Watch Assault on Precinct 13

In 2005, a thrilling action-packed film called Assault on Precinct 13 hit theaters starring Ethan Hawke, Laurence Fishburne, and Gabriel Byrne. It is a remake of a 1976 film that shares the same title. The story is set in Detroit, where a police team is transferring prisoners to a new facility. Among the transported prisoners are Marion Bishop (Fishburne) who is a notorious cop killer and Beck (Byrne) who is a member of a major crime syndicate. On the way, due to a snowstorm, the convoy stops at Precinct 13, an old police station, to wait out the storm.

Inside the police station, there is a small team of cops led by Sergeant Jake Roenick (Hawke), who are getting ready to close down the precinct for the night. They have an unlikely bunch of staff, including a secretary, a junkie, and a rookie. With jails closed due to the storm and the precinct on skeleton staff, things take a sinister turn when a group of corrupt cops and criminals come looking for Bishop, intent on killing him before he can testify against them in court.

As the assault begins, Roenick and his team are overwhelmed. They must band together to hold off the attackers and protect themselves, as well as the prisoners in their care. The situation becomes even more complicated when Roenick discovers a deeper conspiracy at play, where people within the police department are betraying him and the team.

Assault on Precinct 13 is a high-octane action thriller that promises adrenaline-pumping entertainment from start to finish. The film's direction is expertly handled by French filmmaker Jean-François Richet, who keeps the pace tight and expertly choreographs the action scenes.

Apart from the stunning direction, the performances by the cast elevate this film to another level. Ethan Hawke gives a solid performance as the troubled cop Jake Roenick, who learns valuable lessons about courage and selflessness as he leads his team during the attack. Laurence Fishburne, as always, is fantastic in his role as Marion Bishop that audiences love to hate. His deep, brooding voice adds to his menace, and he brings a gravitas to the screen that is hard to match. Gabriel Byrne, as Beck, is convincing as the suave criminal, who must choose between saving his own skin or helping Roenick and his team.

The supporting cast includes actors like John Leguizamo as the hapless prisoner with a heart of gold, Maria Bello as the stressed-out doctor, and Drea de Matteo as the brave secretary. The actors work well together, and their interactions help develop their characters further.

One of the film's biggest strengths is its well-developed plot. Screenwriter James DeMonaco does an impeccable job of pacing the story and builds the tension and action in just the right way. Instead of relying solely on action sequences, DeMonaco's script also tackles some hard-hitting themes such as redemption, trust, and loyalty. The plot twists and turns, keeping audiences engaged until the very end.

The film's action sequences are impressive and realistic, and the use of practical effects adds an authentic feel to the film. The sound design is also exceptional, adding to the tension with every gunshot and explosion.

Overall, Assault on Precinct 13 is an action-packed film that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With a gripping plot, well-choreographed action sequences, and a talented cast, this film is an enjoyable and thrilling ride from start to finish.

Assault on Precinct 13 is a 2005 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 54.