After a botched highjacking attempt, the President of the United States' private jet plane crashes unto Manhattan Island. Not much of a problem you would say except that the entire isle of Manhattan has been turned into a high-security prison! The government simply built a giant wall around the thing, mined the river and bridges and blows up anybody who so much as tries to escape! Needless to add, the President is immediately captured and held hostage by the criminals.
Into this scenario "Snake" Plisken (Kurt Russell) is thrown. He has to rescue the president within 24 hours or otherwise an explosive injected into his bloodstream will go off and he will die. They don't have anti-heroes like Snake on the silver screen anymore. He is one badass mother! When told about the president, his reaction is "So? Get a new one."
The film was made on a smallish budget and at times it shows. But overall the effects and sets are quite realistic and director John Carpenter keeps the whole stew boiling to make a rather enjoyable dinner. Bit like curry - its charms are hard to explain but still enjoyable. If you haven't seen this one yet, rent it now!
Review by James O'Ehley from The
Sci-Fi Movie Page. |
