Reviews

As has been said countless times through various reviews - this remake was completely unnecessary and did not bring anything else to the table. However if this had been a completely original film I am sure it would be scoring in the high 8's I, as many on here had already seen and loved 2003's oldboy. A massively original film that brought feeling and emotion to a very twisted and dark tail. Is this film better....no? Does it bring anything new to the table ..... no? Is it still watchable and enjoyable ..... YES especially if you have not seen the original.

Josh Brolin plays Joe, essentially one of life's ass-holes. The film opens with us meeting Joe and expands on the character more than the original with some nice if not over the top touches. After a drunken night out Joe wakes up in a locked room and is locked up for over twenty years. He then has to find out who locked him up and why .......Telling you anything more than that would certainly ruin the movie.

I found Josh Brolin to play Joe well as we were able to see various emotions and physical differences and various points through the character ark. Always looking tough enough to handle himself. Everyone else just about played their parts well enough even if Sam Jacksons part was camped up comic book style.

I think Spike Lee lost his own style of directing here and whilst amicable that he tried to bring a new style I think he should have molded both his style and the original films look as apposed to the slightly dull look he gave this film.

I was looking forward to this film a lot - I loved the original, love spike lees previous films and thought the trailer showed a level of sheen and a new take to the story. Sadly it fell slightly flat.

If you haven't seen the original would I recommend seeing this? Yes I would. It is still an excellent story and delivered well enough to enjoy and keep you guessing.

Im guessing Spike Lee watched the original and loved the film enough to pay homage as apposed to milking the cash cow - and when people are saying it didn't need a remake at least now the story will be brought to the masses that sadly wont touch subtitled films.

To summarise - there is not much new here, acting can be a little hammy and over the top but that is what the film is. A few extra minor twists along the way - but if you really want to enjoy the story see the original