Sometimes the trailer is better than the actual movie. Luckily, this is not the case of 13 (2010). The trailer tells you pretty much everything that goes on in the movie. Yet, it does not possess the interesting atmosphere of the entire movie. 13 (2010) is a thriller and it delivers the promised thrill, although not in the way you would expect it to.
Surprise without a surprise
13 (2010) would not win any prize for twists in the plot. You can predict more or less everything long before it happens and even “surprises” such as one of the players surviving the headshot and getting up will not catch you off guard. Everything that happens has certain logic and you would expect it to happen in the movie such as 13 (2010) is.
On the other hand, the unpleasant and depressive atmosphere reeks off the screen and envelops you entirely. While there are no true surprises and you are unlikely to worry for the main character, you will start thinking about the situation he got himself into. It is easy to imagine yourself being in his place. Though, you will still need a cup of strong coffee to get your heart racing. Regardless, 13 (2010) will fill your head with unpleasant ideas even after you stop watching. That is a nice surprise considering the fact that 13 (2010) is just a mediocre movie in every other aspect.
You can watch the trailer here:
13 (2010) Official English Trailer
Less interesting than other players
It is a bit unusual when the main character is less interesting and you feel for him less than for some of the other, less important characters. However, it is the case with Vince (Sam riley). You are sure that he will win the game from the beginning. On the other hand, you cannot be sure who else will survive. For me personally, Mickey Rourke’s character is more interesting than Vince despite the fact that I suspected he would survive. However, as secondary character, he was expendable and that made his fate a bit more interesting. Also, some of the other players of the Russian roulette caught my attention more often than Vince. This is for example the case of Hans and Player 3 (the fat black guy).
Little bit funny or just weird?
My sense of humor might be a bit twisted, but I found few moments in 13 (2010) to be funny. Of course, the other word that comes to mind is weird. This is for example the case of general politeness towards the survivors of the game and the behavior of some of the gamblers such as Schlondorff (Hans is his player).
Summary
All things considered, 13 (2010) is a good pastime movie for moments when you have nothing better to do. It does not offend and it is not obscene despite the main theme being a game of Russian roulette. I do not recommend watching it in the evening before you go to sleep though. Otherwise, you might become one of the players in your dreams. Also, it is one of those movies you can watch again anytime there is nothing better to do or watch. I give 13 (2010) 6 points out of 10, mainly for the atmosphere. One last notion though: 13(2010) is a remake and people who saw the original will probably want to take a few points off of my score.