We’ve got to give it to him: Kevin Smith’s distribution plan for Red State was amazing. What is obvious, though, is that it would have failed miserably without a) a strong film that could generate buzz and positive word of mouth and b) Smith’s own offbeat cult of personality.
Red State was barely even in theaters a few weeks ago– and by barely I emphasize both the scant amount of time that has passed and the very small number of screens the film got shown on. Even here in an alternative film mecca like Austin, I missed Red State on the big screen. But, I had the option of watching it at the same approximate time on a number of pay-per-view options. But I’m cheap, so I wasn’t willing to shell out my bucks to watch this via ppv.
But now it’s available on DVD and on Netflix’s Instant Watch. Over and Over we’ve editorialized and pontificated why Netflix needs more marquee announcements of big content. Well, for this week, this one is it. Outside of the big summer blockbuster tentpole franchises, I can think of no other film with more buzz than Red State.
Like most of Smith’s movies, this is an acquired taste. It’s ultra-talky. But it’s mostly devoid of Smith’s normal dick and fart and weed jokes. Mostly. And it’s certainly more competently shot than all of Smith’s other films. But it’s also far more disturbing in its subject matter as it turns small-minded religious hypocrisy and creepiness into violence and horror and a standoff with government agents. So, if you like your creepshows to be more words and less gore, and to have an extra helping of preachiness and social commentary, (and as much to say about government overreach and incompetence as small-minded violence) Red State is up your alley. It’s “Dogma” meets “Deliverance” meets the raid on David Koresh and the Branch Davidians in Waco in 1994.
Also, there is nothing, and I say NOTHING, creepier than seeing a beloved part of your innocent childhood perverted– which Smith does with an extensive cameo by Betty Aberlin (from Mister Rogers, as in “Lady Aberlin, I presume?” “Correct as usual, King Friday”) as a cult member. A cult member who uses one of my favorite swears of all time. Chills up my spine.
Also a BIG shout-out to John Goodman, who gives the best performance he’s had in years in this movie. Also to Kevin Pollack, who appears all-too-briefly and owns every line he’s given, once again proving there are no small parts– only tiny, tiny actors like Kevin Pollack who, if you remember, made Tom Cruise look tall by standing next to him in A Few Good Men and was towered over by the rest of the not ginormous cast of The Usual Suspects. Tiny. But just like with Peter Dinklage, it just concentrates their acting ability that much more.
But maybe Red State isn’t your thing, and that’s fine. If not, Netflix has a TON of other amazing content for your Halloween viewing pleasure. So, I quickly present a list of some of the best things you can also check out this weekend to put some spooks into your life:
Classic horror? Check. The original Nosferatu. Still the creepiest vampire movie EVER. Bela Lugosi as Dracula. Boris Karloff as Frankenstein. The Wolfman. The Invisible Man. Creature from the Black Lagoon.
SEVERAL classic Vincent Price films like The House on Haunted Hill and The Masque of Red Death.
HITCHCOCK: The Lady Vanishes. The 39 Steps.
Zombies? Check– The original Romero Night of the Living Dead. Return of the Living Dead. You like more modern zombies? NAZI Zombies? Then you have Dead Snow. And you’ve got last year’s remake of The Crazies AND the first season of The Walking Dead.
Like more comedy with your horror? The original Evil Dead. My Name is Bruce. Weird Science. And several classic Mystery Science Theater 3000 movies, like Eegah. And amazing classics like Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (which was _ this close _ to being the pick of the week) and Arsenic and Old Lace (the best comedy ever about mass murdering mentally disturbed grannies and murderers who look like Frankenstein)
You have the unique opportunity to watch both versions of a movie that have been remade. Let Me In AND Let the Right One In. Both versions of The Fly. The Omega Man and The Last Man on Earth.
The Man Who Knew Too Much
They Live
Trick R Treat
The Thing
The Fog
The Exorcist
and others I’m sure I’ve missed.
Oh, let me add one thing: Netflix, know what you’re missing? Young Frankenstein. You’ve got most of the other Mel Brooks movies, so not sure why the oversight. But I know no Halloween is complete without a little “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”
Anyway, happy Halloween from Big Shiny Robot.
Please to enjoy Red State. . . . and anything else you might enjoy from Netflix’s amazing treasure trove of tricks and treats.