Is Assault on Precinct 13 Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Assault on Precinct 13 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 109 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Assault on Precinct 13 Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2005, Assault on Precinct 13 emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller, Action, Adventure, Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of On New Year's Eve, inside a police station that's about to be closed for good, officer Jake Roenick must cobble together a force made up cops and criminals to save themselves from a mob looking to kill mobster Marion Bishop. Unlike standard genre fare, Assault on Precinct 13 attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Assault on Precinct 13 features a noteworthy lineup led by Ethan Hawke . Supported by the likes of Laurence Fishburne and Gabriel Byrne , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Assault on Precinct 13 (2005) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Assault on Precinct 13 Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Assault on Precinct 13 is a Thriller, Action, Adventure, Crime film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. On New Year's Eve, inside a police station that's about to be closed for good, officer Jake Roenick must cobble together a force made up cops and criminals to save themselves from a mob looking to kill mobster Marion Bishop. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Assault on Precinct 13 Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Assault on Precinct 13 concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Assault on Precinct 13 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Assault on Precinct 13 Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Assault on Precinct 13 incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, action, adventure, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Assault on Precinct 13 adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Assault on Precinct 13?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Assault on Precinct 13 Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $35.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Assault on Precinct 13 Budget
The estimated production budget for Assault on Precinct 13 is $30.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Assault on Precinct 13
- Ethan Hawke – Sergeant Jake Roenick
- Laurence Fishburne – Marion Bishop
- Gabriel Byrne – Captain Marcus Duvall
- Maria Bello – Dr. Alex Sabian
- Drea De Matteo – Iris Ferry
Top Highlights
Ethan HawkeSergeant Jake Roenick
Laurence FishburneMarion Bishop
Gabriel ByrneCaptain Marcus Duvall
Maria BelloDr. Alex Sabian
Drea De MatteoIris Ferry
John LeguizamoBeck
Brian DennehySargeant Jasper O'Shea
Ja RuleSmiley
Currie GrahamMike Kahane
Aisha HindsAnna
Where to Watch Assault on Precinct 13 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Assault on Precinct 13 is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Assault on Precinct 13 stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2005 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Assault on Precinct 13 movie hit or flop?
Assault on Precinct 13 has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Assault on Precinct 13 worth watching?
Assault on Precinct 13 is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller, Action, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Assault on Precinct 13 online?
Assault on Precinct 13 may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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