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

56%

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59 Reviews

39%

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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

06/14/2022

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.

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Chris Peachment

Daily Telegraph (UK)

11/28/2017

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

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Desson Thomson

Washington Post

10/24/2002

Enjoyable in a playful way

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Adrian Martin

Film Critic: Adrian Martin

Jul 30

3/5

I won’t tell you how things end in Escape from L.A., but I will say that the sight of Pliskin, alone with his cigarette in the dark, is one of the most sublime moments of 1990s cinema.

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Kevin Carr

Fat Guys at the Movies

09/08/2023

2.5/4

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

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

06/08/2022

3/4

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.

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Jack F

@MovieFan111 Nov 28

It might follow the same template as its predecessor, but it's all still awesome!!!

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Kyle F.

@kfinley05 Sep 21

Obviously not on par with the original, but you have to appreciate the huge dump Carpenter is taking on Hollywood at this time. Fast forward 30 years, we haven’t evolved that much, and the theme is still relevant.

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George M

@Milkyway Sep 15

I don't consider the vastly overrated Escape from New York a great or even a cult film, but this worthless, barely watchable sequel is entirely trash. Even the cast seems bored by the trope filled story.

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Nick O

Jun 2

L.A. is bigger, badder and more outrageous in every possible aspect, whether Snake is surfin’ a tsunami with Peter Fonda or hang gliding the Hollywood hills with Pam Grier. I LOVE L.A.!

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Doris B

@RE196820214 Jun 1

Está entretenido de principio a fin me gusta visitar películas de los 90's.

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J H

Apr 24

There are some good performances, but the script is essentially just a rehash of the original. The budget was reportedly $50 million; the money is definitely not on the screen.

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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 - Shutting Down the Earth

2:13

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

2:13

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

2:12

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

1:28

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

2:13

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

2:11

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

2:10

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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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