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Stallone was probably hanging the remake on the hope that
stuff all Americans would ever have heard of Get Carter
(1971) and, therefore, his version would be a pretty acceptable
movie.
And it is not a bad one. Stallone, with goatee, is actually
pretty good as Jack Carter - a Las Vegas enforcer who returns
to his home town of Seattle after the mysterious death of
his brother. He fights well, doesn't mumble much and shows
a good amount of investigative know-how.
His suspicions lead him to check out the death and this gets
him off side with not only the locals, but also his employer
who wants him back in Vegas (yesterday).
One of the local boys-made-good is played by Mickey (where
have you been hiding) Rourke, who is terrific as one of the
local heavies. It is probably the best role he's played since
the mid-1980s and, again, shows he can act (a bit) given the
right role.
Stallone's on-screen niece is played very well by Rachel
Leigh Cook and her part is probably the most-rounded of the
characters.
Unlike the 1971 version, Get Carter (2000) doesn't
build up the tension slowly and one of the key parts of the
plot is revealed far too early and, therefore, lacks the power
of the original.
Stallone also lacks the palpable menace of Michael Caine's
excellent performance and, if having to face either in a fight,
I'd pick on the American every time.
Speaking of Caine, it would be interesting to know why he
chose to appear in the remake.
The transfer on to DVD is terrific with the gloomy, rain-soaked
streets of Seattle captured beautifully in sombre colour tones
and the sound used well - particularly in the action scenes.
Some people may wonder why there weren't subtitles for Stallone.
Anyway, Get Carter (2000) is interesting to watch
as a comparison with the original, but fails to match its
excellence.
Conclusion: Movie 75%, Extras 50%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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