Get Carter - 2000

Morgan Creek Productions, Franchise Films, Canton Company

Directed by Stephen Kay

Cast:

• Jack Carter – Sylvester Stallone
• Gloria Carter – Miranda Richardson
• Doreen Carter – Rachel Leigh Cook
• Geraldine – Rhona Mitra
• Eddie – Johnny Strong
• Connie McCarty – John C. McGinley
• Jeremy Kinnear – Alan Cumming
• Cliff Brumby – Michael Caine
• Cyrus Paice – Mickey Rourke

Story: Several years ago, Jack Carter left Seattle for Las Vegas and the unpleasant occupation of collecting debts for bookies and assorted mobsters. His brother, Richie, is killed in an apparent drunk driving accident and he returns for the funeral to less than open arms, but he feels something isn't right. Jack starts to dig, and the deeper he digs, the more he doesn't like what he finds. Richie was a bartender and bar manager for Cliff Brumby, who's business extends into the dark and seedy world of drugs, prostitution, and pornography. Jack Carter pursues the bad guys to the end, and resolves the issue for the murder of his brother.

Review: For the most part, I love remakes, especially when the original star is cast in a different role. Stallone and Caine work well together, and the film is shot in a gritty, reality style that puts you in touch with the characters and their feelings. For Carter, it's about family and trying to reconnect with his niece, played excellently by Rachel Leigh Cook. Mickey Rourke is excellent as the pimp turned porn magnate who is eventually found to be the perpetrator, but only at the order of his boss, Caine. John C. McGinley and Rhona Mitra earn marks for taking blasé character roles and spicing them up just enough to be interesting. If you like films like Payback or The Replacement Killers, you will love Get Carter.