Search - No Escape on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 12/17/2023...

A real feel of Mad Max in a small confined area. Ray Liotta, Lance Henriksen, Kevin Dillon and others really shine in this!

Overlooked And Underrated Liotta Vehicle

K. Fontenot | The Bayou State | 10/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What is it with guys like Ray Liotta and Lance Henriksen? They are great character actors, but once they take the lead, their films seem to be forgotten or ridiculed. "No Escape" is a particularly interesting flick considering that both Liotta and Henriksen appear in it. Not to mention Ernie Hudson and Stuart Wilson, who are two other top-notch actors who seem to be stuck in ruts.

This film didn't get much recognition in its day. I caught it at the movies years ago and loved it. Sure, it borrows from flicks like "Escape From New York" and I even see a little "Island of Dr. Moreau" in there, but it is an excellent film on its own merit. It has a stock story of a man who has committed a crime in order to right a wrong. He is banished to an island prison where no one escapes. On this island there are two factions: Insiders and Outsiders. One group is peaceful and lives in a semi-Utopian society whereas the other lives primarily under the rule of one man, Wilson. Henriksen plays the "Father," who quietly leads the Insiders. When Robbins, played by Liotta, falls into the game, he is sought out by Wilson's Marek, but ends up with the Insiders.

Naturally, Liotta decides he has to escape the island to prove his case and to seek out freedom. What follows is raid after raid and the eventual final battle, full of deception and action. But don't let this simplistic and borrowed tale deceive you. This is a fun film to watch and the primary characters are solidly developed.

Ernie Hudson heads up a strong supporting cast that features Kevin Dillon as a hard-luck innocent and Michael Lerner takes a nasty turn as the Warden. You'll recognize Hudson from "Ghostbusters I & II." He played Winston. Dillon was in the remake of "The Blob" and Lerner played the mayor of NYC in "Godzilla" with Matthew Broderick. There are other recognizable faces in the crowd as well.

If you're looking for a solid film with good production and a wonderful plot(though not very original), you're sure to enjoy "No Escape." Check it out and add it to your Ray Liotta library. He's an oft-overlooked actor who deserves better accolades."

Better Than How It First Looks

Craig Connell | Lockport, NY USA | 03/29/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"
On the surface, this looks like an overly violent, dumb and seedy movie because it features nothing but hardened criminals plus the normal sadistic warden Hollywood always shows in all modern-day films.

But....it turns out the story isn't as sordid as it looks and the violence, although plentiful, is somehow not overdone. Also, the chief villain " Walter Marek" (Stuart Wilson) is a man with a good sense of humor. The comedic relief he brings is a real plus to the story. By the way, Wilson doesn't look like Mel Gibson but his voice sure sounds similar.

Profanity isn't as much as you'd except in a tough film like this and - in a real oddity - Lance Henriksen is the nicest guy in the movie! He never utters a bad or angry word. If you know the characters Henriksen usually plays, you know this is a rarity. Ray Liotta, Michael Lerner and Ernie Hudson also star, so it's a decent cast.

You could do a lot worse looking for two hours of "escapist" fare."

No Escape

C. A. Luster | Burke, VA USA | 06/07/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had rented this years ago but I couldn't pass up the price here so I bought a copy and it was well worth it. I had forgot how good it is at keeping your attention. Ray Liotta, Lance Henrikson, and the rest the cast do a fine job. Fans of movies like "Escape from New York" and "The Soldier" should enjoy it the most. When a soldier is convicted of killing his superior officer we are in the dark as to why at first and the Island prison he is dropped off on is more like "Lord of the Flies" or inhabitants escaped from "The Road Warrior" than normal people. His only concern is getting off this rock and if it means fighting a whole army of these dregs he will do it. Good quality DVD with ample replayability."