Red 2008

Critics score:
70 / 100

Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes

Stephen Holden, New York Times: Once Avery's mission assumes a Freudian dimension, the allegory loses its moral force and changes from a meditation on justice, power and inequality into a gory melodrama. Read more

Sara Cardace, New York Magazine/Vulture: This powerful, elemental drama hits all the buttons, probably to a fault, but it's helped along by fine performances all around. Read more

Noel Murray, AV Club: Along with Shotgun Stories, Felon, and a few other recent 'indie pulps,' Red is part of a wave of low-budget genre films that turn injustice into an abstract force ripping decent folk apart. Read more

Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times: An elegant and deceptively straightforward dramatic thriller. Read more

Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor: Begins promisingly and then swerves into absurdity. Read more

Amy Nicholson, I.E. Weekly: A final quarter sentimental streak clashes with the masochistic pleasure of watching middle America close ranks against a victim who can't even bark in his own defense. Read more

Scott Foundas, L.A. Weekly: The movie's escalating series of tit-for-tat revenge ploys becomes a bit tedious even at 95 minutes, but Cox and a rich (if not always well-served) supporting cast that includes Tom Sizemore, Amanda Plummer, and Robert Englund keep it more than watchable. Read more

Linda Stasi, New York Post: What makes this movie worth seeing is the acting, which is superb throughout. Read more

Rex Reed, New York Observer: It's Brian Cox's powerful but low-key performance and an abiding respect for animals that can't defend themselves that invest this simple, straightforward narrative with an understated passion that is unforgettable. Read more

Anna King, Time Out: The lesson to be taken away from Red is that, after some killin', the only thing that can make someone feel better is a new puppy. Read more

Peter Debruge, Variety: Screenwriter Stephen Susco communicates with a wisdom beyond his years, injecting moments of profound introspection, both spoken and silent. Read more