Nicolò Grasso’s review published on Letterboxd:
Original Title: Escape from L.A.
Year of Release: 1996
Genres: Sci-Fi Action
Director: John Carpenter
Writers: John Carpenter, Debra Hill, Kurt Russell
Main Cast: Kurt Russell, Stacy Keach, Steve Buscemi, Pam Grier
There came a point half-way through Escape from L.A. where I honestly thought that it was secretly directed by Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids 3D Rodriguez, not From Dusk Till Dawn Rodriguez).
The film is full of ridiculous scenes which lack a lot of self-awareness (that basketball scene was painful to watch). However, once we get to the infamous Tsunami-riding scene, the third act is immensely fun to watch. It is hard, though, to separate the remake-like similarities with the original film, and a weaker cast of characters (including a, sadly, annoying Steve Buscemi) and horrendous special effects (no shit the visual effects team didn't know what they were doing) make this a rather dull watch.
Worth it only for Kurt Russell and its fun third act. A clear beginning of the end of Carpenter's directing career.
Story: 4
Directing: 5
Cinematography: 7.5
Acting: 6
Sound: 7
Visual Effects: 4
ENJOYMENT: 6.5
BORINGNESS: 3
PARENTAL GUIDANCE
Violence & Gore: 8
Sex & Nudity: 5
Drugs & Profanity: 5
Intensity & Horror: 4.5
