Brick Mansions*

Brick Mansions is a French-Canadian action movie that is based on the 2004 French film District 13. This action thriller is directed by Camille Delamarre and written by Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen, and Bibi Naceri. The film stars Paul Walker (Fast and Furious franchise), David Belle (District 14, Ultimatum), RZA (Repo Men, Ghost Dog) Catalina Denis (Taxi 4, Le Mac), and Robert Maillet (Sherlock Holmes, Pacific Rim). This is one of Paul Walker’s final roles before his untimely passing on November 30, 2013.

It’s the year 2018 and a dystopian Detroit has fallen on hard times. Brick mansions have become dilapidated, a rise in drug-related crime, and community residents are left to suffer. At the core of its problems, at least according to the politicians, is how to get rid of this building structure and everything within it. Unable to control the crime, the police under the leadership of the mayor have a constructed a massive containment wall around the neighborhood in order “to protect” the rest of the city. This becomes not just a plan of action, but also the problem.

Now as for the residents of Brick Mansions, there is a unique blend of sophistication, humor, and seriousness that we see in the cast members. Lino, one of the protagonists who is played by French actor and Parkour creator David Belle (he also starred in the 2004 original), is an ex-con who wants to protect the innocent residents of Brick Mansion from the thugs, criminals, and villains who are essentially regulating the streets. The other protagonist is an outsider, but insider of Brick Mansions: undercover Detroit narcotics detective Damien Collier (played by Paul Walker) who navigates this dangerous neighborhood in order to bring down a crime lord and his plot to devastate the entire city. Interestingly enough, this character is not a significant stretch from his previous well-known role in the Fast and Furious series. Then there is the “sheriff of Brick Mansions” Tremaine (played by Wu-Tang member RZA), a well-dressed, tough-talking kingpin, who may or may not be what he seems. Viewers are not quite sure where he stands in relation to the uplift of the community. Sadly, in the role of Tremaine RZA does not really provide a developed and quality performance.

One particular relationship worthy of attention is the one between Lino and Damien. Although it is a slow-building rapport, Lino and Damien seem to gradually get past their mistrust and effectively become a force to reckon with on screen. Despite the electrifying chemistry, at times Walker’s character is a bit stilted, off-kiltered and out of place next to Belle particularly during the fight scenes. However, they make a fine duo.

Despite not having an original storyline, the beauty of the film is the human body in motion. The clever interplay between characters is resourceful and engaging. And, since this is primarily an action film remake, most of the scenes are fast and enjoyable. The viewer witnesses the special military, gymnastic style of choreography known as ‘Parkour style’. As a result, these stunts and fight scenes are clearly the star of the film.

Additionally, although the film is primarily action-based and may be difficult to take seriously, there are some significant takeaway moments that can be identified:

• Social and political commentary on the ramifications of social inequality
• Elite power structures taking advantage of the innocent and poverty-stricken
• Humanity for all regardless of the person’s status and/or situation

Needless to say, unfortunately one of the down sides of the film is that instead of the original six month time window depicted in the original District 13, the writers attempt to cram the exact same story into 48-hours without any nuanced changes. There is also a heavy dose of violence, expletive language, and situations of menace and peril (particularly for a film that is rated PG-13), which on several occasions are over the top. Some moments I felt like I was playing “Grand Theft Auto” the video game. Essentially, Brick Mansions is an impatient remake with an underdeveloped narrative, shallow and clichés villains, and thrilling, but disconnected action scenes.

Overall, despite the film not being as climatic, production wise, as one might hope Walker still radiates the same charming, golden-boy effort in this posthumous release. Brick Mansionsdelivers a decent remake effort that will surely disappoint some and please others.

*As posted in The Berkeley Graduate