The Escapist review

Reviewed by Kate Rodger

Prison drama can be engrossing cinematic fare and box office winners. Shawshank Redemption didn't register when it originally hit the big screen, but has become a sleeper hit on DVD as well as a feature of many Best Movies Ever lists.
 
The Escapist is an impressive debut from British director Rupert Wyatt, starting life as a short film. He's certainly attracted a tidy cast. Brian Cox takes the lead role, well-supported by Joseph Fiennes and young rising star Dominic Cooper (The History Boys and Mamma Mia!).
 
As the title suggests, a band of restless inmates, each with their own agendas, plan a daring escape from prison hell. The story is pieced together back and forth in time, which results not only in a challenging and engaging narrative, but also lends itself to the most unexpected and original ending - which lifts this film from being a fairly run-of-the-mill prison flick.
 
Lusciously shot, and economical in the edit, i found by the closing credits I had rather enjoyed The Escapist. 

Three stars.