Streaming Gems: Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)
Photo from IMDb
From Shane Conto
What is John Carpenter most known for? Horror. Halloween is one of the greatest slasher films of all time and put Carpenter on the map. The Thing is also one of the greatest horror films of all time. But it is not just horror that helped define Carpenter’s career. Action has been a big piece of it as well. Whether it is a dystopian action flick like Escape from New York, a fantasy action flick like Big Trouble in Little China, or even an alien/science fiction action flick like They Live, Carpenter knew how to mesh action well with other genres. But before any of those, there was a stripped down B action movie that put Carpenter on the map. That film is Assault on Precinct 13.
What is the set up that makes this such a defining film for Carpenter? There is a police precinct being closed down one faithful night. A victim of gang violence finds shelter and brings the wrath of this gang upon this precinct. Then begins a violent siege upon this place. Who will defend it? The police AND the criminals in the precinct alike. This is a compelling conceit with the morally compelling twist that police must stand tall next to prisoners in order to fight off this gang. There is plenty of tension and twists in the narrative which makes this a fascinating little flick to watch. There is a remake of this film with Laurence Fishburne and Ethan Hawke but here we get a stripped down and low budget affair that rides high on this interesting idea. Can the police and criminals trust each other? That makes every single scene that much more compelling and engaging.
What makes this action flick stand out so much? The set-up does leave the audience open to some repetitive elements but what it also delivers is a visceral and poignant action experience. This is not a clean and slick action flick. There is a grungy and dirty feel to every frame of this film. This is not the type of neighborhood you want to wander in nor is it the type of city where you will get out unharmed. This constant tension and fear makes for quite the experience watching this visceral and brutal thriller. The gun blasts are loud, all the glass will be shattered, and there are terrible chances of getting out alive. Carpenter not only delivers a tense and thrilling ride with his direction but his pulsating score delivers plenty of suspense as well.
What is the element that really ties it all together? The ensemble cast. Austin Stoker is a talented and effective lead as the virtuous and honorable officer who must let his guard down to work hand-in-hand with Darwin Joston’s Napoleon Wilson. There is a scowling energy about Wilson and Joston brings the right amount of charisma and danger as we want him to feel like a true wild card. Carpenter alumni like Charles Cyphers and Nancy Kyes make for nice additions along with Tony Burton (of Rocky fame). There are plenty of authentic performances and that helps you buy in for this dangerous ride.
Does Carpenter’s early action effort deliver a compelling enough watch? Assault on Precinct 13 is an action flick unlike any we see today. Visceral, aggressive, and lean. Carpenter delivers quite the cinematic experience. You can get a taste of early Carpenter and good old fashioned B-action flicks from the 1970s.
Assault on Precinct 13 is currently streaming on Peacock.
