Review of District 13: Ultimatum (2009) by Leo K — 26 Jun 2010

DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM is not just an action-filled thrill-ride from Luc Besson, it's also a solid sequel to Pierre Morel's DISTRICT 13. One can tell that the already high confidence of David Belle (the originator of parkour, which is basically urban city gymnastics) and Cyril Raffaeli (another famous parkour artist) has reached a new level from the impressive and sometimes jaw-dropping stunts they pull off in DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM. Seeing the two stars' parkour skills in action is the true highlight of the film.

The script by Luc Besson has a slightly liberal edge and has as much to do with having fun with the action as it has as much to do with displaying the original film's themes of teamwork and family. The direction by Patrick Alessandrin couldn't be done better in keeping the film's momentum running, and not letting any fact or stunt be used that's not a part of the story.

In terms of realism, DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM is a much more believable futuristic look at Paris and it's fictional "District 13" than Pierre Morel's present look at Paris in FROM PARIS WITH LOVE. Still, Morel's film is supposed to be over-the-top and unrealistic. In any case, ULTIMATUM is a better action film because it holds the viewer's interest through its realism (and of course its jaw-dropping stunts).

With two of the best parkour artists in the world onscreen, some of the most amazing stunts you will ever see, and a level of realism that only so many action films can reach makes DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM one of the more superior action films to come out not just this year, but also since DISTRICT 13 came out in 2004. See it to believe it. Be ready for more Critiques and Opinions on Every Game and Movie I Can Get My Hands On!