"Red State" loaded with superb twists, turns

"God doesn't love you, unless you fear him"

"Red State" is the unlikely film from the mind of funny-man Kevin Smith, the director of "Clerks"and the creator of Jay and Silent Bob. Maybe now you're confused seeing the image of a serious-looking woman holding this automatic weapon on the poster.

Good, that's exactly how Smith wants you to feel. He's set out to make a completely different picture than what everyone is used to. Not only has he accomplished that, he's actually made a good movie along the way.

"Red State"is available on all Video On Demand services until the end of the month. Those itching to see this in a proper theater will have their chance on Sept. 25 in Oak Cliff in the historic Texas Theater, with a Kevin Smith is scheduled to be in attendance for a Q&A session after the screening.

The film opens with three teenagers browsing a craigslist-esque website looking to get laid over the weekend. It's all too good to be true, though, and the boys get into a different situation than expected. Instead of the night of joyful sin, the boys are drugged and kidnapped by a character played by Oscar winner Melissa Leo.

Hours later the group wakes up bound and gagged in "Red State's" version of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. Up steps preacher Abin Cooper (played by Michael Parks), who gives the most hateful and mesmerizing sermon you'll ever hear. Halfway through, the cult even executes other kidnapped victims. One thing leads to another and ATF Special Agent Keenan (John Goodman) is sent to investigate a disturbance at the church.

As if it hasn't happened enough already, the film keeps on with more twists and turns than you can count upon one viewing. Bullets start flying and so does the camera. Over and over you're viewing quick camera cuts and seeing some pretty neat visual tricks for a cheap movie. The footage cuts from one place to the next without giving you any time to soak in what just happened.

It sounds like I'm complaining, but with this kind of movie it sets a tone and makes everything more interesting.

With only a limited amount of space, it's hard to explain every reason why "Red State" is one of the best movies of the year. From the unknown actors to the established stars in this cast, you're going to get sucked in with amazing performances for a full 90 minutes. Standing out, though, is the under-appreciated Michael Parks. Simply put, Parks'portrayal of Abin Cooper will leave you in awe and I'll even go so far as to say that this performance is by far the best I've seen all year.

So, don't try and get settled in when you watch "Red State." You'll be on the edge of your seat with an unsettling feeling from the beginning to end and love every minute of it.