Assault on Precinct 13

[image=left]http://www.alternativenation.net/gallery/files/9/9/4/picture-5_thumb.jpg[/image]When I go and see a remake, I often find myself comparing it to the original. However, when I went to see Assault on Precinct 13, I made the effort not to compare it with John Carpenter’s 1976 movie of the same name and take it on face value.

The John Carpenter version wasn’t wholly original in itself, being loosely based on an old John Wayne movie called Rio Bravo, but let’s not go into that.

Gang leader Marion Bishop (Lawrence Fishbourne) and a few other petty criminals are being transported through a storm on New Years Eve. Meanwhile, in the soon-to-be-closed Precinct 13, Jake Roenick (Ethan Hawke), Jasper O’Shea (Brian Dennehy) and Iris Ferry (Drea de Matteo) are packing up and getting ready to celebrate the New Year. Things don’t go to plan though, as the bus is forced to pull in and sit out the storm.

What follows is a seige situation, where a band of crooked cops – led by Lieut. Holloway (Gabriel Byrne), who worked with Bishop in the past – attempts to silence him before he gets to court and names them. Also in the fray is Roenick’s psychiatrist (Alex Sabian). I’m not terribly sure why she was even in the movie, other than for eye candy. On looking back, her role was pretty much insiginificant. I expected a typically clichéd romance between her and Hawke, but even that didn’t come to pass. This actually worked in the movie’s favour.

There’s twists, there’s turns, and there’s explosions. The staples of all Hollywood action releases. Somehow though it manages to avoid some of the big stereotypes. In parts I found myself applauding some of the turns the story took, going against the grain as they did.

Overall I found it quite watchable. Not great, but not terribly bad either. Head down to Blockbuster and get John Carpenter’s version instead.

[Ghostsuit]

Totally agree with that review mate, wasn't a bad movie, wasn't a great movie, wasn't even a popcorn fest either. It was just an alright film.

[Ness]

i quite enjoyed it just back from watching it - and it was quite good - they dont try to hide the element of death in the movie - a factor which made it all the more enjoyable - imo it was good.

[GoddamnElectric]

I refuse to watch it since I enjoy the original so much. It just carries an air of claustrophobia that I doubt the remake can reproduce for the sake of explosions and 'angles'. But then sometimes I’m just prejudiced that way

[Talman]

I haven't saw the original, but i thought it was an excellent film. Alot better than i was expecting.

[Kenny Everett]

I watched it when I was on holiday last week, and it killed a few hours with brainless enjoyment.

Nothing special, but not quite a waste of time

[sin]

I thought this film was quality. it was allot different from what i was expecting aswell. who was the fool who shoit ja rule :@ lolol