Red Dragon [HD DVD]
![Red Dragon [HD DVD]](/images/Red-Dragon-HD-DVD-B000GFLEBI-L.jpg)
|
List Price: Our Price: $0.95 You Save: $19.03 (95%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Red Dragon [HD DVD]
Movie Review: ANTHONY HOPKINS STEALS THE SHOW...
Summary: 4 Stars
Based upon the wonderful, well-written novel "Red Dragon" by Thomas Harris, this is a superior and chilling thriller. Grim and gripping, it features Edward Norton in the role of troubled, retired FBI agent, Will Graham, who is called back to service in order to track down a bizarre serial killer, known as the "Tooth Fairy". It appears that Graham has the uncanny ability to get into a killer's mindset and figure out what his next move might be. It is as if he and the killer become one. In his preparation for this, Graham even consults the imprisoned Hannibal Lecter (yes, THE Hannibal Lecter), deliciously played by Anthony Hopkins. Unfortunately for Graham, Hannibal has not forgotten that Graham was responsible for his changed circumstances.
It is Hannibal Lecter, after all, who was the catalyst for Will Graham's retirement. The viewer is treated to scenes of Lecter's life, before he was revealed to be Hannibal the Cannibal, one of the sickest serial killers ever to strike. The viewer sees the renowned psychiatrist in his milieu as an erudite, cultured, and wealthy patron of the arts. A noted gourmand, Dr. Lecter liked nothing better than to give intimate dinner parties for the favored few. Of course, some of the ingredients used for his dinners were best left unsaid. It was nice to see the always excellent John Rubenstein in the small role of a dinner guest, heaping accolades upon Hannibal for his dinner parties.
The movie is compelling and, at all times, gripping. Anthony Hopkins reprises his career defining role and steals the show (Really, Hannibal Lecter has become all but a cottage industry for him!). With a twinkle in his eye, he is, in his low key way, deliciously malevolent. Edward Norton, one of the best young actors around, gives a decent and sensitive portrayal of Will Graham, the angst ridden former FBI agent and profiler, but lacks the grittiness and hard-edged veneer that the role really demands. He also simply looks too young and soft for the role. Ralph Fiennes gives a fine performance as the tormented Francis Dolarhyde, but his portrayal is hampered by the fact that too little is revealed in the film about what makes him tick.
Emily Watson affectingly plays a blind woman who becomes romantically involved with Francis Dolarhyde. It is her involvement with him that helps bring the film to its stunning conclusion. Moreover, Ms. Watson is a wonderfully talented British actress who manages to get her American accent down pat. Good performances by Harvey Keitel, as Graham's former boss, and Mary Louise Parker, as Graham's wife, round out this fine, ensemble cast.
This film is a taut, unnerving psychological thriller that is subject to comparison to its 1986 predecessor "Manhunter". Having seen both, I call it a draw. This current version had a bigger budget, so obviously it has better production values. Also, the opening scenes in the current version are more interesting than those in the 1986 one. Music, however, was used to much better effect in the earlier version. Moreover, the final scenes in the earlier version were much better than in this later version, as they were much more suspenseful. Both films, however, are worth watching. Do yourself a favor and view both. Then, judge for yourself.
Movie Review: A good Bret Ratner movie. Who knew?
Summary: 4 Stars
The original interpretation of Red Dragon was entitled Manhunter. It is typical Michael Mann fare from the 80's. Lots of music video moments with people staring off into space while rock n' roll plays in the background. It's just okay. But this film, Bret Ratner's Red Dragon, is something more. The novel on which it is based is very detailed in its descriptions of the killer's activities as well as those of Hannibal Lector. Moreover, the techniques used to hunt him down are described with equal aplomb. It is important, then, that this film explore those things in a measured and meticulous way. And so they are. Edward Norton turns in a fine performance as the tortured investigator with an unfortunate gift for seeing inside the minds of serial killers. Anthony Hopkins as Lector is always enjoyable if a bit over-the-top and Emily Watson is intriguing as the blind film lab technician Reba who falls for Francis Dolarhyde. And it is Ralph Fiennes' performance as Dolarhyde that gives this film its power and appeal. He is clearly insane, on that point there can be no debate. But once he finds a chance for love an acceptance through Reba he begins to doubt his transformation into the Dragon that has driven him to kill again and again. Tom Noonan's performance in Manhunter was alright, but Ralph Fiennes nails it sinking deep into the character's paranoia and random flashing rage in a way that both terrifies and entrances. Red Dragon delivers on the promise of Manhunter twenty years on.Movie Review: Near Greatness
Summary: 4 Stars
While this movie is not the best of the series it is good. Its near greatness. I would say if you have yet to see the others (get out from under your rock) this would be a great movie. The acting is top notch and the HDDVD transfer is great. So nice.Movie Review: mediocre at best
Summary: 1 Stars
Prequels are usually like sequels in that they should never have been made. Just see Star Wars for a prominent example. Silence of the Lambs was a great movie and Anthony Hopkins was great as Hannibal Lecter. Red Dragon occurs before that story and we see a little of the crimes Hannibal committed as well as his capture, but little else. Instead we are shown a ho-hum story about another serial killer played by Ralph Feinnes. The story is not as suspensful and the killer is not as interesting as in Silence. Also, while I like Ed Norton, he was a poor choice to play the FBI investigator-very bland and dull. It was also tough to accept that this was before Silence since Anthony Hopkins looked older, fatter, and balder than in that movie. With such a strong cast I had high hopes for this, but it was ultimately disappointing. HD DVD picture quality was ok, but dark movies like this rarely look much better than the DVD-perhaps a bit sharper on my 106" screen. Maybe worth renting if you like this genre, but definitely not worth buying.
Movie Review: angry buyer
Summary: 1 Stars
well, it's kinda hard to review something that you never got to watch because the seller forgot to mention that you need the right player that supports hd dvd's. the seller has yet to contact me to correct the issue;nor has amazon made any attempts to contact me regarding the issue i have with this seller,beware of all purchases you make at amazon.
More Movie Reviews:
1 2
1 2