NateWatchesCoolMovies Lucky Mckee's Red is Brian Cox's shining, monumental, jewel performance of a lifetime. The excellent UK man has constantly wowed us in endless supporting roles (X Men 2, Troy, Manhunter, to name a few). Here he gets to sink his teeth into a well written lead role, and he is a revelation. He plays Avery Ludlow, a quiet old gentleman who minds his own business and is content to live out his years in a small town, with only the company of his old mutt, Red. When a trio of young rich punks, (led by Neol Fischer in a performance of sociopathic savagery), heartlessly shoot his old dog for no other reason than their own amusement, something snaps in Avery. The heartbreaking tragedy in his family history (delivered to us in a monologue by Cox that will bring your knees to the floor before the tears get there, and is his best work I've ever seen) is suddenly pushed to the forefront of his mind, and he seeks retribution. After burying Red, he figures out where the bullet came from, tracks down the punks, two of which are from an affluent family, and begs for them to admit what they did, and apologize to him. Things take a difficult turn when not only is the lead punk completely belligerent and unwilling to atone, but his scumbag prick father (Tom Sizemore coated in his usual hopped up, camouflage jacket of sleaze), is just as much uncooperative as his kid. This leaves Avery to raise the stakes, and find other ways to get the resolution he deserves. He uses the killing of his dog as an outlet for the rage, sadness and anger that he has clearly suppressed for much of his life, finding some peace within himself by pursuing truth and in a way, eventually revenge. It's not a revenge themed film though. All he sets out to do is get an apology and make sure they get disciplined. But things get way, way out of control in a blistering final confrontation. Freddy Krueger himself, Robert Englund, and Amanda Plummer have great white trash cameos, and Kim Dickens is lovely as a sympathetic reporter who befriends, and in a way falls in love Avery. Animal lovers be warned: the scene where Red dies packs such a punch you will feel sick. I cried. But don't let that deject you from checking out this wonderful, unique film that takes a pulpy premise that could have descended into Death Wish style mayhem, and gives it a tender, complex, human approach that really makes it something special.

drpakmanrains "Red" (2008) is a terrific low budget art-house style indie thriller, not to be confused with the Bruce Willis film (2010) of the same name. Based on a story by Dave Ketchum, what might have been a typical revenge movie, is instead a slowly building intense drama of a man trying to get the teen perpetrators to accept responsibility for their intentional shooting of his dog and get a measure of justice and contrition. What follows is what has become too commonplace today. The parents are in denial and defend their children regardless of the accusation or the evidence. I am not suggesting that parents shouldn't love their children or support them emotionally. But they should hold them fully responsible and make them atone for their misdeeds. I am in my early 70's, but in my teens, if a neighbor or teacher complained about anything I did, I was almost certain to be admonished and punished. I am amazed at how many parents today are ready to challenge the schools or teachers if their kids are wearing inappropriate clothing or misbehaving in class. This film is a good example of that kind of parental behavior. Robert Englund and Tom Sizemore typify such parents in their brief but impressive roles. Brian Cox gives a bravura performance, trying to resist seeking revenge, but is repeatedly thwarted until he finally succumbs somewhat to the frustration, which he later regrets. While I won't divulge the ending, it is not at all formulaic, and is tragically what could result, as outcomes are rarely exactly what was expected. The film covers the same theme as the award winning Danish Film "In A Better World" (2010), that is, the line between justice and revenge. Both are outstanding, but approach the subject from very different perspectives. I give this a 9+.

matt-1133 Avery Ludlow (Brian Cox) is accosted by three teenagers who attempt to rob him and then, cruelly and with no reason, shoot dead his dog Red, the only living link he has to his departed wife. With a burning intensity, he seeks redress from the boys that killed his dog - all he really wants is for them to admit what they did and apologise for it - but he is constantly stymied in his attempts at justice by not only the boys' uncaring father (Tom Sizemore) but also a justice system that considers animals no more than property. With reporter Carrie (Kim Dickens) helping to get his story out into the public, Avery's quest for justice starts to spiral out of control as we see his dogged determination - deeply seated in an horrific event from his past, revealed in a scene of masterfully understated acting on Cox' part - start to spiral out of control. A simple story of a man's search for justice and how one event can twist the lives of many until only tragedy can stop the landslide. 4.5/5

Chugalugaboo I remember watching the trailer to this and thinking that it gave away a lot of the film. Made me wonder if it was really worth going out to see this when the entire story is basically told in trailer. So when I recognized the title and decided to give it a try I was pleasantly surprised.I feel like you really know how everything's going to unfold, barring a few minor details, but it's not what happens so much as how it's told. The story is written and cast almost perfectly. I believe this movie is a good example that a plot is really only as good as how well it's written and who is put in the roles. Brian Cox is an excellent choice as the protagonist. He's not a Clint Eastwood or a John Wayne type of aging star. He's a fat, bald, old man who enjoys his work, fishing, hunting, and his dog. I know several men just like his character in my own life. In addition, I know people who I could see in the kids roles in this story. Noel Fisher was a perfect choice. I think everyone's met a kid like that; someone who thinks they're owed everything in life and will throw a tantrum if they can't do something on the first try. A person who will go off on someone for any perceived slight against them. Someone who's so jaded in life they could find entertainment in others' suffering.That said, my only complaint is that the ultimate message of the story gets kinda lost or clouded throughout. On the other hand at least it isn't too preachy and full of itself. Some symbolism is a bit too blatant (Look no further than the title for that haha) and there are some other points that get lost. But like I said, it's worth watching just because it's told rather well. You never really get bored with the film and is a very good change from movies that can't figure out if they want to be thrillers or action flicks.