No Escape

As an example of macho escapism, nothing beats a prison movie.  Except a futuristic prison movie!  Escape from New York, Fortress, Alien 3, heck, even Vin Diesel broke out of a doozy in The Chronicles of Riddick.  But for some reason No Escape (1994) fell behind the cinematic couch cushions.  Barely even mentioned after the recent unexpected passing of star Ray Liotta, the film ranks right up there as an action-packed vision of our privatized, militarized justice system gone wrong.

After murdering his superior in cold blood, Robbins (Liotta) is shipped off to Absalom, a self-sufficient island with a warring population of prisoners:  the savage Outsiders and peace-loving Insiders.  Not anxious to take orders from either camp, Robbins eventually proves his worth to the Insiders’ spiritual leader  (Lance Henriksen) and makes a deal that will earn him a seat on the next boat back to the mainland.  But the final battle is just ahead.  And Robbins’ military training might be the only thing keeping the Outsiders at bay.

 

The first thing you’ll notice is just how well director Martin Campbell handles the film’s action scenes.  Whether it’s close-up, hand-to-hand combat or sweeping battle scenes, his camera always makes sure you feel the impact.  No surprise, he was handpicked to help out the Bond franchise (for Goldeneye…with Casino Royale to follow) based on this film alone.  The second thing is how much it feels like Waterworld which would be released just the next year.  From the unstable but quick-witted villain to the Mad Max cast-off costumes, No Escape has that cut-throat comedic tone that became a stable of ‘90s action.

 

Liotta handles himself quite well as an ex-soldier with a special set of skills.  His non-traditional looks and intimidating stare make for a particularly dangerous protagonist.  And the cast of other familiar faces – Kevin Dillon, Kevin J. O’Connor and Ernie Hudson – make No Escape feel like a big-budgeted affair, even though producer Gale Ann Hurd had to jettison the final battle scene to keep costs down.  The film hits the ground running with a non-stop first act, slogs through a rather philosophical middle, then delivers an explosive finale that serves as its get out of jail free card.  

 

MVD and Unearthed Classic deliver a Blu-ray with all the bells and whistles.  The picture looks flawless and extras include audio interviews with Campbell, Hurd and screenwriter Joel Gross, a pair of Making Of featurettes, alternate intro (with the title Escape from Absalom) trailers and TV spots.

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