An Eclectic Cast Plays Russian Roulette in the 13 Trailer
Watching the trailer for this American remake of the nifty minimalist French thriller 13 Tzameti is a bit frustrating. It looks remarkably similar to the original film, and the fact that Géla Babluani directed both versions only adds to my suspicion that this remake is unnecessary and probably kind of dull. But then there's the cast. And the fact that watching Mickey Rourke, 50 Cent, Sam Riley and Jason Statham play Russian Roulette under Michael Shannon's supervision may actually be enough to get me to watch the same movie again.
The other problem with this trailer is that it gives away quite a bit of the film, which I suppose is the only way to market it. In any case, I won't be spoiling anything if I tell you that it involves rich people gambling on a group of men who are forced to play Russian Roulette in a remote building.
The remake predictably has much glossier production values, but honestly I thought the stylish black and white photography and stark atmosphere of the original was all that kept it from becoming a short film dragged out to tepid-feature length. So based on this trailer, I'm still backing the original version. But, dammit! This cast! Every single person seems like they're giving it their all and I never thought I'd see the day when Micky Rourke squared off against 50 cent...
Verdict: Could someone to find a way to put this new cast in the original version of the film? Please?

Comments
Uch. Did _Funny Games_ teach us nothing? Actually maybe that's not a good comparison since that was a shot for shot remake by the same director. Here it looks like he's tried to flesh out what was a lean, taut story into some kind of epic crime caper. Do not want.
Sorry that came out kind of weird..not saying Haneke directed _13 Tzameti_.
Bleh. Also, what was wrong with keeping it in black and white??
The original was so overrated.
And this doesn't even look real; it looks like a parody trailer lustily buying into its own brooding hype. All that's missing is Kirk Lazarus.
Who are these morons making these comments? The original was a fantastic ride and this film DOES have an incredible cast so if Babluani manages to fill out the characterizations (the original was short on that) it could also be great. The subject matter is scary to american distributors but I hope it gets released over here - I'll definitely go see it. Whats wrong with you people?
The guy who can't disagree with someone without calling them a moron will definitely go see this movie. Color me shocked.
But I can't get Michael Shannon standing on that chair and yelling at everyone out of my head!