The film I’m taking a look at today is Death Wish, no not the classic 1974 film starring Charles Bronson but the 2018 remake with Bruce Willis. I’ll be honest I’m not in favour of remaking cult or classic movies, that said there are of course always going to be a few exceptions but in general I’m opposed to the idea. If the original film was poor but had a good idea then I’m fine with remaking those just not the ones regarded as some of cinemas best.
With all that said I went into the new Death Wish expecting it to suck asking myself could they not have written a new revenge action thriller story instead of re-booting this franchise or whatever the current term is. The question is did this new version manage to change my mind on remakes? Well we are about to find out, here’s my Death Wish (2018) Blu-ray Review.
- Death Wish (2018) (Uncut Version)
- Genre: Action
- Directed by Eli Roth
- Remake of the
- UK Rating 18
- Discs: 1
- Released By Universal Pictures
- Blu-ray Released: 6 August 2018
Plot
Paul Kersey (Bruce Willis) is a doctor that works as a trauma surgeon at a hospital in Chicago. He is happily married whilst his daughter is about to go away to college, life is good. That is until an unfortunate incident that leaves a loved one dead and another in a coma.
Frustrated by the police’s efforts to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice he finally snaps and decides to take direct action against the city’s criminal elements.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Eli Roth with the cinematography side of things that’s taken care of by Rogier Stoffers. I have to say the film is well shot moving along a good pace. Clearly director Roth knows what he is doing which results in a rather excellent action thriller.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by Ludwig Göransson and is functional without being outstanding.
Acting / Characters
Bruce Willis plays the kind and peace loving doctor well, so when he finally snaps it shows that there is a little more to his character than him just picking up a gun and killing people for revenge. That said this is Death Wish and ultimately that’s exactly what happens but there is a process which his character goes through to get to this point.
Overall the acting is of a good standard all-round making Death Wish a thoroughly enjoyable vigilante movie.
Cast
- Bruce Willis as Dr. Paul Kersey
- Elisabeth Shue as Lucy Rose Kersey
- Camila Morrone as Jordan Kersey
- Vincent D’Onofrio as Frank Kersey
- Dean Norris as Detective Kevin Raines
- Kimberly Elise as Detective Leonore Jackson
- Mike Epps as Dr. Chris Salgado
- Ronnie Gene Blevins as Joe
- Beau Knapp as Knox
- Jack Kesy as Tate “Fish” Karp
- Wendy Crewson as Dr. Jill Klavens
- Kirby Bliss Blanton as Bethany
- Len Cariou as Ben Kersey
Conclusion: Death Wish (2018) Film Review
Despite my reservations I did enjoy this 2018 remake, the differences are subtle such as in this version Paul Kersey is a doctor whilst in the original he’s an architect. It all works very well and you are ultimately left satisfied by the films conclusion.
Personally I still have preferred they called it something else so to really distinguish it from the original. Plus I really hate typing in a film names on the internet and having to sift through the remakes to find the true classic.
I did enjoy my time with the Bruce Willis version and would recommend you too give it a chance. Did it change my mind on remaking cult classics? Not really, this one just happens to fall into the small minority of remakes that work. Plus the original plot is not a particularly complicated one which possibly makes it easier to remake.
If you like my Death Wish (2018) blu-ray review you may want to check out these films:
- Breakheart Pass (1975) (Charles Bronson)
- First Kill (2017) (Bruce Willis)
- I Am Wrath (2016) (John Travolta)
- The Stone Killer (1973) (Charles Bronson)
Conclusion: Death Wish (2018) Blu-ray Review
The film’s brand news so there aren’t any picture or audio issues to report. On the extras side of things there’s really only the “Vengeance & Vision: Directing Death Wish” that’s really worth a look. It’s basically gives actor Bruce Willis and director Eli Roth’s thoughts on the making of the film and the story.
Extras
- Feature Commentary
- Sway In The Morning Extended Scene (3 mins)
- The Mancow Show Extended Scenes (4 mins)
- Vengeance & Vision: Directing Death Wish (12 mins)
- Deleted Scenes (6 mins)
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Death Wish (2018)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: GOOD
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
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Death Wish (2018) is available now on Blu-ray.
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Death Wish (2018) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
or how about the original Charles Bronson film from 1974…
Clip may not be representative of the Blu-ray version
That’s the Death Wish (2018) blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them over on our Facebook.
Summary: Death Wish (2018) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Death Wish (2018)
Duration: 108 mins
Director(s): Eli Roth
Actor(s): Bruce Willis, Elisabeth Shue, Camila Morrone, Vincent D'Onofrio, Dean Norris, Kimberly Elise
Genre: Action
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
An ultimately satisfying remake.
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