Judge Minty (2013)

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

The first must-see film of the year.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

"Judge Minty" is a 27-minute (live) action short film from 2013, so this one will have its 5th anniversary next year already. It is the first filmmaking effort by writer and director Steven Sterlacchini and his second is following these days. But back to this one here, it is basically about a judge on a rampage, so the connection to Judge Dredd (not just the one in the title) is undeniable. Besides that, however, it is just a pretty generic action short film that offers very little in terms of story-telling. The deficits there also have as a consequence that the actors (including lead actor Edmund Dehn) just don't have the material to shine here unfortunately. It does not even ooze coolness sadly, which could have elevated the material a bit like in one or the other Tarantino film. So yeah with the quality of this one, I cannot say I am too curious about Sterlacchini's next works, but I sure hope he managed to step up his game in the past couple years will keep doing so in the years to come. Final note: The very last scene reminded me a bit of Batman vs. Joker. I don't recommend the watch. Thumbs down.

This short film, made by a set of fans, is a very pleasant surprise.Don't expect shakiness and jerky camera work, this is actually very well put together with some great special effects. Granted it's obviously done on a very low budget, and it shows, but never denies to be otherwise. Despite that, it works very well without falling into a trap of B-movie unintended hilarity.A fine lead by Edmund Dehn in this short and dark judgement story in the 2000AD world. The film is an exercise to bring out a short story from the Dredd franchise that would appeal to many without the need for elaborate sets & complicated stories.It's a very good effort. With a bigger budget, support and time it could have been expanded to something greater but just bear in mind that this is a small scale product.I liked it, and wish the producers of this all the best in the next efforts which I'll keep an eye out for.

When I think of "Fan Films" I think of low budget productions put together on a shoelace...that LOOK like it.This is not a "Fan Film". This is an independent film made by fans. The difference is the quality. Perfectly acted, with breathtaking visuals, this is something that left me wanting more from these folks. I want another film in the Judge Dredd universe.Seriously, the only disappointment is that Greg Staples has no chin and should NEVER be shot in profile if being used as Dredd.Judge Minty follows the retirement, and long walk journey into the Cursed Earth. Never has the Cursed Earth looked this good. This 27 minute movie has it right where an entire Hollywood production couldn't even take a single correct step.

A little over 20 minutes, "Judge Minty" chronicles the retirement of the eponymous Mega City Judge and his survival in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Cursed Earth. Apart from a short prologue it is a really long, visually stunning action sequence, bringing to life the gritty universe of the comic book. Edmund Dehn does a terrific job, bringing the old lawman to life with only a number of lines at his disposal. Budgetary limitations aside, it fleshes out characters and setting with strong performances, top-notch Visual SFX and an exemplary sound design. Watched this on a screening at a local Comics Festival (Comicdom Con - Athens 2013). Definitely a short film that should spread out and be seen...