Review of Escape from Alcatraz (1979) by Sam G — 08 May 2012

Sharply written and elaborately conceived, Escape from Alcatraz has a well-earned spot among the great classics of its era. A predecessor to films like The Shawshank Redemption (the similiarites between which are quite striking by the way), it blazed an impressive trail for future entrys in the genre.

Knee-deep in myth, Alcatraz as a place also holds this amazing allure, which always seems to serve up some fascinating curiosities. Of course, that's not the only thing that makes this movie so brilliantly compelling.

There's also the spell-binding performance by Clint Eastwood, in the role of bad-ass convict Frank Morris, as well as a phenomenal set of supporting characters, bringing weight to the story, which is a real killer in every sense.

I have seen many of the kind, yet was so fully immersed, that my attention level could be mistaken for a first-time visit to the setting. And when I say fully, I mean hook, line and sinker! For this is nothing short of pure cinematic gold.

Highly suspenseful throughout, with a great deal of nerve-shattering and shock value. Definitely not to be missed!