Ray Breslin (Sylvester Stallone) is a security expert who makes a living by testing prison security systems “from the inside.” He gets thrown into prison as an inmate and figures out how to escape. His next assignment could earn Ray twice his usual fee, but the risks are high. This time, he has to inspect a private prison, not a state one, and its location is top secret. Once inside, he discovers that this time it’s for real. His contacts are fake, the evacuation code doesn’t work, and the prison warden (Jim Caviezel) is eager to give Ray extra problems. With the help of another inmate (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Breslin begins to plan his escape.
Before Mikael Håfström took over, Antoine Fuqua was supposed to direct the film, and Bruce Willis was considered for one of the roles.
“Escape Plan” went into production before it became clear that the impressive box office success of “The Expendables” was a one-time event that didn’t extend to the solo projects of the actors involved. “The Last Stand” showed that the box office appeal of action legends Stallone and Schwarzenegger was seriously overestimated. Therefore, a lot depends on “Escape Plan” now, as it is essentially made according to the same formula as the projects mentioned above: bravado machismo wrapped in old-school action.
The film’s budget is $70 million. This is significantly more than “The Expendables” ($40 million) and “The Last Stand” ($45 million) cost.
Sylvester Stallone has already escaped from a prison run by a sadistic warden in John Flynn’s “Lock Up” (1989), and with a discount for the modern dominance of technology, these films are more or less of the same ilk. It’s all business, with a minimum of “personal drama.” The relationships between the characters are written in bright but short strokes, and there’s no time to elaborate on the characters; let the casting speak for them. Sly and Arnie are, of course, the good guys. Jim Caviezel, with his deliberately affected manners and carnivorous coyote grin, is a vile villain who overestimates his abilities. The perpetually rumpled Sam Neill is a kind Dr. Dolittle. And with Vinnie Jones, everything is clear without words from just one look.
Twists and Turns
The plot is not just full of twists and turns; it consists only of them, although it’s better not to think about them. There’s little plausibility or realism here (for example, everything related to Vincent D’Onofrio’s character makes you scratch your head in bewilderment). At the same time, we must give credit to director Mikael Håfström; they are glued together with a confident hand – there are no sagging moments at all. Plus, Håfström knows how to film his stars so that they seem like living monuments. Stallone seems to have stopped aging ten years ago, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who looked quite “killed” in “The Last Stand,” has straightened his shoulders again in “Escape Plan” and somehow returned the devilish gleam to his eyes.
A Treat for Fans
It’s hard to say how “Escape Plan” will be received by young people. It’s 100% “fan service” for long-time fans of the two stars. The film has prepared nothing for teenagers who have already rejected them twice in “The Expendables” and “The Last Stand” – apparently, they realized it too late. But as this very fan service, it’s exactly what you need – another loud return to the 90s, without pathetic attempts to play on the past merits of Arnie and Sly. Yes, they are veterans, but they don’t want to shake their medals in front of us, indulging in ingratiating self-citation (as “The Expendables 2” did). Age no longer allows them to learn new tricks, but you can always perform the old ones as an encore. And in such a way that it’s like the first time – with a flourish and “signature” humor.