Allan C
A local revival theater is doing a John Carpenter film festival, and there was no way I was going to miss an opportunity to see this film on the big screen. I've watched this film dozens of times on home video, first on VHS, then laserdisc, then DVD, and later a boutique blu-ray release of the film. Seeing it on the big screen was a real treat, especially since writer/director/composer John Carpenter is a master of using widescreen. The film always played out like a western, but seeing it on the big screen made it feel even more like an old-fashioned cavalry siege film, though it was the non-cavalry Howard Hawks' western RIO BRAVO that Carpenter said was the basis for his film. My other new revelation rewatching the film I'd never picked up on before was the Bogie and Bacall-like relationship between killer-turned-hero Napoleon Wilson and tough-as-nails secretary Leigh. Even her name is a sly reference to Hawks' frequent screenwriter Leigh Brackett, who wrote or co-wrote such classics as THE BIG SLEEP, RIO BRAVO, and even THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. But the back-and-forth scenes between Leigh and Wilson definitely have echoes of Bacall lighting Humphrey Bogart's cigarette and saying, "You know how to whistle, don't you? You just put your lips together and blow." Also, I found myself even more taken with Darwin Johnson's portrayal of the notorious criminal Napoleon Wilson, who seems like something of an early draft version of Carpenter's Snake Plissken. Johnson seemed to mostly have worked in TV (his final acting appearance was on an episode of ALF) and worked as a driver or in the transportation department on films just about as often as he acted. But Wilson is a fascinating character who I totally could have seen a spinoff film happening for. After watching the movie, I looked online to see if anyone had done any Napoleon Wilson fan fiction, but sadly I must be the only person who is waiting for a Napoleon Wilson sequel. In any case, ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 is an incredibly suspenseful action film that's told with an economy of storytelling, clocking in at just 91 minutes, whicih I wish more films today would adhere to. Below is my review from the last time I watched the film.
2-1-20
John Carpenter's classic siege film is a must-see modern-day western
Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) ****1/2
Writer/Director John Carpenter's breakout film (he'd made cult favorite "Dark Star" prior to this) is essentially a modern-day western about a police precinct with a skeleton crew that's about to close on its last night of operation when a man being chased by street gangs comes into the precinct seeking refuge. Most of the film is a siege-style story about the police station staff and criminals from a prison transport bus finding themselves cut off and fighting for their lives as wave after wave of gang members attack the isolated precinct, ALA "Night of the Living Dead." Although this was an early film by Carpenter, it stands out as one of his best and contains many of his trademarks (claustrophobic bottle situations, mostly male cast, eerie synthesizer score, focus on suspense over action, and plenty of film buff inside jokes). Carpenter's best inside joke here is his pseudonym as the editor on the film, John T. Chance, which was John Wayne's character name in "Rio Bravo," which this film's story owes much. There are no real name actors in the cast. Kim Richards, who starred in "Escape to Witch Mountain" was probably the biggest star at the time, though Austin Stoker gives a strong performance as the lone police captain in charge of the police station under siege. Darwin Joston is a bit of a ham in his part as Napoleon Wilson, a dangerous criminal who Stoker is forced to ally with, but is memorable in his role. Reading about what Kim Richardson has been up to lately on IMDB, I found out she is one of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" which I suppose explains why she isn't acting anymore. But back to "Assault," it really is something of an unsung classic that more people should see. I remember always thinking that this was a film ripe for a remake, but unfortunately, when a remake was made, it was horrible. If you've never seen this film, be sure to check out the original, and you'll be in for a real treat!
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/27/25
Full Review
Vik D
I always enjoy rewatching this one
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/25/25
Full Review
Kolby A
For the time being, this is my favorite movie of all time! (14 Mar. '25) If something takes its place, in the future, I will let you know! Had no idea this existed until a short time ago, and I have been on a John Carpenter bent ever since. These immersive films are absolutely necessary to watch and absorb. This type of movie will flip a switch in the mind of a viewer, inspirationally so, they're so great. YOU are in this movie! YOU!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/23/25
Full Review
Geoff M
This movie is Such a great watch
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/07/25
Full Review
Ollie W
Great soundtrack, decent acting, but a rather silly premise and mostly just mindless action.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/20/25
Full Review
Audience M
Tight, tense and utterly brutal, John Carpenter’s Assault on Precinct 13 is a mesmerising thriller that pulls no punches.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
11/24/24
Full Review
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