Due to the upcoming, “Red Dawn”, remake in 2013, Netflix has decided to make the original 1984 film streamable for a while until, Jan. 1st. This is Netflix’s way of helping to hype the remake and they want people the chance to see the original before the remake comes out in theaters. I never saw the original film. I did end up watching a movie on Netflix last nighit, Christmas Day, and this is what I ended up watching. The original, “Red Dawn”.

I was very surprised by the movie, and in my opinion, it is one of the greatest war movies ever made. Yes, it is a war movie, as it is about a fictional World War III, just beginning. The film tells the story of Calumet, Colorado which is a small town who lives their life like we all do, and all of a sudden their town was taken over by Russian Airborne troops. A group of young boys, escape from the attack by hiding out in the woods, so they can survive. After killing Russian soldiers out in the woods, that was when they decided they were going to fight back at the Russians. So they trained themselves to fight and armed themselves with guns, and they called themselves, the “Wolverines”, named after their high school mascot.

The film is getting mixed reviews. You either love it or hate it, but in my opinion, I thought the original movie blew me away. Yes, it was kind of cheesy and silly in some parts, but there were some pretty powerful scenes in the original. Not sure if the remake will be able to do those scenes better. There were a few pretty emotional and sad scenes. So if you watch this movie, make sure you have a box of tissues nearby.

The original is full of stars back when they were young like Patrick Swayze who plays the lead, Charlie Sheen, Lea Thompson,  Jennifer Grey, etc. I thought the acting was decent. Of course, I’m sure the entire cast were totally unknown actors at the time of the films release, though.

I hope the upcoming remake won’t suck. Yes, of course, the remake will probably change the story around, and make things different a little bit, but I hope they don’t leave too much out. I’ll probably check out the remake when it comes out in theaters, sure. Seeing the original almost makes me want to check it out. The remake could potentially be a good film, if they do it right.

If you haven’t seen the original film before, you better check it out on Netflix soon before they take it off on Jan 1. I thought the original was pretty intense and might end up watching it again. I’m probably gonna get the original on Blu Ray. I’m sure it will cost like $10 – $15 at Best Buy. Do yourself a favor and check it out. It was an awesome flick!

Kev