Skip to main content

No Escape (1994)


No Escape, released in some countries as Escape from Absolom and Absolom 2022, is a 1994 American science fiction action film directed by Martin Campbell. It stars Ray Liotta, Lance Henriksen, Stuart Wilson, Kevin Dillon, Michael Lerner and Ernie Hudson. It was based on the 1987 novel The Penal Colony by Richard Herley. The film began in production development on May 17, 1993 and lasted until August of that year. It was filmed in Australia, primarily in New South Wales.

Robbins is sentenced to prison for the assassination of his general officer, a prison you leave only when you die. Since nobody ever leaves the prison, nobody knows what the prison is like. The prison manager realizes this and buys himself an island playground called "Absolom," where the worst prisoners are free to create an isolated barbaric society, and where the strongest men rule...a living hell. Robbins is sent to Absolom after he almost kills the prison manager.

Freddy and Krasnaya Movie Review
***SPOILER ALERT***

K: Today we have the film "No Escape", where Ray Liotta plays the leading role. Before watching, Freddie immediately told me that the film was wonderful (since he watched it as a child) and I tuned in to a great pastime. I can say that even though I'm not a fan of prison or action films, I liked "No Escape". The film turned out to be an interesting combination of very beautiful nature and real prison hopelessness, flavored with a good plot and bright acting. The movie's estimated 20 million budget did its job: the film is rich in spectacular mass battles, explosions, and magnificent scenery. I really liked the costumes of the characters; it is clear that the costume designer approached the matter with love; the helmets of each of the captive insiders are a work of art!

F: How is it possible that I couldn't remember that I had already watched this movie a million times before? I had "Escape from Absolom" (the release name in my country) recorded on a VHS. This is back from that time when I still had heroes to look up to. Max Rockatansky was my number one hero, but I remember also being inspired by Ray Liotta's bad assness in this movie. In behavior, Captain Robbins (Ray Liotta) is a very similar character to Max. I always saw that as a rip off and I'm pretty certain that this movie had Mad Max as a reference in the making. But I still enjoyed the movie very much back then. It has lots of great action scenes and enough bloody violence to make unsupervised kids very happy.

About the costumes, unlike you, I can remember clearly that, just like today, as the first time I saw the movie, I thought they sucked. They have a very b-movie look to me . I also don't understand the meaning of the "star wars" uniform guards at the beginning of the film, they just look silly.

Escape from Absolom Opening scene gif
This is a beautiful opening scene. I would call it aesthetic violence.
K: As I already mentioned, all the main characters have bright and interesting personalities, they are eye-catching. All the actors played their roles perfectly. Ray Liotta as Capt. J.T. Robbins is very charismatic, he perfectly conveyed through his character the main idea of the film that you need to remain human in any situation, no matter what.

F: As soon as I started watching this I could remember everything about the movie. I even said "Now, that's fun!" at the same time as Marek in the scene from the GIF below. So, replaying this movie wasn't all that fun. I knew everything that was going to happen and that made me a bit sleepy. I couldn't make it to the last scene with the helicopter and was already snoring on the couch. The movie will get some points for the nostalgia, but it pains me to say that I don't think that this is a movie worth rewatching as an adult.

I believe Marek (Stuart Wilson) is the most interesting character in the movie because of his sadistic sense of humor. He would fit the Mad Max universe perfectly. I also liked to see Ernie Hudson playing Hawkins, more nostalgia points right there. He was curiously in this movie because he wanted to be as far away as possible from the US since the tragic incident in the recordings of his last movie "The Crow". My absolute favorite movie from this era. The Crow and Mad Max, yep, those were my two main heroes. I love pain and suffering, it seems.

decapitating scene no escape from absolom gif
Best scene.
K: Now we are in 2022, the year the movie takes place. Freddy, do you think such a prison-island already exists somewhere on our planet? Summing up, my verdict - watch the movie and find out if it's really possible to leave this island of Absolom, which is saturated with blood and cruelty.

F: I think that there are islands worse than Absolom. Remember Little Saint James Island? I think some really nasty stuff was happening there. Anyway, if you have never watched this movie before, I think it is really worth a watch if you like action, adventure and a little intrigue. Just don't mind the stupid-looking 90's future technology. I can't get past those huge computer TV screens from 2022. 😂

Escape from Absolom technology gif
The world in 2022. 👀
Freddy's Score: 62/100
Krasnaya's Score: 65/100

FINAL SCORE

MAKING OFF

NO ESCAPE AMAZING OPENING SCENE

Our blog is update everyday at 21:00 (WEST)

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Flow (2024)

Plot Summary: A stray cat navigates a post-apocalyptic flood, forming unexpected bonds with other animals as they struggle to survive in an ever-changing world. Without dialogue or anthropomorphism, the film delivers an emotional journey of resilience and adaptation. Director: Gints Zilbalodis Producer: Matīss Kaža, Gints Zilbalodis, Ron Dyens, Gregory Zalcman Screenplay: Gints Zilbalodis, Matīss Kaža Starring: No voice cast (dialogue-free film)   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Video Game or a Movie? And we’re back! Still haven’t finished my Frank Oz filmography (only two movies to go!), but hey, when do I even have time to watch movies alone anymore? So, here we are again with another animated feature. This time, it’s Flow by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, a film that has racked up awards and was entirely made using Blender. At first, I was worried. The opening scene ...

10 Lives (2024)

Plot Summary: Beckett, a spoiled and selfish housecat, takes his nine lives for granted. After recklessly losing his final life, he is granted ten more—but with a catch. Director: Chris Jenkins Producers: Karen Wengrod, Ken Cinnamon, Ash Brannon, Ernesto Matamoros, Leland Cox Screenplay: Chris Jenkins, Karen Wengrod, Ken Cinnamon Starring: Mo Gilligan as Beckett Simone Ashley as Rose Ashley Sophie Okonedo as Grace Zayn Malik as Kirk and Cameron Dylan Llewellyn as Larry Llewellyn Jeremy Swift as Happy Bill Nighy as Professor Richard Craven   ***SPOILER ALERT*** Nine Lives Too Many Saturday afternoon with 10 Lives, directed by Christopher Jenkins. Jenkins has been in animation since at least 1988, starting as an effects animator on Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Now he brings us this 2024 film about Beckett, a selfish cat who loses his las...

King of the Children (1987)

Plot Summary: Set during China's Cultural Revolution, The King of Children tells the story of Lao Gan, an educated youth sent to a remote village in the Yunnan-Guizhou region to work as a teacher. Director: Chen Kaige Producers: Xi'An Film Studio Screenplay: Adapted from Ah Cheng's novella with the same name Starring: Xie Yuan as Lao Gan Chen Shaohua as Principal Chen Yang Xuewen as Wang Fu   ***SPOILER ALERT*** Jumping Into Chinese Cinema Blindfolded Hey everyone. So, back in January, the internet had a little moment, and suddenly, millions of Americans rushed to a Chinese social media app called Red Note. I got curious, joined in, and ended up discovering a whole new world of culture thanks to some incredibly welcoming Chinese users. Naturally, I decided to ask for movie recommendations, and wow, they flooded in. But despite all the amazing suggestion...

Muppet Guys Talking (2017)

Plot Summary: *Muppet Guys Talking* is a delightful and intimate documentary where legendary Muppet performers come together to share behind-the-scenes stories, their creative process, and heartfelt memories of working with Jim Henson. Directed by Frank Oz, this candid conversation between the original Muppet team offers humor, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for the art of puppetry and storytelling. Director: Frank Oz Producers: Victoria Labalme, Frank Oz Cast: Frank Oz as Himself Jerry Nelson as Himself Fran Brill as Herself Bill Barretta as Himself Dave Goelz as Himself   Sesame Street and My Childhood Escape To wrap up Frank Oz’s filmography, what better way than with the ultra-casual, heartwarming documentary Muppet Guys Talking? Now, I’ve mentioned before that I was never a hardcore Muppets fan, but Sesame Street? That was a different stor...

Robot Dreams (2023)

Plot Summary: In 1980s NYC, a lonely dog buys a robot for companionship. After an accident separates them, both embark on journeys of longing, growth, and self-discovery, leading to an emotional conclusion. Director: Pablo Berger Producer: Arcadia Motion Pictures, Noodles Production, Les Films du Worso Screenplay: Pablo Berger (based on the graphic novel by Sara Varon) Starring: No voice cast (dialogue-free film)   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Robot, A Dog, and a Lot of Feelings Another Sunday, another animated movie—this time, the critically acclaimed Robot Dreams, an adaptation of the book by Sara Varon. Right off the bat, this animation stands out with its slick flat-color style and complete lack of dialogue. It creates a beautifully detailed world where there’s always something to miss on the first watch. Set in a vibrant 1980s New York City populated by hundreds of ...

The Score (2001)

Plot Summary: Nick Wells, a veteran safe-cracker ready to retire and settle with his girlfriend Diane, is pulled into one last heist by his fence Max. Partnered with ambitious thief Jack Teller, they aim to steal a priceless French scepter from the Montreal Customs House, facing tension, trust issues, and betrayal. Director: Frank Oz Producers: Gary Foster, Lee Rich Screenplay: Kario Salem (story and screenplay), Daniel E. Taylor (story), Lem Dobbs, Scott Marshall Smith Starring: Robert De Niro as  Nick Wells Edward Norton as Jack Teller/Brian Marlon Brando as Max,  Angela Bassett as Diane   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Heist Worth the Hype Finally got around to continuing my Frank Oz film journey, and tonight’s pick was The Score. A two-hour-and-forty-minute heist flick that I had been saving for when I had some serious s...