KMC Forums - Review: Assault on Precinct 13 (2005)

On a cold New Year's Eve, in the midst of a proverbial snowstorm, a Detroit police station, Precinct 13, is closing its doors. Lt. Jake Roenick, a troubled man of sorts, struggles to cope with the loss of his squad only 8 months earlier. Roenick, along with his secretary (de Matteo) and senior officer O' Shea (Dennehy) play host to some uninvited party guests. Among them Marion Bishop (Fishburne). A cop killer. The new years ball drops as do bodies when a ring of crooked cops a la "Serpico" look to spring Bishop for his betrayal. It's no longer "Training Day" for Hawke, as it's now an all out siege.

I always say that it's a good sign when I subconsciously find myself literally sitting on the edge of my seat in a movie. "Assault on Precinct 13" is precisely that. An assault. On the eyes, the mind, the ears, it delivers an incredible punch, apparent from only 3 minutes into the film. The update was faithful in its approach, with plenty of the originals structure, but with a new age favor to bowl over its simplistic, cat and mouse themed predecessor. It's as if Tom Clancy himself were tapped to write and direct the film. It's just that damn good. DeMonaco's action was gritty and intense, the characters extremely rich and unique, and the script was tight, seemingly plausible, as extreme as the situations were.

The best performances came from the two people you'd least expect it from in John Leguizamo, the socially aware drug fiend and Brian Dennehy the old school, by the book, cop. Even Ja Rule was tolerable as "Smilie", as his screentime was shortened by his untimely (haha) death. At times, the script waivered, as some characters "hardcore appeal" seemed forced in dialogue, and Gabriel Byrne's character seemed less than enthused to be in his position. But, our leading men were always cool under pressure, and Fishburne's "Riddick-esque" antagonist to hero turn was pulled off without a hitch.

Director Jean-Fran�ois Richet was given a fantastic screenplay, and did it great justice. Instances of insurmountable tension, inevitable, heartfelt demise, and scenes that provoked you to root for the "other" bad guys. All of these made "Assault" a fantastic re-invisioning and an even better U.S. directorial debut for a soon to be common name on the U.S. action circuit.

8.5/10 stars, and a DVD wishlist contender.