Review of Escape from New York (1981) by Will H — 03 Jul 2011
John Carpenter escape his usual horror trappings in this sci-fi action film, and brings with him a wonderful sense of sheer escapist fun. Escape from New York is a wonderfully entertaining film that epitomizes its era of 80s action movies, and delivers one of the most badass action anti-heroes of all time.
Kurt Russell gives one of his defining performances as soldier-turned-mercenary Snake Plissken, who is filled with a quiet anger and sense of justice. He is joined by veteran character actors Lee Van Cleef (of Sergio Leone's Dollars Trilogy) as Bob Hauk, the man who recruited and coerced Snake into doing the job, Ernest Borgnine as the comic relief Cabbie, Donald Pleasance (of Carpenter's own Halloween series) as the beleaguered hostage President, and Isaac Hayes as the villain, the Duke.
Carpenter is one of the most underrated directors of all time, and this film shows off some of his true mettle.
This review of Escape from New York (1981) was written by Will H on 03 Jul 2011.
Escape from New York has generally received positive reviews.
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