Escape from L.A. (1996)

Directed by: John Carpenter | 96 minutes | action, adventure, science fiction | Actors: Kurt Russell, AJ Langer, Steve Buscemi, George Corraface, Pam Grier, Stacy Keach, Michelle Forbes, Jeff Imada, Cliff Robertson, Valeria Golino, Peter Fonda, Ina Romeo, Peter Jason, Jordan Baker, Caroleen Feeney

More than fifteen years later, the sequel to ‘Escape from New York’ appeared. Director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell decided to bring back anti-hero Snake Plisskin one last time. The sequel does not come close to the original, but is nevertheless very entertaining.

Plisskin must once again risk his life to fulfill a mission in a perilous, apocalyptic world. To ‘motivate’ Plisskin, a deadly poison is injected into his body. If the criminal does not return within the allotted time with the Doomsday Device, he will die a terrible death. If Plisskin is on time, he will be given a serum that neutralizes the poison.

People who are familiar with Carpenter’s work will get a strong ‘déja-vu’ feeling when they hear the story behind ‘Escape from LA’. The film has a lot in common with predecessor ‘Escape from ‘New York’. That’s a shame, because you can actually expect more from both Russell and Carpenter. Especially after a period of fifteen years, a little more attention could be paid to a more original script. The more critical fans will therefore have to deal with a (slight) disappointment.

This shameless iteration was primarily made to help Russell and Carpenter’s struggling careers get out of hand. Without result, by the way. After his successful period in the 80s, the director never made a real box-office success again. And Russell’s acting career didn’t go very well either.

Still, you can’t just write off this 1996 film. ‘Escape from LA’ has become an enjoyable film that, despite the repetition of moves, still has its own identity. Amidst all the expensive, epic action blockbusters, a movie like this is a breath of fresh air. Snake Plisskin’s second adventure exudes a true pulp atmosphere and has turned out to be an enjoyable adventure.

Russell takes on the role of rough ‘loner’ Snake Plisskin for the second time. And also this time it is a pleasure to watch the actor. Russell is just rock solid as the rock hard anti-hero. Armed with cynical, over-the-top one-liners, Plisskin encounters the strangest of characters whom he approaches in his own unique way. Russell gives the character a nice swing with his charm.

In addition to Russell, there is also a whole range of cult actors on display. For example, Bruce ‘Evil dead’ Campbell has a hilarious supporting role as a surgeon and we see Pam Grier pass by. In addition to these obscure names, the viewer is also treated to more famous names such as Steve Buscemi and Peter Fonda. The cast does a good job. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously and that makes for a fun viewing experience.

Don’t expect spectacular special effects and a high-quality story, because this film doesn’t have that to offer you. The power of the print lies in the fun the cast had while making it. The whole team behind the first ‘Escape movie’ was back together and this reunion made for a lot of fun on set. Fortunately, the same dark ‘underground atmosphere’ from the original has been maintained. The appearance of the print is still dark and dingy. In fact, you wouldn’t say this movie is from 1996. Despite the hefty budget, ‘Escape from LA’ looks almost as cheap as Carpenter’s 1981 production.

Fans of the first part should not miss this second in the series. If they want to enjoy this movie to the fullest, action buffs should see if they’re willing to watch a hopelessly outdated B-movie. The ‘no nonsense attitude’ that makes Snake Plisskin so cool has been stolen by other action films after the first part. Due to its outdated action, ‘Escape from LA’ is doomed to obscure cult movie status. But that doesn’t make this unpretentious nonsense any less delicious.