ESCAPE FROM L.A. Review On "Violent Maniac's Cage"

ESCAPE FROM L.A.

(1996, USA)

DIRECTED BY: John Carpenter.

It's good to see Carpenter and Russell wanting to collaborate on a sequal to Escape From NY even though the audience demand was not there obviously. It was a great idea and I really enjoyed this film. It is really too bad about the poor reception it did receive. Carpenter and Russell surely did this as a labor of love. They probably didn't expect it to be a hit but did it anyway that's why I like it besides I thought it was good.

The film is generally a remake of the first with a number of different touches. First it's in L.A. this time, Snake has to shoot hoops instead of battle a barbarian, he plays Bangkok rules, surfs down Hollywood Blvd and has a run in with a bunch of psycho Beverly Hills plastic surgeons headed by Bruce Campbell. Story has it that Plissken is again caught by hypocritical future law enforcement who believe in total discipline. Again another deal is struck for Plissken not to stay on the island for eternity. He must retrieve a "black box" which can shut down the world. Stacy Keach and Steve Buscemi (who evidently takes over Harry Dean Stantons weasel role from the first).

Russell's performance is good but is somewhat lacking compared to his first role as his Clint Eastwood wanna be character. The ending may not satisfy most but it is sufficient. Yes this has a way better budget and lots of hidden jokes but what made the first so good were the idea's which did not revolve around flashy effects. Still a good film that sticks out in the heap called Hollywood. Heard there was possibly a third sequal titled Escape From The World in the works.

Rating: 3 Skulls

Review by: Richard J. Taylor

Email: rtaylor@roadrunner.nf.net

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