Were used to seeing Hollywood plunder the realms of Asian cinema for cheap and easy remakes, but its something of a rarity to see the same happen in reverse, and rarer still to see a remake that improves upon the original. Connected, Hong Kongs take on 2004s so-so thriller Cellular, isnt only an effective retelling of the original, but a sharper, more engaging film in its own right.
Not straying too far from the originals premise, Connected opens on the beautiful Grace (Hsu), a single mother and successful toy designer who, after dropping her daughter at school, is attacked and abducted by the corrupt Tak-Nang (Yeu) and his heavy-handed posse. Awakening to find herself imprisoned in an abandoned house, Grace repairs a battered phone line and manages to make a random connection to Bob (Koo), a single father who reluctantly agrees to help her.
What follows is an hour and a half of high-octane, pulse pounding action that rarely relents in its breakneck speed and which consistently entertains. Uprooting the originals location to the techno-savvy streets of Hong Kong is a wise decision, and the gadgetry dependant premise seems far more at home in its new surroundings. Likewise, the lively streets of Hong Kong, where skyscrapers are seemingly floored and raised daily, provide the perfect playground for the films energetic and exciting set pieces.
But it isnt just the set pieces thatll impress; the cast are all impressive enough in their roles, and hit high enough notes that the usual obstacle of the subtitle shouldnt prove a problem to most. Barbie Hsu is particularly memorable as Grace, marrying a sweet maternal streak with the savvy survivor shes forced to become. And Luis Koo is equally impressive as Bob, the hapless single dad whos thrown head first into the murky world of police corruption and death defying car chases. Coming first against the original once again, Connected provides a more balanced pair of protagonists with sadness in common, making the stranger in need scenario all the more believable.
Worth the asking price for the film alone, this two disc set offers up an impressive batch of extras. Theres a healthy crop of 24 deleted scenes to sink your teeth into, a comprehensive look behind the scenes with five featurettes and a making of documentary, not to mention some insightful cast and crew interviews with the usual batch of disc fillers rounding off this satisfying set.
Overall Verdict: Sharp, slick and incredibly satisfying; Connected not only improves upon the original but hits refresh and shapes itself out as a superior thriller in its own right.
Special Features:
24 Deleted Scenes
5 Featurettes
Making Of
Interview Gallery
Trailers
Reviewer: David Steele