Escape From L.A. (1996)

Plot Outline: In 2000, a major earthquake has separated Los Angeles from the American mainland. It's isolation is perfect for turning it into a prison, where criminals and moral dissidents from society are sent. In 2013, Snake Plissken, the man who infamously rescued the President from New York, has been captured after re-offending since his pardon and is about to be sent there. But the President's daughter has stolen the control device for an EMP weapon and given it to a guerrilla leader on LA island. Once again Snake is given the task of rescue, but this time it's only the device he's supposed to bring back.

The Review: Instead of using his bigger budget to create a proper sequel, it seems as though John Carpenter has opted for the "re-imagining" phrase and basically remade Escape From New York, only not half as entertaining. It follows the same sort of structure, in fact it follows the same structure to a tee. The script tries to keep referencing the original in an attempt to pretend it was just homaging it but I think it just shows a little unoriginality. Carpenter rips off his own film immensely and I'd be here for ages going through them all so I won't bother. However whereas the original didn't actually look like New York (it could have been any city), this one is LA. We're shown loads of famous landmarks and with the use of CGI, Carpenter is able to give us lovely distance shots of burning Hollywood and the wrecked LA skyline. Unfortunately the addition of CGI means Carpenter gets to play with some ridiculous action scenes including the surfing scene. It may be fun but it looks terrible. Kurt Russell effortlessly steps back into the anti-hero role that made him a household name - 15 years later no less! He's still every bit as cool as he was, although now he seems more of a Western gunslinger than an actual futuristic criminal. However, unlike the first film, most of the supporting characters don't get that much time on screen. Bruce Campbell has an extremely memorable cameo (under make-up) as a deranged plastic surgeon, Steve Buscemi slimes his way as Map to the Stars Eddie, a double-crossing fink. And other stars such as Pam Grier and Peter Fonda make small appearances. But it's a shame there's no one else really to root for barring Snake Plissken. And root for him we do because he's such a great character. Plissken's final dilemma is an excellent plot twist and Carpenter ends the film on such a dangerous note. Would the audience accept an ending like that? I did and it leaves the door open for a final ride with the Snake.

Final Verdict: Escape From L.A. is a rip-off sequel and John Carpenter should know better than cashing-in on his own film, which is what he does. But it's still entertaining and a lot better than other dreary action trash of the 90s. At least you know where you are with Carpenter (usually) and Russell.

Rating: