10 Movies You Were Shocked To See Didn’t Totally Suck

5. Dredd

Judge Dredd
Rebellion

There weren't many reasons at all to be optimistic about 2012's Dredd pre-release.

Most fans simply didn't believe that Hollywood would keep a lead actor's face under the helmet for an entire movie - as proved problematic in the 1995 Sylvester Stallone-starring version - while the film was otherwise dogged by its kitschy, offputting "Dredd 3D" title, and also countless worrying stories about director Pete Travis being locked out of the editing room by the studio during post-production.

So a huge surprise it was when Dredd wasn't actually a total mess hacked apart by the studio, but instead a thrillingly visceral sci-fi action flick boasting a unique visual style and killer performances from Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby and Lena Headey.

Hell, even the 3D presentation was rock solid, yet despite positive reviews, Dredd tanked at the box office. Though it sold well on home video and fans have passionately campaigned for a sequel, that ship has clearly, sadly sailed.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.