THE ESCAPIST

Directed By Rupert Wyatt

Review By Kim Jindra

To say THE ESCAPIST is simply a story of how Frank Perry (Brian Cox) recruits four prison-hardened inmates to help him on his quest for freedom would be doing a disservice to co-writer and director Rupert Wyatt. This is really a journey for self redemption.

The movie opens with the escape in progress. We learn about the participants through a series of flashbacks. I am normally not a fan of non linear stories but this one works. I think it probably would have worked just as effectively with a linear approach but nevertheless I was drawn in immediately.

Frank is as content as a lifer can be, until he receives his first letter in 14 years. News of his daughter's impending death spurs him to action. He first approaches friend and sewer expert, Brodie (Liam Cunningham) and the mysterious Lenny (Joseph Fiennes) but soon realizes he also needs the help of drug supplier Baptista (Seu Jorge) after creepy drug addict Tony (Steven Macintosh) starts sniffing around. When Frank's new roommate Lacey (Dominic Cooper) is added to the mix it becomes quite a dance for Frank's gang to avoid the notice of cell boss Rizza (Damian Lewis).

This is a gritty movie. I admit to flinching more than once. I kept wanting to turn away but that wasn't an option. I was too involved with the characters.  All the actors did a fine job even though the dialects were hard to catch. Pay close attention to one of the last flashbacks. I think Wyatt intentionally gives away the ending.  The score is a bit overpowering but it also works.  This may be the best prison break movie since THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION.