Red State (2011)

Title: Red State

Director: Kevin Smith

Starring: Michael Parks, Melissa Leo and John Goodman

Rated: R

Released: 2011

Rating: 5/5

Oscars: N/A

Basic Plot: Three teenagers go out to have sex with a woman and are caught by religious extremists.

Everyone is Not Likable
What I mean by that is that there is no good character. The three teenagers are all horny bastards and those are the ones we first meet. However, the characters are all interesting in their own unique ways. Each character shown is there to prove a point (or to add something to the plot). People complaining because there are no likable characters are not people I can understand. I don't need likable characters in my fiction, I need characters that are interesting to follow.

The Meaning of the Title
The meaning seems, at first, to mean that the state it's taking place in is a red state (aka one that favors Republicans). However, by the end of the film it's clear that the title means the whole United States of America. The fact that by the end of the film you realize the government isn't your friend makes you realize there's no one powerful to turn to for help.

The Westbero Baptist Church
There is hardly anyone that doesn't know about this cult. A few people don't know about it (one of them being someone I'm related to) but the majority of people will see the similarities. Hell, Kevin Smith didn't deny the fact that it's that cult. This really lends the movie horror that it wouldn't otherwise have. A good thing with horror is to have it be realistic. The fact that it could happen makes you afraid even past the ending credits. That's what the connection to the Wesbero Baptist Church adds to this movie: real terror.

Final Thoughts
This movie is a horror film to me. That being said, this is NOT for the weak of heart. The subject matter and graphic violence don't lend itself well for young or easily startled audiences. If you do feel you can tackle this beast: do so now! I do not see why this movie has received so much hate when it's brought me so much joy (in a painful good way). I have watched a special on a journalist going to live with members of the Westbero Baptist Church and it equaled the horror to this movie. The cult referred to in this film is really terrifying.