Escape from New York (2000, DVD)

There are so many great actors in this movie from Lee Van Cleef to Kurt Russell and Donald Pleasance. As a fan of the Metal Gear franchise my first thoughts were that this was just another cheaply made action movie without any direction into how display and convey the thoughts. Posting it together as a world on the verge of destroying itself New York has become a prison system, with that during a flight over New York air force one is destroyed by an insane woman. Taking an escape pod the president lands on the island and is then taken as a hostage. Sending out a SWAT team, which is sent a simple message, they gather together a former Special Forces officer to take the mission. Snake Plissken played by Kurt Russell is a man how cares only about himself. Putting every thing else aside the president is his main concern and his life. Taking the shots of poison he is then forced to track down the president using whatever means he can. As he is the only one involved in the mission he uses a silenced pistol, combat knife, and martial arts move. Yeah, after figuring out the man behind the series my view shifts as to how the characters in Metal Gear and in Escape from New York are the same. However, the only character is Russell. Stone cold looks, tough voice, and a been there done that type of life he wants to live. Going through the mission and prep routines he quickly finds every thing is not as it seems. The president had a very important tape along with papers about a new age missile, which he was going to give as a sign of peace. As the noose tightens the story ebbs on about a society lost and a hero searching for a way out of his own created mess.

Acting 4.5/5
Really top notch while others believe Russell is not a great actor I beg to differ. Given his turn as Wyatt Earp in Tombstone and how well he performed in this just the way he acts. Star Gate included those are among his best films. Another of my favorites is Lee Van Cleef noted for his turns in Westerns he shows his great abilities as a dramatic actor. Working on the basis of playing a half and half type of guy part good and part bad he shows why others can try to get his parts but few get it right. Stacy Keatch tried it but his turn was not as well noted in the sequel. The rest of the cast is like a call to arms of the old honor guard of actors and the new crop. More mature story lines and themes push them to perform. From cabbie, to brain, and even to Maggie every one has it in for each other. Nothing their great performances I'm surprised people are negative about budget.

Directing 4/5
While not one of the best John Carpenter is more of a horror and science fiction type. Many regard him as an director who has no notable credits. But, given as to how well he performed in directing, writing, and creating this visual oddesy of a world turned into turmoil and shame what else can you say?

Camera 5/5
A dark and moody atmosphere provides the backdrop for a story about humanity lost. The camera is set up around dark sets and plays tricks with your mind. In one scene unknown creatures are attacking and in another people are searching for a way out. While the camera provides some of the story the dark atmosphere provides another part. More of a mature theme, which establishes the camera and settings.

Over All
Not that campy really and not really a low budget film. With all of the great acting talents put to use and the way the story spirals it is clearly awesome. Others may feel that despite having such great themes it does not match up with other such films simply watching it is amazing. As stated above Snake may not just be a hero searching for a president he may be a hero searching for his own way out. And, for his own redemption life is cheap an established factor in this film.