When this movie came out, critics slammed it for the "silliness of its alarmist concept." But now...people see that it is not. As of the date I write this, Russia is invading Ukraine, and many are calling the invasion "a real life Red Dawn."

This movie is a lot better, and a bit more haunting and inspiring, than the critics say. The cast, the effects, the script, the camera work, the sets, the props...everything about this film is professional, to the point, and well made. This movie makes us ask the bitter question, "What if this happened in my town? What would I do?" In all honesty, I'm afraid that most people's answers would be, "I'd give in. I'd surrender. I'd obey my new rulers."

Next time you see or hear something about Red Dawn's "alarmist concept," think of Ukraine. Think of all its civilians are going through. And then you'll realize that this movie is, in reality, a warning of how our futures - talking to everyone here - could go if we're not careful and prepared.

This film was pretty controversial when it came out because it bucked the theme being touted by liberal politicians in 1984. They wanted the US to engage the Russians and make nice to them, while President Reagan had the nerve to call this evil empire an "evil empire". The public seemed to either hate the movie for having the affront to show a Communist invasion of the USA or conservatives thought it was all cool and somehow prophetic. I went to see it, in part, just because I wanted to irritate liberal friends by telling them I saw this movie! After all, it was just a movie! And, a fantasy involving a right or left-wing plot is certainly fair game (though critics at the time BBQ'd the movie and branded it as evil).

Now as for the movie itself, if you remove all the political baggage, it is a decent but far from great film--and people on both extremes politically should bend a little--the film ISN'T evil nor is it the greatest film ever made! Instead, it's a fantasy first. And, secondly it is kind of fun to watch but pretty brainless--having lots of action scenes but the dialog and acting is right out of a teen movie! Judge the film on its own merits, not just politics. Those who give it a 1, do so for their own agenda as is the same with them that give this mediocre film a 10! Don't believe all the extreme hype!

The scenario depicted in Red Dawn didn't happen as we all know. The Cold War ended with a fadeout instead of a bang, the USA did not get invaded. At first glance Red Dawn seems like a quaint and ancient propaganda piece, but it still raises some interesting issues.

Note how the invasion of America happened. Lots and lots of illegal aliens crossed our borders and infiltrated from within. Back in the day Red Dawn was National Rifle Association recruiting material, today however it's the film that the strict immigration people must love the most.

Several members of the Eighties Brat Pack gave stand out performances in Red Dawn like Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Jennifer Grey, Lea Thompson and Charlie Sheen. Considering what he's peddling now, I wonder if Charlie Sheen likes to be reminded of his participation in Red Dawn. Swayze and Howell are brothers who when the paratroop invasion happens at their high school, they zoom on out of there, take supplies, weapons and ammunition and lead a guerrilla movement in their little corner of Colorado.

It's fascinating that the northeast of the United States didn't get invaded and that was the Free Zone. You wonder if the young people in blue state America would fight as these kids do. Kids like Howell and Swayze today are what make up our Armed Forces, they are a precious commodity indeed, blood not to be spent extravagantly or unwisely.

Red Dawn is dated in some ways, relevant in others. It's super-patriotic, jingoistic, never explains really but for a brief voice over prologue why all these people don't like us. But at the same time it invokes a fighting spirit in America that I hope never dies, because we will die.

It's nice to discuss geopolitics, look for economic solutions to age old problems, try to make people respect each other's differences. When the bombs are dropped though, discussion and reason are over.