John Carpenter's Escape From L.A.

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John Carpenter's Escape From L.A.

R

1996

1h 41m

Action

Adventure

Sci-Fi

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Popcornmeter

54%

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59 Reviews

39%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

In 2013, the United States president (Cliff Robertson) is exiling all citizens who don't conform to his hyper-conservative views to Los Angeles, which became an island after a huge earthquake. But, when the president's daughter nabs the detonator to her dad's apocalyptic weapon and sneaks into L.A. to be with the rebel leader she loves, the government taps commando-turned-crook Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) to retrieve the young woman. And, if he doesn't succeed quickly, he'll be executed.

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Critics Consensus

Escape from L.A. has its moments, although it certainly suffers in comparison to the cult classic that preceded it.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

This time around, Russell seems uncomfortable in the part–a cartoon of a cartoon–but the production design by Blade Runner’s Lawrence G. Paull is so attractive and inventive that this is probably Carpenter’s most visually impressive feature.

Jun 14, 2022

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Chris Peachment

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Had this film come out 14 years ago, it would probably still be a late-night video treat, rather than looking a mite tired.

Nov 28, 2017

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C+

Sep 7, 2011

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Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

Not as iconic as Escape from New York, but still has some fun moments hidden behind pretty awful 90s-era visual effects.

Rated: 2.5/4

Sep 8, 2023

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

If viewers focus on what Carpenter is trying to say, as opposed to the half-hearted method in which he tries to say it, Escape from L.A. becomes a guilty pleasure and thought-provoking look at Carpenter’s worldview.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 8, 2022

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

At least audiences never had to sit through any more urban-centered follow-ups, be it Escape from Miami, Escape from Chicago, or even Escape from Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Rated: 2/4

Feb 27, 2022

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Richard L

As a weird semi-reboot, Escape from LA doesn't have the same 'visionary' feel of NY, and unfortunately Carpenter hasn't suddenly become a better director (or screenwriter) in the mean time, but LA turns the 'cool(?)' up to 11 and that alone, combined with the higher production values and slightly more likable characters, makes it a real joy to watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/12/24

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alan g

Looks like any major American city today. Freaks weirdos and criminals. Carpenter was prescient.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

10/03/24

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chris h

This movie offers very little and suffers from very bad special effects.This sequel isnt even a shell of the original.Even the 4k packaging is awkward and bad.Watching for free you may feel ripped off with losing your time

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

09/03/24

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Julie S

Snake Plissken, delivering a gritty performance as he navigates through a city filled with danger and deception. While the film boasts impressive action sequences and a darkly comedic tone, some may find its plot predictable and it’s special effects dated. However, for fans of the original “Escape from New York” and lovers of dystopian sci-fi,”Escape from L.A.” offers an entertaining escape into a chaotic world.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/21/24

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Jelisije J

When the sequel has the same recycled story as the first mediocre film then you get a lazy sequel that should have been more.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/29/24

Full Review

Marc Z

This movie is a great way for fans of the very dark and edgy Escape from NY to get more of John Carpenter and Kurt Russell's, Snake Plisken. This one has a very 90's feel. It reminds me a lot of Arnold's Total Recall. It is not nearly as dark, or edgy as the original but still really, really fun. The special effects and budget are clearly low. John Carpenter's niche is taking a low budget and doing a lot because the characters and story are the strength. Kurt Russell is the king of the close to the vest performances. He is over the top, but a man of few words. He is tough and masculine, despite his long hair. The supporting cast, including Stacey Keach, Cliff Robertson, and Steve Buscemi are good but Donald Pleasance is sadly missing. The music by Carpenter is very soft core.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/14/24

Full Review

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John Carpenter

Director

Kurt Russell

Snake Plissken

Stacy Keach

Cmdr. Malloy

Steve Buscemi

Map to the Stars Eddie

Cliff Robertson

President

Peter Fonda

Pipeline

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Basketball to the Death

2:12

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Surfboard Car Chase

2:12

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Hang Glider Assault

2:13

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - The Surgeon General

2:13

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Shutting Down the Earth

2:13

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Fun Gun Injection

1:28

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Helicopter Explosion

2:12

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Bangkok Rules

2:13

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Torpedo Sub to L.A.

2:10

Escape From L.A.: Official Clip - Shot and Sheared

2:11

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Synopsis

In 2013, the United States president (Cliff Robertson) is exiling all citizens who don't conform to his hyper-conservative views to Los Angeles, which became an island after a huge earthquake. But, when the president's daughter nabs the detonator to her dad's apocalyptic weapon and sneaks into L.A. to be with the rebel leader she loves, the government taps commando-turned-crook Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) to retrieve the young woman. And, if he doesn't succeed quickly, he'll be executed.

Director: John Carpenter
Producer: Debra Hill, Kurt Russell
Screenwriter: John Carpenter, Debra Hill, Kurt Russell
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Paramount Pictures International, Rysher Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.5M
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Dolby Digital, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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