1997. New York City is now a maximum security prison. Breaking out is impossible. Breaking in is insane.

Starring: Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Adrienne Barbeau, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Isaac Hayes

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Are you crazy? Nobody gets to meet the Duke. You meet him once and then you're dead!" - Cabbie

Why watch this? Kurt Russell is so dope in that eye-patch!

Plot Summary: In a crime-ridden future of 1997, Manhattan Island is walled off and transformed into a maximum-security prison for the United States' worst criminals. When Air Force One is hijacked and crashes within the prison walls, the President of the United States becomes a hostage. Ex-soldier and criminal Snake Plissken is offered a pardon if he can retrieve the President from the dangerous environment within 24 hours.

Dad's Preview: Teen idol Kurt Russell successfully changed his "Disney nice guy" image in this gritty John Carpenter film. Russell portrayal as the anti-heroic, remorseless felon, Snake Plisken, is legendary. I love that this film essentially has a ticking clock for its entirely. Snake has 24 hours to save the President, who is lost in a smoldering, gang-infested hell-scape that used to be New York City. Tick. Tick. Tick. You're not going to want to miss this action thriller.

Int'l Film Investors, Goldcrest Films Int'l, City Films; AVCO Embassy Pictures