- Film Review
- Reviewed By Sloan Freer
-
3 out of 5
John Carpenter's cult classic gets a contemporary reworking in this exciting action thriller. The English-language debut of director Jean-François Richet, it maintains the original's basic concept, but brings both protagonists and story into the 21st century. Focusing more on individuals and their relationships rather than pure action, this simple urban western is set in an isolated, sparsely manned Detroit police station under siege during its final night before closure. The aim of the relentless assailants is to retrieve laid-back crime lord Laurence Fishburne, which forces the prisoners and cops inside into an uneasy alliance to stay alive. Every frame of this film crackles with raw energy, as Richet cranks up the tension, economically exploiting sight, sound and extreme violence to gripping effect. The acting is enjoyable, too - despite some corny dialogue and clichéd characters - with Ethan Hawke's emotionally scarred police sergeant a particular standout.
Plot Summary
Action thriller update of the John Carpenter classic, starring Ethan Hawke and Laurence Fishburne. On a snowy New Year's Eve, Sergeant Jake Roenick oversees the final shift at a soon-to-be decommissioned Detroit police station. Expecting a quiet evening, he's annoyed when he has to take delivery of a group of prisoners - among them cop-killing gang leader, Marion Bishop. But that's just the start of his troubles, as the precinct suddenly comes under attack from well-armed and relentless assailants.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Sergeant Jake Roenick
- Ethan Hawke
- Marion Bishop
- Laurence Fishburne
- Beck
- John Leguizamo
- Alex Sabian
- Maria Bello
- Smiley
- Ja Rule
- Iris Ferry
- Drea de Matteo
- Capra
- Matt Craven
- Jasper O'Shea
- Brian Dennehy
- Marcus Duvall
- Gabriel Byrne
- Anna
- Aisha Hinds
- Rosen
- Kim Coates
- Gil
- Dorian Harewood
Crew
- Director
- Jean-François Richet
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