Movie Review: Red State

Of all the directors in America, none have ever been as personal as Kevin Smith. He does things the way he wants it done for the people that want to see it. And now in this day and age, he's decided to walk away from directing altogether. And while those of use who love him may not want him to depart from this medium, Red State shows us why he should stay.
This movie is probably more well known for all the buzz it picked up before it's release. It was independently distributed by Kevin Smith himself, promoted by many Q & A sessions that he has become famous for doing. The movie itself, all things considered, is one of his best. Myself included, Kevin Smith has been hit and miss with me, with Clerks, Chasing Amy, Clerks 2 and Zack and Miri being my favorites while Mallrats, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back being just okay for me(I didn't see Jersey Girl/Cop Out) and it goes without saying I was worried this would be a miss.
But it isn't, and I think this has to do for a few reasons:

1. The actors are all good in this film, from John Goodman to that guy who played Kurt Russels son in Sky High.
2. This isn't like any other film that Kevin Smith has ever done before i.e its not a straight up comedy.
3. The fact that anything reminiscent of Fred Phelps could be as good as this is a testament to how insane this world really is.
4. It's the first film where he's worked with a Oscar winning actress(not Oscar winning writer, before you get on my case).
5. Kevin Smith appears on film for the first time in 5 years(abit just a vocal cameo)
6. The run time is short enough that even if you can't stand this film, it won't waste too much of your time, much like Haywire.

Kevin Smith claims this to be the greatest film that he's ever created and I can see where he's coming from with this: it's unlike anything he ever has done before. It's more action packed and shot differently from all his other films, a point that I applaud him for. Not enough directors try new things nowadays, often staying the course until they are either acknowledged for their achievements or stop making movies altogether. The movie may not be for everyone however, as the same humour that has been present in all of Kevin Smith's work is also here as well. 

Overall, Red State may be the last great film that this man ever makes(well, second last at least according to him). It's by far one of his best, one that fans and abnormal people alike should enjoy. If you aren't a stick in the mud. Fuck Pete Campbell. 

Rating: 4/5