13. Dredd (2012)
LionsgateDirector Pete Travis and writer Alex Garland completely erased any memories of the woeful 1995 Sylvester Stallone-starring adaptation of the iconic 2000AD character, delivering a visceral action movie that appealed to both fans of the comics and fans of the action genre in general. The production belies the $45m budget to offer plenty of visual spectacle and impressive effects, with the stripped-down narrative keeping things moving along at a frenetic pace. Karl Urban channels Clint Eastwood for his deadpan, gravel-voiced portrayal of the title character, emanating a quiet charisma and giving a suitably bad-ass performance despite the restrictions of acting primarily with his chin. Olivia Thirlby's rookie provides a good foil, while Lena Headey's deranged turn as the villain is never less than entertaining. The movie makes great use of both slow-motion and 3D, while the lean 95 minute running time results in a frantic, blistering actioner that is as no-nonsense as its hero. Unfortunately, disappointing box office returns seem to have nixed any hopes for a sequel.