Welcome to The Double. As always, if we had a theater this is what we would have on the marque for Friday and Saturday night. Today, The Double features one of the best British gangster films ever made and a nearly scene-for-scene remake done in the tune of Blaxpoitation. It's the unlikely pairing of Michael Caine, and Bernie Casey. Let's get it on.
First up, Sir Michael Caine in GET CARTER. This is not only largely recognized as a high water mark in British crime films, I have always felt this is one of the best tales of revenge that I have seen. This isn't business for Caine, this is family, and he is going to do what it takes to make the wrong things right. The journey of Caine's character from calm to crazy, and the situations that create that, are very well written and directed by Mike Hodges. This film has a high re-watch for The Daily Grindhouse, so let's roll...
What happens when a professional killer violates the code? Get Carter!
Now the main event, HIT MAN. This is a GET CARTER remake done in the Blaxpoitation style. Though it's not one of my favorite in that genre, it works as a straight crime film and it's cool to see some of the scenes executed nearly shot-for-shot. In GET CARTER, the violence is a bit muted, it has a narrative push that carries the character to those moments. Director George Armitage (MIAMI BLUES) deals with HIT MAN's gun-play with a little more bluntness but that's what you came to see....in addition to Pam Greir naked. Never a bad way to end a night.
He aims to please!
Here's to good watching this weekend, SALUTE!
See you on forty deuce,
G
