Review of Animal Factory (2000) by Lewis E — 02 Jul 2014

An adequate drama for those who like spending time watching people doing time. Incorporates most of the usual elements which make prison life such an interesting subject including attempted rape, racism and escape plans. Nonetheless, I got the impression that it rushed through these key aspects in order to keep the length condensed. This film almost exists as a summary or overview of the incarceration experience rather than a compelling narrative. Consequently, many of the film's aspects are not developed and thus lack impact despite their violent and disturbing nature. Also, characters and their interaction with each other are so one-dimensional that you don't really have the opportunity to like, dislike or understand anyone's personality (apart from maybe the attempted rapist....not hard to dislike him).

Only for excessive fans of prison dramas but 'Prison Break' season one, 'The Green Mile' and 'Shawshank Redemption' should still take priority.