Film review: The Escapist

BY GRAEME TUCKETT

Last updated 09:50 29/05/2009

PRISON THRILLER: Joseph Fiennes stars with Brian Cox in prison-break movie The Escapist.

Relevant offers

Film reviews

Film review: Weekend Film review: The Artist Film review: Chronicle A heartfelt, cathartic journey Film review: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Film review: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Film review: Young Adult Film review: The Descendants Review: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Review: Sione's 2

Personally, I would buy a ticket to see Brian Cox in a Briscoes ad, so when the great man turns up in a prison-break movie, then I will be at the head of the queue.

The Escapist sees Cox as a man at peace with spending the rest of his days behind bars, in a prison in which he is accepted as a stalwart member of a tough little microcosm.

But then Cox's "Frank Perry" receives news that his only daughter is near death, and he starts to put together a plan to get himself, and a few of his most trusted friends, out.

The Escapist has a grand old time revisiting all the tried and trusted mechanisms of the great prison escape back-catalogue, and then putting a contemporary gloss on them.

Debutant director Rupert Wyatt has scored himself a Hollywood directing contract with this film, and I am not surprised.

The Escapist does everything a prison thriller should do, with a minimum of fuss.

Whether or not the final twist in the tale ruins the film is a matter of some debate, but I enjoyed the film even more on a second viewing, knowing what was coming.

This is a highly recommended thriller.

The Escapist
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Starring: Brian Cox, Joseph Fiennes
Rated: R16
Time: 109 mins
Trailer: Flicks.co.nz

* What did you think of The Escapist? Post your comments below.

Ad Feedback

- © Fairfax NZ News

Entertainment Homepage

Post comment

Name:	Required
Email:	Required. Will not be published.

Registration is not required to post a comment but if you , you will not have to enter your details each time you comment. Registered members also have access to extra features. Create an account now.

Maximum of 1750 characters (about 300 words)

I have read and accepted the terms and conditions
These comments are moderated. Your comment, if approved, may not appear immediately. Please direct any queries about comment moderation to the Opinion Editor at blogs@stuff.co.nz

Entertainment Headlines

RSS