After seeing the first photo and poster for Brick Mansions, the upcoming American remake of District B13, today we finally get a trailer. As expected, it’s full of insane parkour stunts, explosive action and the late Paul Walker giving what looks to be another strong performance.
Co-starring RZA and David Belle (who had the lead role in the original), the film also has the benefit of being penned by District B13‘s writers, Luc Besson and Bibi Naceri. The plot, for those unfamiliar, follows Walker’s undercover cop, who has to head into the titular tenement in order to track down a nuclear weapon that was stolen by a ruthless drug dealer (RZA).
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a big fan of the original. When I heard that they were remaking it I was of course a bit weary but after watching the trailer, I think I’m sold. Belle looks just as impressive here as he was in District B13, exhibiting those same jaw-dropping parkour stunts that made so many people sit up and take notice of the original. As for Walker, he’s never been one for giving Academy Award worthy performances but he plays the tough, no-nonsense action hero role well and Brick Mansions is further proof of that. It looks like we’ll get to see him behind the wheel of a car again too, at least in a couple of scenes.
All things considered, I’m impressed with what I see and I’m feeling optimistic that this will be one remake that does the original justice. Brick Mansions looks to be a no holds barred, adrenaline-pumping experience that in some ways reminds me of The Raid. While it likely won’t be as genre-defining as that film, it definitely looks like it will provide action junkies with something to get excited about this Spring.
Brick Mansions will kick its way into theatres on April 25th. Check out the trailer below and let us know what you think.
