Red Dawn movie remake hits big screen thanks to $16.7 million from Michigan taxpayers

Michigan Capitol Confidential ^ | 11/20/2012 | Tom Gantert

[MichCapCon]

In the upcoming remake of the movie Red Dawn, the United States is invaded by North Korea.

But it wouldn't have happened without Michigan taxpayers.

The remake of the classic Patrick Swayze 1984 movie debuts Nov. 21. It was filmed in Michigan in 2009 and the film company received $16.7 million in film credits from Michigan taxpayers.

Now Michigan residents will get a chance to see what they paid for.

After it was shot, it was widely reported that the filmmakers changed the enemy to North Korea for fear that having China as the villain again would hurt sales in that country. In 2010, movies in China brought in $1.5 billion in revenue, according to The Los Angeles Times.

"We are far more likely to be taken over by North Korea than we are to actually benefit from the Hollywood film subsidies," said Leon Drolet, chairman of the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance. "The premise behind film subsidies relies more on science fiction than any movie plot ever produced by them."

Red Dawn was the biggest benefactor of film credits in 2009. The Michigan Film Office reported the movie makers spent $44.4 million in the state and got back $16.7 million, which was more than twice as big as the second largest award of $6.1 million. Although the movie was filmed in 2009, its release was stalled when MGM filed for bankruptcy in 2010.

In 2009, the state gave a refundable tax credit of up to 42 percent for production work in the state. That was changed last year to 32 percent. Earlier this year, the Republican-led legislature doubled the film subsidy program from $25 million to $50 million.

"These things are really expensive and ineffective at providing economic development," said James Hohman, a fiscal policy analyst with the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

[gundog]

Michigan? I’d expect an inside job by the Muzzies.

[1066AD]

. . . having China as the villain again . .

China ? Thought it was Cuba.

Wolverines !

[cripplecreek]

You would think the least they could do is let us in for free with a Michigan ID.

If anyone wants to be added to the Michigan Cap Con ping list, let me know.

[Le Chien Rouge]

If North Korea invaded Detroit, promised even MORE section 8 housing along with greater food stamp benefits, Kim Il Jong phones with unlimited free minutes,new Nikes, unlimited cable, and promised to whip whitey, ‘Holder’s People’ in Detroit would surrender without firing a shot....

[Le Chien Rouge]

If North Korea invaded Detroit, promised even MORE section 8 housing along with greater food stamp benefits, Kim Il Jong phones with unlimited free minutes,new Nikes, unlimited cable, and promised to whip whitey, ‘Holder’s People’ in Detroit would surrender without firing a shot....

[Lx]

China???

Thailand?

I thought it was the Russkies. In the beginning of the 1984 movie they talk about the Soviet’s harvest failing.

[Vendome]

I’m not going to watch a film with a ridiculous premise. Totally and completely unbelievable and my mind won’t accept this as entertainmant .

Why didn’t they make the villain state Suriname....

[dfwgator]

It will do just about as well as that Total Recall remake.

[TurboZamboni]

“MICHIGAN WOVERINES!!”

[TurboZamboni]

“MICHIGAN WOLVERINES!!”

[dfwgator]

Why didn’t they make the villain state Suriname....

Or The Duchy of Grand Fenwick, heck that would be more believable.

[mylife]

the United States is invaded by North Korea

Invaded with what?

[dfwgator]

I’m surprised for the remake for equal time, it isn’t “BUCKEYES!”

[Lucky9teen]

China?

FROM Wikipedia: Red Dawn is a 1984 American war film directed by John Milius and co-written by Milius and Kevin Reynolds. It stars Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Charlie Sheen, and Jennifer Grey. It was the first film to be released with the MPAA rating of PG-13.

The film is set in an alternate 1980s in which the United States is invaded by the Soviet Union and its Cuban and Nicaraguan allies. However, the onset of World War III is in the background and not fully elaborated. The story follows a group of American high school students who resist the occupation with guerrilla warfare, calling themselves Wolverines, after their high school mascot.

Since when has China been considered Soviet?

[3Fingas]

My thoughts exactly. I would really like to see the original version with China as the invader, really the only country potentially capable of such an act.

[jessduntno]

“Duchy of Grand Fenwick”

Ahhhh...the bar parlour of the Grey Goose beckons...

[TomGuy]

I thought it was the Russkies. In the beginning of the 1984 movie they talk about the Soviet’s harvest failing.

IIRC, the actual 'invaders' were hired Cuban military in the original.

The TV series, Jericho, gave the impression that China was involved in those atomic attacks. When the provisions were parachutted in, the crates had the red star and sickle emblems. I don't remember there being a real explanation for that.

I have noticed in recent years that more TV series villains are Russians and former KGB. Seldom does a mussie turn out to be the villain. In programs where a mussie is accused, it seems to turn out to be false, and the real culprit is a disgruntled former US military or religious extremist white guy.

[dfwgator]

IIRC, the actual 'invaders' were hired Cuban military in the original.

They even hired Super Fly as the main General. ;)

[gundog]

As I recall, China was also attacked in the movie.

Powers Boothe: “Us and 600 million screaming Chinamen”

Kid: “I thought there were a billion screaming Chinamen.”

Powers Boothe: “There were.” (Throws whiskey in fire)