Movies We Love - Escape from New York



One silly evening not too long ago the husband took me out for a Throwback Thursday treat. New York City's Film Forum was running a SciFi and Horror festival replete with a bevy of old movies, and we found our way into the neighborhood one evening for a showing of Escape from New York. The theater is a real joy: small, always packed with avid film fans that are a pleasure to view with and ever-fresh, old-fashioned popcorn that seems to taste fresher and is infinitely more satisfying than the fast food version sold at most chain theaters.

Best of all? The film features old favorite Kurt Russell, an actor that Pie and I can't seem to get enough of lately. The entire move is a trip; from it's over the top dramatic tone to it's cheesy, synthesized 80's soundtrack. Russell plays "Snake," an ex-military man turned criminal banished to the island prison of Manhattan. Yes, Manhattan, the golden isle, is just one big prison in this "future." If the absurdity of that premise doesn't grab you then Snake's growling, gravelly voice might. Or maybe the ridiculously dramatic dialog and fantastical premise that Air Force One would happen to land on an island full of criminals and the U.S. President would be the only survivor.

Cue a mad scurry to rescue the President in 24 hours lest our poor anti-hero Snake be neutralized himself. It's a ridiculous journey, but goodness it's a fun one.