Red State entertains, but doesn't work on the genres it falls into.
Three teens set out to have sex with a middle aged woman one of them meets online. (Hold on don't leave yet!) Once arriving at her home she drugs them. They are now prisoners of “Notwestboro Baptist Church”, lead by “That Isn't Fred Phelps”. Events unfold that lead to the involvement of John Goodman and the ATF, who have been ordered to wipe-out the military grade gun toting congregation, now labeled a terrorist cell.
The three main teens are fine. I would not go as far to say that i particularity -liked- any of them, but I didn't groan anytime they opened their mouths. Though outside of Smith's typical comedy schitck ,you can tell that this is his hand writing. His trademark snark shines through anytime it's called for. My major issue though is that it is meant to be a “Straight up Horror film” but it isn't. The first act feels like it's building up to it, but the shoot out and siege hi-jacks the plot. Goodman is solid as Agent Keen. An ATF agent who is frustrated with the organization that he works for, and his place in it. What holds this movie together for me is Abin Cooper aka“That Isn't Fred Phelps”. Michael Parks knocks this role out of the park. He's slime coated in gold with a silver tongue. He isn't selfish like most roles like this, he isn't doing it for personal gain. He LOVES his flock and would skin alive and then burn anyone he thinks would bring blemish to their purity. He is a master manipulator but at the same time fights on the front lines.
All in all it is kind of lack luster, and doesn't deliver on some of the promises that it makes. However, if you are like me the magnetism of the characters will make it well worth the watch.
Rating 3/5
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