4. Dredd in Dredd
In some ways, the joke is on Dredd, both in the film and the comic books from where the character is drawn. He applies laws - from the most petty to the most severe crimes - with such grim conviciton, you can't help but see him as a pedantic kill-joy. This is acutely (perhaps unintentionally?) illustrated in Pete Travis' blistering movie when Dredd has inadvertently captured a senior underling of crime boss Ma-Ma. Dredd's partner Anderson informs him this guy is almost certainly guilty of horrible crimes, punishable by death. 'How certain?' growls Dredd. '99%, sir.' says Anderson. 'Not good enough,' barks Dredd, who presumably needs 'due process' or something. So they have to drag this scumbag around a tower block for the rest of the movie, knowing with certainty that Ma-Ma now wants all of them dead, including the captive who knows too much about her operation. Chances are, she'd probably let the Judges go if they gave up the perp anyway. Instead, Dredd beats a path all the way up to Ma-Ma, dragging the captive along, often leaving him alone with Anderson, where he plays sicko head games with her psychic powers. On their way, Ma-Ma's goons attempt to wipe them out, killing many dozens of innocent men, women and children in the process. All because of that 1% uncertainty... regardless of the fact Dredd orders Anderson to shoot a captive in the head for holding a firearm. He's decided to hold on to Kay, for reasons best known to himself. 'Judgement time,' deadpans Dredd. The idiot.