Red State marks Kevin Smith's first real venture away from his own style of comedy which has in so many ways helped to redefine a generations of comic book loving nerds like my self. I don't know what I really expected out of this film but I was thoroughly impressed with what I got. Strangely this movie doesn't flow quite like a normal Smith film, you pretty much get dumped right into a dark religious world of twisted values and gun toting Ralph Garmin. Ok so Garmin is that big a role but I like the guy so it's good to see him working. Parks is awesome in this movie and totally believable as a manipulative preacher capable of bending ignorant religious nut-jobs to his warped view of faith and values. Goodman gives one of his best showings in years too, although his character seems a little lost in the story at times it works considering the chaotic atmosphere he is thrown into. After watching Red State I would say my only complaint, which is more nit picking than anything, is that at times the style the film was shot in made me feel like Rob Zombie was behind the camera (mostly due to how the camera moved and tone, etc) but this is a minor flaw and I'm not even 100% sure its really a flaw. Red State wraps in truly realistic manor. I don't want to write specifics and ruin the ending for anyone who has yet to watch the movie but Smiths transaction from a "No fucking way" to a "fucking figures" moment is classic, unique, original and an excellent way to wrap up the movie. Red State, though not my favorite, is hands down Kevin Smiths best film and probably the best independent film I have seen in some time. It's not not for everyone, some people won't get it or be drawn in with the chaos of the environment Smith crafted, but if you can go into this film with an open mind an not be shocked by the horror of a director willing to step out of his element your in for a great ride.
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