No one can't dispute the original is a cult classic and the actors in the remake aren't as good as these A-listers:
  • Patrick Swayze
  • Gary Busey
  • Keanu Reeves

BUT the story & dynamics of everyone (and how it was all portrayed) in the remake was much better IMO. In the original they were more or less thrill seekers, which was cool.
But the remake put a real effort into showing that the team was trying to complete the "Ozaki 8" and it was more than just drugs/money/excitement.
all in all, it was a difficult choice to make cause admittedly i have a unhealthy man-crush for anything Swayze. the dude was just a BAMF. (and a phenomenal actor)