Escape From New York
"Dark and dangerous!" -Newsweek
Kurt Russell (Stargate) stars in a high-velocity sci-fi action-thriller from director John Carpenter (co-written by Nick Castle) that sets the screen ablaze with heart-stopping suspense, outrageous stunts and imaginative special effects. Bristling with riveting chases and hard-hitting fight sequences, Escape From New York is your passport to nonstop excitement!
In a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a prison which houses the world's most brutal inmates. And when the President of the United States (Donald Pleasence) crash lands inside, only one man can bring him back: Snake Plissken (Russell), a notorious outlaw and former Special Forces war hero who, in exchange for a full pardon, descends into the decayed city and wages a blistering war against the captors. But time is short: in 24 hours, an explosive charge planted inside Snake's body will end the mission -- and his life -- unless he succeeds!
Member Reviews
Escape From New York - apostrophe
This is my favourite John Carpenter film along with Big Trouble In Little China and Halloween. Like most Carpenter film, there is the B-Flick quality of bad acting and low budget. But Escape, unlike "Assault On Precinct 13" and "They Live" has a such a cool premise and plot that it overshadows the cheesy acting. It may have been John Carpenter's intention to have cheesy lines in all of his films but some are so corny, it is hard to ignore. Escape is different because, the awesome plot line comes together with the humour, darkness and vibe. Carpenter scores all of the themes to his movies and this one is my favourite, I have always loved the intro to this movie. For anyone who is a fan of the movies I have mentioned.Not for me - ABC99
I know that their is a charm to low budget action films and cult film....but I sure wasn't into this one. Escape from New York has a funny charm because of how cheap it is but I got pretty bored in this.
I know this has a great deal of fans and I am glad so many enjoy themselves in this but it was wasted on me.Best Action Sci Fi Comedy B Movie - mlpvolt
"now i realize as a writer - it doesn't make any sense at all, but it is a whole lot of fun to watch" John Carpenters (circa 1997). Escape from New York is perhaps the best ever B movie sci fi action cult classic. Done on what was a shoestring budget for this type of movie, Carpenter's production takes opportunistic advantage of being able to shoot in a real abandoned American city after a huge fire that burned out several blocks of St. Louis in 1978.
The movie transcends hokey plot devices, thrift store costumes, cheapo special effects by getting the basics right - a tightly scripted plot, interesting (often over the top) characters and dark zany world to inhabit. Hearing director Carpenter talk about this movie is quite engaging - they really had fun making it and it shows. This is fun, creative entertaining film - just check your hollywood action-movie production values at the door before you cook up some popcorn. For instance, in this film it is ok if the weather changes during a scene from different camera angles, and the extras seem to fall down a lot. If everybody has fun, does it really matter?
Member Reviews
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Escape From New York - apostrophe
This is my favourite John Carpenter film along with Big Trouble In Little China and Halloween. Like most Carpenter film, there is the B-Flick quality of bad acting and low budget. But Escape, unlike "Assault On Precinct 13" and "They Live" has a such a cool ...Not for me - ABC99
I know that their is a charm to low budget action films and cult film....but I sure wasn't into this one. Escape from New York has a funny charm because of how cheap it is but I got pretty bored in this.
I know this has a great deal of fans and I am ...Best Action Sci Fi Comedy B Movie - mlpvolt
"now i realize as a writer - it doesn't make any sense at all, but it is a whole lot of fun to watch" John Carpenters (circa 1997). Escape from New York is perhaps the best ever B movie sci fi action cult classic. Done on what was a shoestring budget for this ...