Non-Horror Exploitation: Escape from New York (1981)

John Carpenter's Escape From New York over the years has really become one of my favorite movies. It's a typical 80's movie set in the future. Filled with a cool soundtrack, a dark atmosphere, bad ass villains and even more bad ass ''good guys'' who are here to save the day.

In the future, crime is out of control and New York City is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables.

The plot is great. Manhattan Island being a huge maximum secured prison. Isn't that the most bad ass idea you've ever heard. It sure is for me. The dirty, grainy, dark streets of the devastated New York City look great and provide one hell of a great atmosphere. Together with the insanely awesome soundtrack by John Carpenter it sets you in the right mood. The dirty streets are filled with scary convicted criminals who are very cautious. And they have got a good reason, 'cause The Duke is out there.

The Duke, a brilliant role by bad ass cult actor Isaac Hayes, has captured the president for his own good. Now Snake Plissken, one of the coolest characters in a film ever, also a convicted criminal and ex-soldier is sent to save the president's ass. Originaly the studio wanted Tommy Lee Jones to play the role of Snake. But although I like Tommy Lee as well i'm glad Kurt Russell got the part. I think no actor in the world could have portrayed ''Snake'' cooler than Russell himself. But Isaac Hayes and Kurt Russell aren't the only interesting actors in Escape From New York, although they are definitely the coolest. We've got Lee Van Cleef, western hero who appeared in hundreds of movies, as a son of a bitch called ''Hauk''. Ernest Borgnine, appeared in over 200 films like Marty, The Dirty Dozen and The Poseidon Adventure, as the friendly ''Cabbie''.  Donald Pleasence, a fan favorite due to his role in Halloween, in an annoying role as the president. It also features Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog, Creepshow), Tom Atkins (Halloween III, The Fog) and of course Frank Doubleday (one of the gangmembers in Assault on Precinct 13) who plays the weird bodyguard of The Duke. 

John Carpenter creates a very dark New York City filled with creepy crooks and bloodthirsty maniacs. The Crazies are a cannibalistic group for example that live in the subways and once a month rule the street looking for food. This all creates a very threatening vibe along with the beast soundtrack from John Carpenter. 

If you are looking for a fun ride filled with bad ass characters, cool one liners, cannibalistic creeps, awesome music and this all taking place at the dark streets of NY, than this is your movie.