“You go in, find the president in less than 24 hours, and you’re a free man.”
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Synopsis:
In the near future, a group of rebels kidnap the president (Donald Pleasence) and hold him hostage on the island of Manhattan, which has been turned into a maximum security prison. A convict named Snake (Kurt Russell) is promised immunity in exchange for bringing the president back safely to the mainland, but must fight against the island’s ruthless leader, the Duke (Isaac Hayes).
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Genres:
Response to Peary’s Review:
As Peary notes, this “mindless ‘escapism’ by John Carpenter” features “an intriguing premise and [a] good cast”, but fails to capitalize on its “political possibilities”, instead simply opting for “trite story points… and unreal, cliché characters.” Ken Russell’s blatant imitation of Clint Eastwood will indeed “get on your nerves”, and none of the supporting actors are particularly impressive or memorable. While Carpenter and his team make good use of a low budget to convincingly portray a decaying, blight-filled Manhattan, the city is ultimately more of a backdrop than a true “character” in the story. Plus, as Peary points out, “surely the bridges would have been destroyed by the government if Carpenter didn’t want to utilize one… in his escape plot” — it’s impossible to believe that a maximum security prison island would maintain such overt links to the outside world, albeit heavily mined ones. As a longtime cult favorite, Escape From New York deserves at least a look, but ultimately it’s a disappointment; most of its entertainment value these days stems from its campy scenarios and dialogue (”I heard you were dead!”).
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- An intriguing premise
- Impressive sets on a low budget
- Many campy lines and images — such as the Duke’s chandelier-bedecked vehicle
Must See?
Yes, but only for its status as a cult favorite.
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Posted on May 3rd, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Response Reviews
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