Today’s quick review: Get Carter. Jack Carter (Sylvester Stallone), muscle for the Las Vegas mob, returns home when his brother Richie dies, leaving behind his wife Gloria (Miranda Richardson) and daughter Doreen (Rachael Leigh Cook). Convinced that Richie was murdered, Jack shakes down all of Richie’s associates for information, including a porn magnate (Mickey Rourke), a tech millionaire (Alan Cumming), and Richie’s boss (Michael Caine).
Get Carter is a crime drama about a criminal out for revenge against the people who murdered his brother. Get Carter is a dark investigation with stylish presentation, relying on its airy soundtrack and flashy camerawork to set the mood as Jack goes to work. The story is a weighty mystery where every clue is hard-won and the stakes are personal. However, Get Carter lacks the knack for drama needed to make the most of its ideas.
A remake of the 70s movie of the same name, Get Carter leavens the bleakness of the original with a livelier presentation style and more action. The content of the story is still fairly heavy, but the characters and situations are more colorful. The shift is a mixed bag. The remake’s style gives it a distinct identity, but it never gets the balance of flash and substance right, weakening the drama that’s meant to carry the movie.
Get Carter ends up being a mediocre crime movie with a few sharp flaws. Those hoping for another Stallone romp will be disappointed by its heavy story and relative lack of action. Those hoping for a gritty mystery will find the direction distracting and Stallone a poor fit. There is a middle ground for fans of the crime genre who want something a little offbeat, but even then, the film’s execution leaves something to be desired.
For a more sober take on the same story, try the original Get Carter. For a less serious crime movie that tries something similar in terms of style, try The Business. For budget action movie with a similar premise and worse execution, try I Am Vengeance.
5.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 for a decent plot and a vivid style, but without the tact to go with its drama.