Film Review: Two Old Dogs Prove Very Entertaining in ‘Escape Plan’

CHICAGO – Great action movies have one truth in common – they mix their face-offs with a psychological battle, which complements the pyrotechnics of invincible super humans. “Escape Plan,” with grizzled veterans Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, is true to that form.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

It’s enough to cheer that these two guys – who have made billions of dollars for their industry – can, at this point in their careers, get a decent story and script (by Miles Chapman and Jason Keller), and have a director (Mikael Hafström) who understands what makes each of them tick on screen. This is old school, but also fresh and modern, and contains symbolic themes of extreme rendition, identity, religion and yes, psychology. The man who once played Jesus, Jim Caviezel, now takes on the two action movie gods with a original spin on the evil warden. The film never flags, even though it features its share of impossibilities, stiff acting and of course, catchphrases.

Ray Breslin (Stallone) has an unusual occupation. He works for the Federal Prison Authority, and has himself intentionally incarcerated in high security institutions. He then tests their standards by intentionally figuring out how to escape, and is always successful. His team includes security industry CEO Lester Clark (Vincent D’Onofrio), Attorney Abigail (Amy Ryan) and computer expert Hush (50 Cent).

Getting a bit bored with the game, Breslin takes a job for the CIA, to escape from their latest maximum security outlet. The kicker is it is a set-up, and Breslin is actually in the cooler, with no contact with his team. His only ally seems to be an international financial hacker, Rottmayer (Schwarzenegger), and they become unlikely (naturally) associates against a sadistic warden (Jim Caviezel). This time it’s personal.

“Escape Plan” opens everywhere on October 18th. Featuring Bill Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Prison, Jim Caviezel, Amy Ryan, Vincent D’Onofrio, 50 Cent and Sam Neill. Screenplay by Miles Chapman and Jason Keller. Directed by Mikael Hafström. Rated “R”