Escape From New York (1981) - Movie Review

[@Qbort.]

Not to be an "um actually" guy but those wire frames of the city were practical effects. I'm only saying this because I assume you'll think it's pretty cool. I know I do!

[@CodyLeachYT]

I saw that the graphing maps that were in his glider plane were practical but I was speaking more on the graphics in the movie intro and such. Very cool regardless though.

[@garrysanderson9957]

James Cameron did some of the matte paintings of New York.

[@jamestoner3900]

@@CodyLeachYT There's a Novelization of Escape from New York and it reveals that 1. Bob Hauk's Estranged Crazy Son is in The New York Prison 2. Reveals The Backstory of how Snake Plissken got his eye patch 3. Reveals that Donald Pleasence's President is the Love Child of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher

[@odinson99m]

"President of what?" As if you couldn't tell by my thumbnail this is, hands down, one of my favorite movies of all time. And that score - chef's kiss. Escape, Thing, and Big Trouble are the Holy Trinity of Carpenter.

[@NeoConnor1]

Carpenter AND Russell.

[@anthonymango8170]

Love this movie. Espace from New York is so underrated and awesome. Great cast and score and just awesome

[@statostheman]

I thought when I saw as a kid in the 80s was cool, but 'They live" was his best movie, because it was the first movie for me, to whom made me think.

[@azhorsley]

There was no CGI used, it was all by reflective tape used on miniature models of NYC. It looks amazing, but no computer generated image was used at all.

[@jacksonholzbergbuckley8773]

You complain Snake Plisskin has no moral center… To me, that’s the whole point of the ending scene, in which Snake delivers the president the wrong tape! Snake asks the president something to the effect of, “A bunch of people died to rescue you… I’m just wondering how *you* felt about it,” and to me it’s implied that had the president’s answer been more satisfactory, Snake would have given him the correct tape. That is, the switcheroo is Snake’s comeuppance for the indifferent forces of the government.

[@foolwriter]

Came here to say the same. That moment is really the linchpin of the character.

[@garrysanderson9957]

The Prez was more bothered about his make up than the people that died to get him out so Snake fucked him over. And the world probably, without that tape. Unless the other world leaders had a sense of humour about playing some Jazz 😁

[@Corn_Pone_Flicks]

That was always my feeling about that scene, as well.

[@paulb1311]

Love it when movie reviewers put effort into the intro. This was badass!😂

[@Jaws2240]

It is

[@halphpint7400]

Ha! Came here to say the same thing, that was top tier.

[@ATOK_]

It is pretty epic that Both Lee Van Cleef and Donald Pleasence are in this film, they both are such legendary and great actors

[@yomamma359]

Even pirates are like "Dude really makes that eye patch cool" ☠️

[@garydobbs5159]

Such a great century for movies the 80s were. I remember TRON came out around this time. It was a magical time for cinema. I remember see this the going home and getting on my Atari 2600. What a time. I miss it.

[@karanvirkooner1993]

Hideo Kojima loves Escape from New York as does William Gibson who wrote Neuromancer Hideo Kojima even said that Escape from New York is a big influence on his work especially with the Metal Gear series William Gibson even cited Escape from New York as inspiration for his novel Neuromancer

[@wanderingbardagain6945]

Great review of this underappreciated flick. Thanks for pointing out something that I must have subconsciously appreciated but never could articulate - the fact that this movie is visually dark, but you never feel like you are missing anything. As you said, there are so many current films that mess this up. "Escape from New York" is a great example of how to do it right. I hadn't seen the movie in years, and when I revisited it recently I had forgotten how bleak and cynical it really was. Surprised me, but in a good way. Loved the intro, and looking forward to the rest of the series. Keep up the great work!

[@Harri927]

This movie is one of my favorite movies of all time. Kurt Russell is iconic as Snake Pliskin. The music is iconic and memorable.

[@snakeplisskin2570]

Thanks, much appreciated, grrrrr.

[@bobmarshall8527]

John Carpenter is my all time favourite director, I grew upon most if not all his movies but for some reason this one didn’t click for me as a kid. It does now though, it’s one of my favourites. Also I agree Snake isn’t really a hero but I don’t think he’s quite a villain either, I would say he’s an anti hero.

[@crestfallenbro7486]

Dude! That intro was 🔥!!! Love this film as well. Totally underrated with a pretty good score.

[@AGETheGawdYT]

*Great score

[@karanvirkooner1993]

Lee Van Cleef appeared in this masterpiece because John Carpenter loved his work with Sergio Leone in short John Carpenter loved The Good The Bad and The Ugly

[@alexandruarnautuvraciu]

In 1981 Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't known yet. In 1982 we got Rambo and Mad Max. So Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken was the second action hero after Clint Eastwood's man with no name. 🤘🏻😉

[@Kennethmarchant9705]

Since you started with your John Carpenter review series, I was patiently waiting for this!!! As always, awesome review Cody!!!

[@maddroxxklown]

really like the intro to this one, your videos just keep getting better.

[@GageReed]

Fantastic review! Love the remix of the EFNY theme at the beginning! Big fan, Mr. Leach, keep it up.

[@josephsteel5045]

I was actually watching The Fog review when you uploaded this one

[@keitha.563]

This film was filmed in St Louis 95 percent of it . The bride scene at the end was filmed less than a mile from my Grandma's house. That bridge is still there . The Empty man 2021 was also filmed in St Louis and also used the same bridge.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

Now, The Empty Man is a quite fantastic film and oddly underrated but that's probably because not enough people have seen it yet.

[@karanvirkooner1993]

action classics of 1981 Mad Max 2:The Road Warrior Raiders of The Lost Ark Escape from New York Thief(1981) 4 of them are from the filmmaking legends

[@garydobbs5159]

I was a kid when this first came out. One of his best. It even had Donald In it and Kirk Russell is always awsome.

[@bryanrizzo9377]

I wasn't even born when this came out. 1989 I was born and the first time I saw this movie I was blown away! It sort of gave me that Die Hard vibe.

[@garydobbs5159]

@@bryanrizzo9377 i looked at it kinda like a Omega Man atmosphere but action instead of zombies. Oh ya you may not know what the omega man is. It was the original version of I am legend( Charleston Heston) good movie if you like classics.

[@kentkatchem]

I watched this movie when it came out, I was 11 yrs. old... talk about how COOL EVERYTHING WAS!!!! It's been on my top 5 fav. movies of all time still to this very day! Love Kurt Russel because of this and the Thing. Forever! :)

[@darrenmorfoot1052]

When it comes to movie scores.. Christine Not only is the movie not rated highly enough But the score never gets spoken about and that's a crime in my books

[@duhduh666]

13:00 The Good, the bad and the ugly had a brilliant scene that gave humanity and compassion to the anti hero played by Clint. The dying soldier. Sharing his smoke and covering him with his jacket to comfort in the final moments of his life. This movie could have benefited from such a scene.

[@gsusrocker4ever]

Love your review Cody and couldn't agree more with how great this film is!! I live in StL and am so happy I'm able to visit the filming locations to this movie anytime I want

[@judels1822]

Im watching this and LA so I can watch your new video :] New york was GREAT and made my top 50 of all time list.

[@stuartdownes5817]

Hey Cody. Loving the John Carpenter reviews. Looking forwards to The Thing review

[@remy12]

This movie is badass!! I'm going to rewatch it this weekend.

[@Nikki_the_G]

I disagree that Snake didn't care about anyone else. He showed signs of humanity, most significantly at the end, when he asks the President what he thought about how many people died to get him out, and when his answer is obviously bullshit, switches the tape. Anyway, great movie, been watching it for decades, saw it in the theatre when it came out and still love it. I can do the dialog with hand puppets at this point, lol.

[@MrBoyYankee]

Great intro Cody. That would be a great cosplay for you for Halloween.

[@walthersorsa4847]

One of my favorite John Carpenter movies. Great review Cody and take care and stay safe 👍.

[@Killpopkulture]

This movie kicks ass! Carpenter NEVER DIES

[@mungflesh199]

Another great review, Cody. This Carpenter series is awesome! I think this might have been the first Carpenter film I saw, when I was 9 and my Dad rented it on BETA. I found it quite scary, because as a kid you don't have that security in knowing being able to second guess how things will turn out. Seeing Snake get trapped in NYC was very tense and the scene with the underground people grabbing the girl and then chasing him was terrifying. These days, I can watch it for what it is. Carpenter did an incredible job of realising his vision on a modest budget. The detail about the derelict town I never knew, so thanks Cody. And yes, the nod to Dean Cundey is very important because he really makes the film look amazing. I saw John Carpenter in concert in London a few years ago and have to say EFNY was perhaps the standout theme. Assault on Precinct 13 worked very well too.

[@joecarroll3371]

I've been anticipating this review & I hope you get to review Escape From LA eventually. Really dig the intro & I'm enjoying this review series.

[@EpictasticJoshua]

Another awesome Carpenter film that's tons of fun

[@dbdeets]

"Cody, Cooddyy, Coooooooodddddddyyyyyy." That MGS intro was great. 😍 That goddamn ringtone. 😁

[@Tom-qb3ln]

Yep I was at Union Station in St Louis., which is where I live when Snake fought Ox Baker. Of course I was outside because they were already full. The stories I could tell you about my connection with Escape From New York , because the story continues in 1985.

[@beastlyidiots9232]

Escape From New York is a template for young filmmakers who wish to learn how to "shoot and cut" on a shoestring budget. James Cameron and the Skotak brothers from Roger Corman's studio did the special effects. Miniatures baby!!!

[@TheTonyahawk]

Awesome movie!!!!! Kurt Russell is one of my favorites and With J C directing this was great. Oh and I am one of the few who love Escape From L.A. as well.

[@beeking1792]

Who elce is pumped for The Thing Review?!

[@theroamer2355]

Hell yeah!! One of the best! Can’t wait!

[@aaronglover5448]

I don’t think he is. I believe Cody said he wasn’t reviewing movies in this series that he already reviewed

[@theroamer2355]

I don’t think he has actually , I tried looking it up, it isn’t on here . I don’t ever remember once seeing an old video on it either, so fingers crossed 🤞

[@royalwarlord2342]

@@aaronglover5448 i thought he wasnt either but he hasnt reviewed it yet. Should be a good one Im pretty sure he mentioned its one of his most favorite of all time

[@timothymorris157]

I think it’s fair to say that we all are excited about Cody’s review for the remake of The Thing! I still can’t get over the fact that E.T. managed to kick it’s ass at the box office back in 1982.

[@jamesmorant1406]

My 3rd favorite John Carpenter movie Snake plissken one of the best Antiheros ever hands down Kurt russell best performance 9.5/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

[@Branchout1097]

Don't be too hard on yourself Cody, I watched "Escape from New York" later in life too.

[@deborahpriestley4739]

I have great respect for all the effects and most of all the atmosphere.

[@nickravera4069]

I saw this over the holidays with The Fog and I loved them both. Escape From New York 🗽definitely has the coolest soundtrack.

[@rushto5476]

It's crazy that I just this movie then later find out that this video is uploaded right after coincidence!

[@jonathanyarnall1038]

Cody is very wrong when it comes to Snake plissken he did care about the people who helped him escape with the president. He did not want Maggie to die and even though he had a problem with authority he destroyed the tape at the end after the president gave him a politicians answer about how he felt for the people who died getting him out of Manhattan

[@Corn_Pone_Flicks]

Yes, I always got the impression that if the president had actually shown some feeling about the people who'd died saving him, Snake would've given him the real tape. Obviously, that's just a feeling and I can't prove it, but it feels like that's why that scene is in the film to begin with.

[@johnnymeechan7820]

Hey Cody love the review! Keep up the awesome work! Are we going to get a cobra Kai season 5 spoiler talk?

[@tylerlucas3752]

Another fantastic intro from Cody!

[@zombievideomaniac]

Besides smiling and say hello children when isaac hayes appears in this movie when I see the cabbie is played by mermaid man from spongebob always bring me a smile to my face

[@ls0254368]

“Hey Chef!” Had me dying 😅😅

[@alexandruarnautuvraciu]

This is my favorite movie with Kurt Russell. Cool videos, dude. 🤘🏻😉

[@RK-jp4xe]

This might be John Carpenter's best film from my perspective. I actually did not love it when I first watched it about 10 years ago but now I adore it. It is truly a fantastic action film.

[@josephdarkhelmet9494]

I thought this was a very poor action movie. (When compared to most action movies.) It was more of an adventure thriller. In fact- it kind of defies genre. Still- it's bad ass for what it is.

[@RK-jp4xe]

@@josephdarkhelmet9494 Its classified as an action film but I definitely understand. It really plays like an Adventure Horror/Thriller.

[@snakeplisskin2570]

Grrrr, those were tough times, grrrr.

[@ritchleach864]

Love the intro!! Great movie

[@alexandruarnautuvraciu]

Can't wait for the L. A. review.

[@el_killorcure]

Cody, you sure you saw the movie all the way to the end? Plisken DOES acknowledge all the people who died helping him saving the president, when he asks him how he feels about the fact that a lot of people died to bring him to this supposed super important meeting. Only then when the pres gives him a "whatever" response does he walk away with the recording vital to the meeting. Clearly he was hoping the pres would give a shit about any of them to then give him the tape.

[@NeoConnor1]

Yeah. I kinda agree. He tore up the tape BECAUSE he felt the President's response was BS. He tore the tape for revenge. If he didn't have any humanity, I don't think he would have cared to do that.

[@Jaws2240]

This movie is my top 3 John carpenter movie

[@lordofthereels6790]

I'd love more stories in this world with or without Snake. I always saw this happening in the same universe as Mad Max.

[@Emulous79]

I read that Kurt Russell went to George Miller's house to watch Mad Max prior to making this film. Might have got some ideas from it.

[@bryanrizzo9377]

Great movie! Kurt Russell actually also provided the voice of Elvis in Forrest Gump as a favor for the director Robert Zemeckis.

[@Emulous79]

Such a cool movie. I used to watch it nearly every night as a teenager and blasted out the soundtrack so many times. There's even a touch of horror in The Crazies Come Out which was borrowed for Planet Terror (the bit where Josh Brolin gets contaminated all over the face).

[@someone7068]

My favourite carpenter score,and i believe it was the role that boosted kurt russel as a more serious actor

[@garydobbs5159]

His best role was The Thing then this one. As a Firefigter I loved him in Backdraft even though the movie is very unrealistic.

[@oskar_oskarewicz]

"president of what?" - pure gold

[@dimebag505]

One of my fave films, they should do a film set before EFNY, with Snakes back story, can't wait for your review of They live, John Carpenter really did have a run of excellent films (one of my favourite directors)

[@christermyrberg3661]

My favourite movie of all time 👌

[@danpartridge8584]

Love the content. Not gonna lie: been blind in one eye since birth and, if I'm feeling a particular way, I throw on the patch. Keep up the great videos 😎

[@donlarocque5157]

I have one over my right eye. Retinas detached. Kids call me a pirate and my friends call me Snake.

[@JSPokemonYT]

Escape From New York (1981) is easily among my Top 5 Favorite John Carpenter Movies. It's a easy 10/10 for me.

[@brandonmuse5532]

Greatness and Awesome Intro!!!!! I love this movie. Snake is the best!!!!!💯💯💯💯💯😎

[@tonyklaas7654]

That cold open was very Solid

[@poppysgtspanky]

Best intro ever man

[@Sneakingsuspicion]

Best intro ever!

[@doorwaytothepaintings.3787]

I'm very grateful that I do have a lot of nostalgia for this film and its score. It's one of the all time great films. Kurt Russell was perfect for the role and John carpenter recognized that he had it in him. This movie has always been a heavy influence on the art that I do. And that's because I love the way the city looks. Also this music and good music in general is helpful for coming up with an idea. Kurt Russell played a cop in another good movie called dark blue that people should check out. Anyway, great review Cody 👍 thanks.

[@sarahmayfield9338]

Much love for snake plissken , one of my favorites

[@judels1822]

Im watching this and LA so I can watch your new video :]

[@ParanormalFire]

Escape From New York is badass!

[@SparkyMarkyMark23]

This Film Rulez✊🏻!

[@JaaronOP]

When's the original Susperia review coming!? It has a killer score and great horror!

[@richards6098]

Agreed... Argento is up there for me, along with Carpenter. They both have a style that is very instantly recognisable, are masters at building atmosphere, dread and tension, have unique directing styles, along with some awesome kick ass scores/soundtracks that are also always very recognisable.

[@brandonmuse5532]

His nugget of humanity was at the end when he talked to the president about the people that sacrificed there lives for him

[@travislauderbaugh1507]

Awesome film and once again the score 👌

[@Neat0_o]

Bro you could totally play the reboot snake Pliskin in future films.

[@Branchout1097]

While I usually go to Carpenter for the horror "Escape From New York" is my go-to action movie from him. Liked the cast, from Adrienne Barbeau, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence and the rest. Really liked Kurt Russel as Snake Plissken, and him having to navigate the ruined remains of the big apple. As, usual; it remains an ICONIC Carpenter flick.

[@AnthonyHuxtable]

My favourite John Carpenter movie!

[@modernpeasants7]

That thumbnail is 🔥 bro

[@LORDHASBECOMEABOVE]

Lolll I love when Cody goes into character

[@Brokephi316]

Dude! Where did you get the Shirt?!! That's Badass!!!

[@oskar_oskarewicz]

About The Duke - I think he was not a real villain/boss to be beatten in this flick, the goverment is

[@B-Edwards499]

That into was 👌🔥🔥

[@rmarkley79]

Well, now I'm gonna watch Big Trouble in Little China, different flick, but it's Kurt, I mean Snake, err Jack!

[@gil3424]

My Grandpap loved Escape from New York. Years later, I showed him L.A., and he wasn't much of a fan. Kinda shows how much of a step apart these two movies are. One is very 80's retro, the other is early 90's cheeseball Sci-Fi.

[@MrBeavis84]

A lot of movies in the 90s were cheesy

[@bigkmoviesandgames]

Awesome metal gear opening cody.

[@antoniolugo4727]

Keep up the good work

[@44excalibur]

Actually, Escape From New York predated the Stallone-Schwarzenegger era of action films. In 1981, when Escape From New York opened, Arnold Schwarzenegger was still an unknown actor, only having appeared in films like Pumping Iron, Stay Hungry, and The Villain. He wouldn't become a superstar until Conan the Barbarian was released in 1982, a year later. Sylvester Stallone was still mostly known for the Rocky movies, and his only action film was the 1981 crime thriller Nighthawks, with Rutger Hauer and Billy Dee Williams, where Stallone still had a modest build. He wouldn't become an action star until the release of First Blood in 1982. So Kurt Russell really wasn't in competition with either of them when Escape From New York came out in 1981.

[@44excalibur]

@@donlarocque5157 That's because Carpenter had just worked with Kurt Russell on the 1979 TV movie 'Elvis,' which Carpenter directed and which earned Russell an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie.

[@44excalibur]

@@donlarocque5157 Yep. Bronson was way too old for the role, and Jones was also a little old for the role as well. They didn't have what Kurt had.

[@hughjass69933]

This is my favorite John Carpenter movie.

[@PhilLeotardosGhost]

Two ass kickers: Snake Plissken & Cody Leach.

[@forever8671]

Isaac Hayes is Truck Turner (blaxploitation movie)

[@jonathanbarker1016]

I love "Escape from New York ".Which is great Kurt Russell movie ,And the dude is most underrated actors in Hollywood .But he one it's coolest with out doubt .And even like the sequel "Escape From L.A. " .But I might the only one that does like ,And the ending is the coolest of all .But they are both underrated movies from two cool dudes ,Who make a kick ass action movie with a hidden point in it .

[@amarigoodwin3451]

Cody can you tell me the song for your intro it’s badass thank you

[@jacefitzgibbonTIMB]

I love this movie also because it was shot in my hometown of st louis!