John Carpenter's Escape from L.A. 1996

John Carpenter's Escape From L.A.

Critics Consensus

Escape from L.A. has its moments, although it certainly suffers in comparison to the cult classic that preceded it.

53%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 51

39%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 64,382

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Movie Info

In 2013, the United States president (Cliff Robertson) is exiling all citizens who don't conform to his hyper-conservative views to Los Angeles, which became an island after a huge earthquake. But, when the president's daughter nabs the detonator to her dad's apocalyptic weapon and sneaks into L.A. to be with the rebel leader she loves, the government taps commando-turned-crook Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) to retrieve the young woman. And, if he doesn't succeed quickly, he'll be executed.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    action, sci fi
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    John Carpenter
  • Producer:
    Debra Hill, Kurt Russell
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $25.5M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Paramount Pictures, Paramount Pictures International, Rysher Entertainment
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround, Stereo

Cast & Crew

Kurt Russell
Snake Plissken
Stacy Keach
Cmdr. Malloy
Steve Buscemi
Map to the Stars Eddie
Cliff Robertson
President
Peter Fonda
Pipeline
Georges Corraface
Cuervo Jones
Michelle Forbes
Brazen
Valeria Golino
Taslima
Bruce Campbell
Surgeon General of Beverly Hills
A.J. Langer
Utopia
John Carpenter
Director
Debra Hill
Producer
Kurt Russell
Producer
John Carpenter
Writer
Debra Hill
Writer
Kurt Russell
Writer
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News & Interviews for John Carpenter's Escape from L.A.

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"Ocean," "Dead," and "1408" Enlist New Cast Members
Snake Plissken to "Escape from Earth"?
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Critic Reviews for John Carpenter's Escape from L.A.

All Critics (51) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (27) | Rotten (24)

View All Critic Reviews (51)

Audience Reviews for John Carpenter's Escape from L.A.

  • Jun 18, 2019
    Oh my god. As a parody it is quite enjoyable. As a high-concept action film it falls short on many levels.
    Spencer M Super Reviewer
  • Jul 29, 2016
    Not as good as the first but still entertaining enough to enjoy but gets abit silly and predictable but worth a watch.
    Jamie C Super Reviewer
  • Apr 03, 2016
    A lot sillier than "Escape from New York", but that's because Carpenter crafted a more overtly political and satirical version of the same story this time around. The movie is little less tight as a result but still great fun. Plus despite the overall campier tone this ending might actually be more cynical than the original's.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Jul 18, 2014
    Sequel to John Carpenter's action classic, Escape from New York is a mediocre picture that recycles old ideas, except now, you've guessed it, the setting is in L.A. This was a completely unnecessary sequel that failed t9o really grab your attention, and it's basically the exact same film, except they've changed a few things around so that it looks like it's something new and exciting. This is disappointing, and it lacks anything really engaging and it's not worth your time, as it is just a pointless sequel that doesn't do anything with its concept. There might have been a great film here, but the fact is, is that it uses old ideas, and it becomes predictable in a way that just doesn't make it interesting. Not only that, but the material is laughable and there are scenes which are plainly ridiculous and stupid. Fans of the original, should definitely not give this one a shot because you're not missing much. This is a bland film with nothing new to offer, and it's lacking in any ideas and good entertainment value. Escape From L.A is pointless, and it's a waste of what could have been a good film, if there could have been a different angle on the story established in the first one. Maybe an expansion of the events of the first film fearing Snake would have been interesting. But the filmmakers went the same route, and simply changed the setting and tried to make it seem less dark and atmospheric, unlike the first film which was a fine action film that blended Science Fiction and action very well into one film. With Escape From L.A, John Carpenter has easily made one of the worst films of his career. I think that this had the potential of being a superb film; instead it misses the mark on so many levels.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
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