Get Carter (2000) – Review

A remake mostly in name and basic setup only, this version of Get Carter likely deviates from its novel source more than the original. This film moves the revenge story to the early 2000s and the U.S. to varying results. That doesn’t mean it’s totally all bad however, though most critics and fans do not like this movie.

Opening with Vegas tough guy Jack Carter (Stallone) putting the screws to a money owing lowlife, fellow hooligan Con McCarty (McGinley) tells him how he should forget his younger brother Richie’s demise in a drunken car crash. Carter takes his anger out on the punching bag person. McCarty explains the bosses won’t like Carter taking off and leaving Vegas.

Carter decides he’s going to go anyway, taking the train to his hometown Seattle. Let the investigation begin. While this setup is similar to the original, mostly this remake separates from this point and does its own thang.

Jack begins to dip into his brother’s life, and brings out characters from his own past. Ritchie’s daughter Doreen (Cook) doesn’t think much of her uncle who disappeared years ago, but knows her dad would not drink and drive.

Michael Caine’s original Carter was a brutish thug, but still smart enough. Stallone’s Carter may be less abusive to women, but he still is caught up with girl troubles and mostly remains a gang enforcer looking to steamroll opponents with force. He collects info how he can and follows the trails slowly, but overall, the movie is only so satisfying. I do think it is stronger than overall reviews make it out to be and is an okay-ish time, but a sharper script with smarter characters would have helped a lot.

The action is serviceable, and there are good actors involved, but despite a short runtime the tale still drags a bit as some subplots only add so much value. The director focused on the dark dreary wet streets of Seattle which gives the revenge tale a nice atmosphere. It’s good enough to watch, especially to compare to the different original.