Escape from LA follows almost exactly the same plotline as its 1981 predecessor Escape from New York; A city has become a colony for criminals, something gets lost in the city, the government don't have anyone but Snake Plissken that is able to get it back, so he goes in, has a few misadventures with the locals and eventually brings it back. this film very much lacks in originality, mostly due to it completely ripping off its predecessor. In fact; it could be said that this film is a remake of the first.
I'm back!
I'm back just like in the first movie.
I'm back, but there's more action here!
However, what it lacks in originality is made up for with a great cast of support characters, which includes Steve Buscemi, 70's blaxploitation star Pam Grier, Peter Fonda and a great little turn from the god of B-Movie, Bruce Campbell himself. Kurt Russell returns of course, as the film's anti-hero; Snake Plissken, complete with a very cool new look; courtesy of a long black leather coat and leather trousers (the inspiration for The Matrix characters in the near future). Kurt Russell's performance in this film is pretty much the same as in the first movie, whereby he is only required to look cool for the duration; and that is something he does well. The support characters, however, are this film's main asset.
Mayhem is my patio.
Yes, I worship Jim Morrison's style, so what!
Listen lady, I make the rules round here.
Obviously Kurt Russell is the star of the show, but it's the colourful characters around that really make the film interesting. The special effects in Escape From LA, considering it was made in 1996, are simply awful. Whether or not the effects are bad on purpose as somo sort of bizarre tribute to Escape From New York, I don't know; but I really felt that they could have done more regarding the effects. Escape from LA is a very silly film that many people will find hard to take seriously, however if all you want is to enjoy yourself for 100 minutes or so, and not use your brain too much; Escape From LA is your movie. Originality aside, I would say that this film is on par with Escape From New York, so if you were thinking Escape from LA was the natural part II for Escape from New York I would say you're halfway right and halfway wrong, since the storyline on part II does not have connections or missing link with part 1, so it's kind of a new story but, again you find the same story on a different place that's the big difference on both movies and some minor details as the acting quality.
2013 Los Angeles.
Snake Plissken.
Yes, there's a Blu-Ray edition.
Overall this movie is a failed part II for Escape From New York, though, it does have its strenghts on its own, probably it is a movie for followers of this genre only. I liked it cause I like movies that are entertaining and easy to follow, the deep written scripts movies are for a different kind of mood I guess.
No comments:
Post a Comment