Featured Audience Ratings

• Phil H

  
  Set in an alternate 80's this film is based around the notion that the US is evaded by the Soviet Union and its Cuban and Nicaraguan allies. So its everything your standard red blooded, paranoid, religious Southern hick dreams of, a chance to roam around out in the sticks… More
  Set in an alternate 80's this film is based around the notion that the US is evaded by the Soviet Union and its Cuban and Nicaraguan allies. So its everything your standard red blooded, paranoid, religious Southern hick dreams of, a chance to roam around out in the sticks shooting people that may look like a threat, YEE-HAW!!. World War III, America v Russia, fight!, well almost. The film is interesting if slightly silly, I would of thought it impossible to evade and take the US considering its size and population. A film of its time for sure, a time when America was paranoid about the Russians (and vice versa) and had not too long finished up fighting the North Vietnamese. on one hand its a more serious 'Goonie' type fantasy adventure, on the other hand there is a clear underlying message about the way people thought back then, tensions, imagination running wild, maybe even preparation ideas just in case, what better way to show the masses than with a movie. You could almost say it was a military promotion/propaganda to encourage youngsters to join up, stop the commies from trying this, don't be like one of these characters in the film (that get captured and killed). Putting aside the hidden messages that aren't so well hidden (were they meant to be?) its obviously very dated and effects aren't like today, the action is very hokey. Lots of vehicles being blown up, men shot with no visible evidence of bullet holes or blood, booby traps, thick tashed bad guys etc...It is a grown up serious film though, the premise is serious as are the deaths of various characters and the way the film portrays both sides at crucial moments of morality. To look at the film you could be fooled into thinking it was just another silly 'A-Team' brat pack affair, hell it was only missing Estevez and Lowe. Despite the now famous young cast there is a heck of a lot of emotion flowing through this, certain scenes will make your eyes well up even though you know its corny as hell. The dialog is like the action in its hokey as hell at times but along with the great location work you can't deny the film does pack some punch, somewhat. Back in the day for American kids of that age group I'm sure this film was quite unnerving. As for American adults back in the day I'm sure it did make them wonder about the future. Altogether a film very much of its time which doesn't really work as well now, still fun thanks to a great cast but the edge has long gone due to circumstances changing over many many years. An interesting look back in time though.

• Melvin W

  
  Jed Eckert: One thing's for sure now... No one can ever go home again. Never.  "In our time, no foreign army has ever occupied American soil. Until now." There's some entertainment to be had from watching Red Dawn, but come on; for the most part this movie is… More
  Jed Eckert: One thing's for sure now... No one can ever go home again. Never.  "In our time, no foreign army has ever occupied American soil. Until now." There's some entertainment to be had from watching Red Dawn, but come on; for the most part this movie is pretty awful. The only way I could see someone actually thinking this movie was good, is if they see it as the so bad, it's good type of film. In my eyes though, I view it as only bad.  When foreign paratroopers land near a high school, a group of teenagers take off into the mountains with supplies. Once they find out what is going on back in town; killing of civilians, re-education camps, etc... they form a little guerilla army of their own called the Wolverines. From there it's just a standard, let's go kill the bad guys movie.  The movie fails in a lot of different aspects. It's horribly written, the dialogue and acting is as fake as any movie you will ever see, and overall the 80's feel of the film just doesn't work in the context of the material. The premise is an interesting one, but there's nothing to drive that good premise home. Enjoyable moments only come from the laughter some of the one liners and acting bring. People call this a classic film, but all I call it is shit. This movie could potentially blow a 14 year olds mind, but for any adult with half a brain, it's just going to be irritating. Now we have a remake of this film that I hear is even worse. Let me just say, I'm not running out to go see that one anytime soon. 

• Manu G

  
  The invading armies planned for everything - except for eight kids called "The Wolverines." Decent 80's movie!vThis is one of those films you are either going to love or hate. I find it difficult to believe anyone would be neutral regarding it. The cast is chock full… More
  The invading armies planned for everything - except for eight kids called "The Wolverines." Decent 80's movie!vThis is one of those films you are either going to love or hate. I find it difficult to believe anyone would be neutral regarding it. The cast is chock full of stars in their younger years, and acting isn't bad either. Great movie and certainly worth watching at least once. Although director John Milius appears to have rested on his dubious laurels through much of the production, I still feel that this film, over time, has achieved iconic placement in the grand scheme of things. It belongs in the time capsule, faults and all. See it if you want! From out of the sky, Soviet, Nicaraguan, and Cuban troops begin landing on the football field of a Colorado high school. In seconds, the paratroopers have attacked the school and sent a group of teenagers fleeing into the mountains. Armed only with hunting rifles, pistols, and bows and arrows, the teens struggle to survive the bitter winter and the Soviet KGB patrols hunting for them. Eventually, trouble arises when they kill a group of Soviet soldiers on patrol in the highlands. Soon they will wage their own guerrilla warfare against the invading Soviet troops-under the banner of 'Wolverines!'

• Alexander D

  
  There were many great, great films made in the '80s, some of them that even trademarked pop culture. Sadly enough, RED DAWN is not one of them. RED DAWN starts off with a high school. It looks like FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF, in fact, the way everyone in class is bored,… More
  There were many great, great films made in the '80s, some of them that even trademarked pop culture. Sadly enough, RED DAWN is not one of them. RED DAWN starts off with a high school. It looks like FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF, in fact, the way everyone in class is bored, jokes are being whispered among the class, etc. Then, out of the blue, a bunch of war vehicles come in and start shooting up the school. This is what Hollywood in 1984 titled "World War III". (?!) From there on, if you've ever read the comics or seen the TV adaptation of THE WALKING DEAD, then you know what I'm talking about when I say the rest of RED DAWN is just like THE WALKING DEAD, except with Spanish-speaking Russian military (?!) instead of zombies. It's just a movie about surviving from apocalyptic havoc. Like I said, there are many good '80s films out there. But like I also said, RED DAWN just isn't one of them, mainly because the plot is so superficial that it's silly, and the worst thing filmmakers can do to give film a bad reputation is to put the concept of war in a silly light. Believe it or not, the only real reason this one is remembered is because it was the first film to be released with a U.S. "PG-13" rating. If you're looking for a good film that has Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in a group together, don't waste your time with this. Try DIRTY DANCING instead. It's a lot more even, and it's so much less flawed.

• Dean !

  
  An entertaining non-stop action film, but plot wise not a lot happens. A bunch of kids hold up in the mountains when Russia and Cuban forces invade America at the start of World War 3. Over the months the group fight back as much as they can making quite a reputation as the… More
  An entertaining non-stop action film, but plot wise not a lot happens. A bunch of kids hold up in the mountains when Russia and Cuban forces invade America at the start of World War 3. Over the months the group fight back as much as they can making quite a reputation as the Wolverines! Starring an 80's star cast including Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze who paired up a few years later in Dirty Dancing. A good action film made at the height of the cold war, but looking dated now. It does still have some dramatic, iconic scenes though.

• AJ V

  
  This movie is cool for two reasons: the great teen cast and the blending of the teen and war dramas into a timely horror story. I think this movie could have been better in two ways as well: if we could have gotten to know the characters better, and if we could see more of what the… More
  This movie is cool for two reasons: the great teen cast and the blending of the teen and war dramas into a timely horror story. I think this movie could have been better in two ways as well: if we could have gotten to know the characters better, and if we could see more of what the teens did to prepare themselves to fight the soviets (give us a montage at least!). Overall, it's pretty good, but it could have been better.

• Jeff "

  
  Red Dawn is one of the most over exaggerated war films that I have ever seen. Yet there is something so appealing about it, that you can't dismiss it as crap. Starring Patrick Swayze, Lea Thompson and C Thomas Howell, Red Dawn presents a total extravagant plot, the invasion of… More
  Red Dawn is one of the most over exaggerated war films that I have ever seen. Yet there is something so appealing about it, that you can't dismiss it as crap. Starring Patrick Swayze, Lea Thompson and C Thomas Howell, Red Dawn presents a total extravagant plot, the invasion of the United States by Soviet Russia. A small group of teens ban together to repel the invaders. The film is preposterous, but it's a film filled with awesome action and is very entertaining. What makes the film work so well is the talented cast. Patrick Swayze delivers a great performance and so does Lea Thompson. The film is non stop entertainment and will definitely thrill you. The film is not for everyone, but to those who enjoy a mindless Cold War Era thriller, then Red Dawn is a must see film. Red Dawn is the type of film that you watch with your friends to have a good time, it's an adrenaline fueled film and the action is over the top. Action film junkies won't be disappointed because Red Dawn delivers insane amounts of action and thrills. The cast that portray the teens are an impressive bunch of talent and they deliver good performances. Red Dawn is simply put a mindless action film thats designed to deliver a great time to the audience, sure the plot is ludicrous, but it's still a wicked plot. Thats what makes this film so good. The film has been described as a Republican wet dream, which is saying a lot. The film presents good ol' fashioned Cold War paranoia and again showcases how evil are the Russians. All that makes Red Dawn an amusing piece of nostalgia from the 80's, flawed, but oh so good. This is a classic even if it looks dated by today's standards. The film is still fun to watch just like it was when it first came out, except now that the Cold War is over. Red Dawn is a pleasant time waster and is not a film to be taken so seriously. I don't understand why this film has gotten so many bad reviews, because at first glance you should know exactly what you're in for before watching it. If you expect a serious, well developed action film, then you will not find it here. Red Dawn is an exaggerated war film that succeeds very well at displaying an unconventional idea on screen, and if this type of film isn't your cup of tea, skip it.But to others who like these types of films, be prepared to have a great time.

• Cassie H

  
  Hmmmm....I wonder what I could do for an 1 hr and 54 min.....I know NOT watch this movie! Please don't!

• Anthony L

  
  When I was a kid I really wanted to be in Red Dawn. Dated but still worth a watch for prosperity and some good ole fashioned cold war paranoia!

• Nani V

  
  LOL...this movie is hilarious now that I watch it again.

• Randy T

  
  Wolverines!!!

• Curtis L

  
  If your kids are reading Engels, or have crazy notions of sharing, make them watch the documentary Red Dawn! Nothing like the 80's to produce a 'trying to be serious' anti-communist propaganda movie featuring teenagers killing people and being killed. I did really… More
  If your kids are reading Engels, or have crazy notions of sharing, make them watch the documentary Red Dawn! Nothing like the 80's to produce a 'trying to be serious' anti-communist propaganda movie featuring teenagers killing people and being killed. I did really like the story, how a bunch of high school kids end up becoming hardened soldiers, and there comes a great satisfaction when they (finally) start getting picked off (cause as we all know, teenagers would kills hundreds of trained soldiers and escape each time). Fun, and would have received more stars if the first half of the movie wasn't so cheesy and poorly acted. It turned around halfway. Go 80's!

• Tsubaki S

  
  "Mark my words! Anyday now, you're sitting in school, passing notes, and talking about the prom when suddenly you look out the window and there are Russian paratroopers dropping in to take over. What can you do? Run into the woods with your friends? Call yourselves The… More
  "Mark my words! Anyday now, you're sitting in school, passing notes, and talking about the prom when suddenly you look out the window and there are Russian paratroopers dropping in to take over. What can you do? Run into the woods with your friends? Call yourselves The Wolverines? Put twigs in your hair and beat back the Russkies?" Two stars just for being so hillariously over-the-top. The peak of cold war propaganda, makes Rocky 4 and Top Gun look like serious drama/war flicks.

• Lenny M

  
  "Cold War" meets the 80's.

• Michael S

  
  So 80s. but really good.

• Tim S

  
  I wish the Russians would attack.

• Daniel J D

  
  This movie is about as campy and unrealistic as you can get. Then again, it came out 2 years before I was born and I didn't see it for another 12 years or so after it was made.

• Jason S

  
  Great flick. The amount of people who became names later on blows me away. Great story also.

• Dean M

  
  American high school kids vs. the Russians and Cubans in the Soviet War. Way to go, USA of Wolverine.

• Steve K

  
  Cheesy, but also legitimately fun. A real product of its time.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings