Red Dawn

I finally saw Red Dawn for the first time tonight. This movie from 1984 was very enjoyable to watch. It is interesting to think as well with everything that was going on in the world at this time how much this movie was also a very pro American propaganda film. I am sure at the time of it coming out it got many mixed reviews because it is one of those films that you either enjoy or do not like. The storyline to me is very unique and really is one that I don't think has ever been done before.

This movie had a couple of great actors who became stars as they went on through their careers. Probably the big name that is well known is that of Patrick Swayze. Swayze plays the leader of the group of teens that escape the invasion by making it to the mountains. While the acting is over the top at many different times this is really what the movie is about is the over top aspect of everything from the invasion into such a small town. I don't know if it is just because we can look back, but one aspect that made 80's movies so much fun is the cast of actors seem to be three or four well known all sharing the leads. Leah Thompson's character in this movie is done brilliantly, she has this crazy aspect that makes us all uneasy, but be concerned about her at the same time.

While the sets are simple, the simple town look is so perfect for this movie. The movement of the plot in this film keeps moving from the moment the movie starts. They did not let the movie kind of buildup to the invasion as much as they jumped us right into the thick of things. Its the start of the school day and then all the sudden you see all the paratroopers dropping in and then all hell breaks loose.

This is simply a good action movie. It is always an important aspect in a movie like this to train the actors how to properly handle the weapons. The great aspect is with the female characters in that they handle the weapons and you know that they know how to use it but still have an uncertainty with shooting them and holding them.

I loved the concept of this storyline. Hollywood as part of there current trend is actually releasing a remake of this come November. I am giving this movie four buckets of popcorn out of five. I would recommend everyone see this movie before the venture out to view the remake.

-The Movie Man-