The Escapist

Frank Perry (Brian Cox) is a lifer; in prison for the rest of his natural born days.  He’s never had a problem with that: he did the crime; he’ll do the time. Until now.  He receives a letter telling him that his daughter is critically ill after following an overdose.  He knows that he must see her and to do that he’ll have to escape.  But he can’t do it alone.  A motley crew of younger associates are assembled to enact his plan.  

As they prepare to break out, Frank’s focus is distracted by the arrival of a young con, James Lacey (Dominic Cooper) - a reminder of days long lost.  As the new kid on the block Lacy also attracts the sadistic attention of Tony (Steven Macintosh), the drug-addict brother of wing-king Rizza (Damien Lewis).  Personality conflicts puts the escape in jeopardy and Frank is forced to find the energy and courage of the man he once was.

 

The Escapist is an intense and gripping prison/escape thriller which will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.  Usually prison dramas like this take their time with the set up, allowing you to get to know the characters, plotting the escape and then the execution, but this is where the Escapist differs.  It expertly blends the set up with the actual escape as the narrative skips back and forth in time allowing you to get to know the individuals as the escape unfolds.  The further they get, the more you understand why they are there.

The refreshing thing about the story here is that there is no complications of an innocent man sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.  That’s such a cliche.  Brian Cox is in prison doing his time for an unknown crime and then he wants out.  It’s that simple.

Critically acclaimed the movie’s take at the box office was underwhelming so hopefully it will find it’s audience through DVD.  Much like The Shawshank Redemption did.

If you loved the original series of Prison Break, but have become disheartened with it as each series gets more ridiculous (like I have) then you will find this a refreshing addition to the genre.

DVD Extras:

-Audio commentary with Rupert Wyatt & Dominic Cooper

-The Making of The Escapist

-Behind the Scenes

-Theatrical Trailer

-Storyboard Comparison