is something of a stretch to term this movie as a horror film.
As far as performances are concerned: standouts include the FOREVER brilliant John Goodman - who is as endlessly entertaining as ever - and Michael Parks as the hypnotic yet nauseating 'father' figure of the cult.
Honestly, I think the critics writing this off as a mindless 'Kevin Smith rant' are reading about two bridges too far into it. Sure it's rather blunt, but at it's heart, it's a shocking and often hilarious little story that is (perhaps surprisingly) rather UN-presumptuous. And I have to say that the ending scene is genius.… Expand