Horst in Translation ([email protected])
"Judge Minty" is a 27-minute (live) action short film from 2013, so this one will have its 5th anniversary next year already. It is the first filmmaking effort by writer and director Steven Sterlacchini and his second is following these days. But back to this one here, it is basically about a judge on a rampage, so the connection to Judge Dredd (not just the one in the title) is undeniable. Besides that, however, it is just a pretty generic action short film that offers very little in terms of story-telling. The deficits there also have as a consequence that the actors (including lead actor Edmund Dehn) just don't have the material to shine here unfortunately. It does not even ooze coolness sadly, which could have elevated the material a bit like in one or the other Tarantino film. So yeah with the quality of this one, I cannot say I am too curious about Sterlacchini's next works, but I sure hope he managed to step up his game in the past couple years will keep doing so in the years to come. Final note: The very last scene reminded me a bit of Batman vs. Joker. I don't recommend the watch. Thumbs down.
SamuelSpade
Just how did these guys, with no doubt a very tight budget and limited resources get it so right when two Hollywood efforts got it wrong (so wrong with Stallones version)? I think the reason is that they know and love the characters, history and idea behind Judge Dredd and his world, they did not compromise when it came to the basics, like the uniforms, the bikes and the city (admittedly a very big basic). Judge Minty is a character from Dredd's past, and I remember reading his story many years ago in 2000AD, I also remember wishing someone would make a film or TV series about Dredd and the world he inhabits, Stallones film was dire, Urban at least understood the character but this short film leaves both previous films for dead, you would have forgiven the makers if they had shot the entire thing in the Cursed Earth, but no, the first part of the film is based in Mega City 1, and the visuals are excellent, the action outside the city walls shows the desolation of the cursed Earth and highlights the vulnerability of even a experienced Mega city lawman, he is on his own. I give this 9/10. like others have pointed out, this films Judge Dredd is in urgent need of a chin, other than that small niggle I can't and will not fault it.Hollywood, watch and learn.
Captain_Roberts
When I think of "Fan Films" I think of low budget productions put together on a shoelace...that LOOK like it.This is not a "Fan Film". This is an independent film made by fans. The difference is the quality. Perfectly acted, with breathtaking visuals, this is something that left me wanting more from these folks. I want another film in the Judge Dredd universe.Seriously, the only disappointment is that Greg Staples has no chin and should NEVER be shot in profile if being used as Dredd.Judge Minty follows the retirement, and long walk journey into the Cursed Earth. Never has the Cursed Earth looked this good. This 27 minute movie has it right where an entire Hollywood production couldn't even take a single correct step.
Periklis Begzos
A little over 20 minutes, "Judge Minty" chronicles the retirement of the eponymous Mega City Judge and his survival in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Cursed Earth. Apart from a short prologue it is a really long, visually stunning action sequence, bringing to life the gritty universe of the comic book. Edmund Dehn does a terrific job, bringing the old lawman to life with only a number of lines at his disposal. Budgetary limitations aside, it fleshes out characters and setting with strong performances, top-notch Visual SFX and an exemplary sound design. Watched this on a screening at a local Comics Festival (Comicdom Con - Athens 2013). Definitely a short film that should spread out and be seen...
