“Lockout” (2012) directed by Stephen Saint Leger, James Mather; starring Guy Pearce & Maggie Grace / Z-View
Lockout (2012)
Director: Stephen Saint Leger, James Mather
Screenplay: Stephen Saint Leger, James Mather, Luc Besson; story by Luc Besson; based on Escape from New York by John Carpenter, Nick Castle and Escape from L.A. by John Carpenter, Debra Hill, Kurt Russell
Stars: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Peter Stormare, Vincent Regan, Joe Gilgun, Tim Plester, Peter Hudson, Nick Hardin and Lennie James.
Tagline: Take no prisoners.
The Plot…
2079. When Agent Snow discovers an unknown operative within the CIA is selling government secrets, he is framed for murder. Sentenced to 30 years, Snow will be sent to the United States first space prison. The worst killers, deviants and psychos are sent to MS One, where they spend their sentences in suspended animation.
Critics of this form of punishment claim the prolonged periods of stasis leads to mental psychosis and derangement. The President’s daughter Emilie has come to MS One to check out conditions at the prison.
As Snow is prepped for transport to MS One, word comes that a riot at the penitentiary has left the convicts in charge. The leader of the prisoners has warned that if an armed response is mounted, all the hostages will be killed. The inmates don’t yet know that the President’s daughter is one of their captives.
Soon they will.
It is determined that the best chance to rescue Emilie is to sneak in one well-trained soldier. Chance fits the bill. If Snow is successful in getting Emilie safely out, he’ll receive a full pardon.
What chance does one man have against a prison full of the worst of the worst?
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
If you think the plot of Lockout sounds like John Carpenter’s Escape from New York and Escape from LA, you’re not alone. John Carpenter thought so as well. He sued for plagiarism and won.
The prisoners who lead the takeover are brothers named Alex and Hydell. Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin who killed John F. Kennedy, used the alias Alex Hydell.
At the end of the film, Snow’s first name is revealed to be Marion. In Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra, we learn Cobretti’s first name is also Marion. No wonder they go by their last names (or a variation).
Lookout is so underrated. A bulked-up Guy Pearce has the look and attitude of a great anti-hero. I would have loved to have seen more films with this character.
Peter Stormare and Lennie James are always welcome additions to any project. Lockout is no exception.
When I first saw Lockout I rated it as a solid 4. Over the years it has grown on me. Every time I revisit the film, I enjoy the ride. Therefore I am upping my rating to a 5. Your mileage may vary.
Lockout (2012) rates 5 of 5 stars