District B13 - quick review

Patrick Sun · 06-03-2006, 10:40 PM

In the near future (takes place in France), some areas have become slums (i.e. Districts) and literally walled off for having undesirables, a by-product of the infrastructure being uprooted throughout the years. There are still decent people living in the districts (one being Leito), trying to keep his "home" livable, which means being a thorn to drug dealers, and other criminal elments. Damien is a cop sent in undercover to elicit Leito's help in averting a major disaster for certain cities/areas. They "team up" once a common enemy is identified, but they don't play from the same playbook, and both are head-strong in their problem-solving approaches.

I thought this was a decent action romp with minimal plot, but kept a good pace throughout most of the running time. I have no idea how the lead protagonists didn't break their legs jumping and landing from high places, and then add in all the frenetic and energetic chase scenes as well. Luc Besson was a producer, so that piqued my interest in the film.

I give it 2.75 stars, or a grade of B-.

ChrisBEA · 06-04-2006, 09:45 AM

Just saw a commercial for this. I had to stop and star, "What is this?" Thent he title came up at the end, and I knew I had to see it!

JeremyErwin · 06-04-2006, 11:44 AM

According to IMDB, the original title of the film was "Banlieue 13". Technically, Versailles is a Banlieue, although the word is usually used as a euphemism for low-income housing projects.

BrianB · 06-12-2006, 01:16 AM

Best action film so far this summer, and with a lot fewer special effects. And no Tom Cruise.

Not a perfect movie, but it doesn't overstay its welcome, and it keeps the pace up from beginning to end. Some great fight scenes, some great chase sequences.

Adam Portrais · 06-13-2006, 01:35 AM

Yeah, I saw a trailer for this on HDNet and I gotta check this one out. Glad to see a few guys like it. Hope it comes around my neck of the woods.

**HTF Ads**

Chuck Mayer · 06-19-2006, 04:39 PM

Fun action film. Very fun. A couple of bravura sequences, no muss, no fuss.

Quick, brutal, to the point.

7.5/10

Dave Hackman · 07-03-2006, 09:20 PM

I saw this while on a trip to Nashville, and found it to be better then expected. I remember seeing this as an option during one of this years film festivals and wasn’t able to see it due to conflicting movie times. It appears to be available on DVD although I think a region free player is required.

This movie starts out great with a kick ass sound track that goes perfectly with Leito (David Belle) ability to jump all over the place as he runs through his apartment complex trying to out maneuver the local gangs. These thugs drive supped up cars with the main guy driving a Subaru.

Things slow down a bit when his sister finds herself a hostage and corrupt police place Leito in prison.

A weapon of mass destruction is stolen and placed in the District and it’s up to an ass-kicking detective Damien (Cyril Raffaelli) with the help a former resident and current prisoner to get it disarmed.

This was a lot of fun to watch and it’s hard to believe that it was made in 2004. I think its time for a worldwide sequel.

A

wallflips · 09-07-2006, 04:47 PM

I just picked it up on DVD a couple days ago (it was released in the U.S. on tuesday), after having only seen some clips on youtube. Despite the plot and acting being average, the martial arts and parkour scenes made it the purchase well worth while.

I give it:

A-

Anyone else pick up the DVD this week?

Donnie Eldridge · 09-08-2006, 02:37 PM

I was hoping BlockBuster would get this one, but of course they didn't.

wallflips · 09-13-2006, 07:27 PM

I was at Blockbuster last night and saw it there. I live in Cali so maybe it's just your local Blockbuster that didn't get it...?

Yumbo · 10-03-2006, 06:39 AM

Cool action and stunts.

The new THX trailer!!!