Review of Escape from New Jersey

1997. Sullen and defiant anti-hero supreme Snake Plissken (Hector De La Rosa doing a remarkably sturdy and credible job of filling in for Kurt Russell) runs afoul of Armando Barone (superbly essayed with spot-on slimy menace by Roberto Lombardi), who's the ruthless crime kingpin of the Garden State. Armando has taken possession of Snake's Presidential pardon; he gives Plissken twenty-four hours to resteal the money that got him sent to New York Prison in the first place. Director/co-writer Chris R. Notarile pays wonderfully affectionate homage to the excellent original (look for several familiar faces as photos on a wall in a bar in one scene), relates the cool and engrossing story at a constant snappy pace, stages the exciting action set pieces with real skill and flair, and tops everything off with a wickedly funny line in sharp sarcastic humor. The bang-up acting from a tip-top ensemble cast rates as another substantial plus: Kim Santiago registers strongly as plucky and sexy tough cookie Donna Kinski, Cassandra Bodzak likewise does well as Donna's equally yummy sister Dana, Thomas Daniel contributes a deliciously wormy turn as sniveling wimp computer hacker Smart Guy, William Kucmierowski and Emmanuel Brown are amusing as two bumbling low-life bounty hunters who are eager to collect the hefty price on Snake's head, Notarile is a complete riot as obnoxious loudmouth trucker Jack Burton (yep, that same Jack Burton from "Big Trouble in Little China"!), and there's even a stand-out creepy cameo by some freaky German-accented sicko who calls himself the Sayerville Surgeon. While all these folks do fine and praiseworthy work, De La Rosa nonetheless deserves special mad props for his amazing portrayal of Snake: He astutely nails Plissken's swagger, sneer, low growly voice, surly "leave me alone!" attitude, even the stubbly five day facial growth! The crisp cinematography gives the picture a nice polished look that neatly bellies the slim $5,000 dollar budget. Best of all, John Carpenter's iconic pulsating score is wisely retained. Highly recommended to all you Snake Plissken fans out there.