Review of Oldboy (2013) by Nicholas L — 28 Aug 2016

I am reviewing this American-remake without making comparison with its award winning original Korean version, which I love. The movie makers seem happy to copy scene per scene, altering only some details. In view of the violence and cruelty, the mood could go darker. But it didn't. So I wonder what the point in this remake is.

Samuel L Jackson's character should be taken by a lesser known actor. His star power is a distraction. Josh Brolin has all the qualities to be the next Liam Neeson. There is always in need of such kind of role; average middle age man turns action hero, intelligent and resilience. As good as he is, somehow he does not fit the role or the role does not fit him.