A couple of years ago I gave a review of the french film “13 Tzameti”. The movie was one of the most tense, heart in your throat movies I had seen in a long long time. Basically the movie is about a young guy who inadvertently gets caught up in a twisted mob tournament of Russian Roulette. Dear lord the tension in that movie is palpable. It wasn’t a perfect movie by any stretch (you can watch my original 2006 review below), but a solid flick nonetheless.
Also in 2006, we told you that Hollywood was looking at doing a North American remake (the original is French and in black and white) of 13 Tzameti (something which I endorsed). At that time the names being mentioned were Joaquin Phoenix, Tobey Maguire, Heath Ledger and Leonardo DiCaprio. Not bad at all.
But as time passed nothing materialized… until now.
It’s now being reported that Mickey Rourke, Jason Statham and 50 “I’ve got no fucking business being in movies because I really do suck that much” Cent are signed up to appear in the remake. I’ll spare you my regular diatribe about how unbearably horrible 50 Cent is and should never be allowed near a movie set… or did I just do it again?
Anyway, Rourke is a great choice, and even though Jason Statham will never be accused of being one of the world’s great thespians, I actually think he would be a perfect fit for this type of film.
One major change from the original that I would expect is the amount of action in the film. The original focused more on the tension (which was great), but while I expect that same tention I’d also expect to a lot more action/violence that the original had (hence the inclusion of Statham). If it wasn’t for 50 Cent’s inclusion on the cast list I’d really be looking forward to seeing this remake. However, the producers have already shown me they have no common sense or judgement, so I’m not expecting much from the film.
Here’s my original review from 2006
Damn you guys really hate 50 Cent.
Too bad cause your going to keep seeing him in shit.
Unlike you he is actually on the grind, and not just pushing computer keys all day. SMH.
50 Cent and Statham in a movie together? That’s gonna be shitload of a film
This is a terrible idea. Casting American actors and — I presume, changing the location — kills one of the major subtexts of the original storyline.
In the original, the protagonist and many of the ‘victims’ are characterized as immigrants from eastern Europe. There ain’t no Eastern Europe in the U.S unless the creators want to do a Traffik/Traffic redux and cast all the competitors as Latin American, which would only bring protest-lines and commentary from Lou Dobbs.
An American remake is only going to be a disaster of sorts. Some movies were never intended to be remade for American audiences.
Are we getting another video update or word on Anniversary soon? How’s that coming?
I agree with “J” I liked the original way too much and hate the idea of taking what was such a bleak, depressing movie and twisting it into Transporter 4.
50 cent loses the first round of the tournament. Only acceptable way for him to be in the movie.
“From who? ZE Germans?” Best Statham line ever
I liked the original too much to be interested in an American version. You’re right, tension will be replaced with action and sarcastic dialog and there will be some contrived plot twist that ties it all together at the end. With 50 Cent. No thanks.
50 Cent to be the new Will Smith : P