Review of Escape from Alcatraz (1979) by Dustin G — 25 Nov 2008

Let's be honest. Clint Eastwood doesn't have a lot of range or versatility as an actor. There isn't a lot different going on from movie to movie, especially in the 70's, but he's still awesome to watch time and time again. Why? I guess because his screen presence is such that it doesn't matter how different his performances aren't, he's still fun to behold. Anyway, I think this movie's biggest drawback is that it hasn't aged very well. In the wake of films like The Shawshank Redemption, this movie loses some of its appeal, as interesting a story as it is. It's not so much that it isn't as well done as it could have been. Seigel's a great director and has a fine eye for detail that is apparent here throughout, and I'm sure if it were 1979, I would have liked this much more, but in 2008, it just doesn't hold up well to some great prison break out movies that have followed. If you're a fan of Eastwood or Seigel though, I say it's certainly worth a watch.

I also loved the way the movie ended.