Dredd Sequel.....please....

So it looks like the speculative talk has started again following an interview in which Karl Urban said talks were happening about bringing a Dredd sequel to production.

Much has been made of the hash job that was the marketing prior to the films cinematic release, which was the films ultimate downfall.  Then came the fans, who propelled the film up the DVD sales and download charts.  Something that I'm sure would give any potential investors pause for thought.  DVD and Blu Ray sales alone have brought in half of what the film made at the box office....worldwide!

It's no surprise then that talks are ongoing.  What is important is that the people with the money, who make the decisions see that the strong following isn't going anywhere.  There are several ways you can do this:

1. If you haven't already, buy a copy of the film! Blu-Ray, DVD, Digital, whichever.
2. Buy a copy of the one-shot follow up comic.  Let's send a clear message that we want to see more Dredd.  Go to your local comic book store, or pick up a digital copy from Amazon.
3. Sign the petition: http://2000adonline.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a6e40236aa24d482cfff600d2&id=62906ebdcc  Let the decision makers see just how many people want to see a sequel get made.

I don't want to live in a world where rubbish franchise after rubbish franchise can get churned out at the cinema.

I want to live in a world where the public can speak up, the fans can be heard, and we can see a great character brought back to the big screen where he belongs!!

The return of The Law

Thursday saw the release of the first full length trailer of the upcoming reboot of Judge Dredd, titled 'Dredd'.  If you haven't watched it yet, catch it below:

http://youtu.be/PifvRiHVSCY?hd=1

Firstly, and most importantly, there's no sign of Dredd removing his helmet.  Beyond that, I think that this is looking impressive, and has the chance of being a surprise hit this year.  Gone is the cheesy, vibrance, and neon of the '95 version.  Replaced by a gritty, near future realism.
The uniform/body armour looks functional, having taken it's toned down cues from what was achieved in Captain America.  With regards to the helmet, and the thinking that it is too big, I think it looks fine and the outfit overall is just right.

Lena Headey is looking particularly bad ass, and complete with facial scars as Ma-Ma.  Striking just the right balance of sex appeal and villainy.

It also appears as though the 'Lawgiver', complete with user selectable ammunition remains in some form.  We see bullets for the most part, but a rather spectacular shot of what looks like some kind of cluster missile which I'm sure will result in the demise of a great many bad guys.

The story won't set the world on fire, the plot is going to be pretty straight forward.  Trapped in a city block, 2 Judges against a multitude of bad guys, fight their way to freedom/victory.  Similar to the recent The Raid.  You could argue that it leaves little in the way of twists, but for me I just want it to be a strong first outing, and a set up for more Dredd films to come.

And would it be complete without the muttering of those immortal words...

'I am The Law'  (check it out @ 2:01)

I am the LAW!

The reboot of Judge Dredd is not far away now.  A great character that I am looking forward to seeing (I won't say again, but we'll come to that in a moment), especially as Karl Urban is stepping into the lead role.  I'm confident he will make a great job of giving Judge Dredd the big screen outing he deserves.

As you may, or may not, know, Dredd had a previous outing courtesy of Sylvester Stallone.

Before we go any further, let's not forget that Dredd originally came to us via the Great British comic anthology 2000 AD.  He's a law enforcement officer in a violent city who has the power to take on the role of judge, jury and executioner.  Dealing out a lethal brand of justice as he sees fit.  For someone who has no super powers, this guys is the ultimate bad ass!  This guy has even taken on Aliens, yes the very same acid for blood ones we know and love from the famous film franchise.

Imagine my horror when watching the 1995 outing.  The bloody things a show tune or two away from being a sodding musical!  Don't even get me started on the Angel Gang, Mean Machine Angel...well, it's just not right I tell you.

Luckily by the end of the year, things will be set right.  Judge Dredd will be The Law once more.