PAPILLON (2017)

[The Burgomaster]

I'm not sure why they remade this. There are so many aspects of the book (about 80% of the book) that were missing from the original 1973 film and could have been explored in this new version. Instead, they basically rehashed the McQueen/Hoffman movie with new actors (who have no on-screen chemistry). Even some of the dialogue is the same. A very one-dimensional movie. I cannot recommend it.

 

[Svengoolie 3]

A commendable concise yet informative review.  Well done.

[LilCerberus]

Is it as depressing as the original, or did they tack on a happy ending?

[The Burgomaster]

Is it as depressing as the original, or did they tack on a happy ending?

It isn't nearly as depressing as the original (the prison doesn't seem to be quite as bad as in the original). They tacked on an epilogue, but I wouldn't call it a happy ending.

[Svengoolie 3]

The original bad pappy escaping and. Living out his days in freedom,  plus seeing the end of the French Guyana. Prison system.  Happy enough.