Dredd (2012)

Ten times better than the deplorable Sylvester Stallone Judge Dredd. The post-apocalyptic future cityscape looked adequately gritty and realistic. The setup up was tightly scripted and sufficient to engage the viewer in the bloody mayhem to come. We may have seen the main plot device—working one’s way to the top of a building of bad guys—many times, but it’s still entertaining when done right. This is no award winner, but it’s a killer action flick deserving of a sequel.

Rating: C+

Chronicle (2012)

Where to start. I have nothing against the recent outpouring of shows and movies involving “normal” people receiving superhuman powers. Some are really good (Misfits, The 4400). However, it feels like most of the good stories and scripts have already been green lit, and now we’re down to the dregs. Hello Chronicle. Three apparent tools receive amazing abilities and commence telekinetic horseplay.

The decision to have the film shot by the actors doesn’t really bring anything extra special to the production, except for maybe a higher level of obnoxiousness. They should be focusing on their acting, since it’s atrocious. Plot holes abound. The film is completely pointless for the first half and mimicked Iron Man in the second half, only without the suits. Stupid ending.

Rating: D-

Death Race 2 (2010)

This is actually a prequel, not that anyone was asking for one. Do we really need the origin story for a NASCAR snuff film? The last Death Race had a higher caliber cast and better writing. This retooled version tries really hard to convince us it’s not a B movie, to no avail. There are some fun sequences, but overall it’s a clunker.

Rating: D