film reel image

film reel image

Friday, September 27, 2013

Lock Up 1989 * * * Stars

Image for the movie Lock Up
Director: John Flynn
Year: 1989
Rated: R
Rating: * * * Stars
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Donald Sutherland

Sylvester Stallone was churning out films like a madman in the 80's. This is one that was much overlooked. It's a pre Shawshank prison drama in which Stallone (Frank Leone) has six months left in prison but is transferred to the worst, most dangerous correctional facility in the country to finish out his sentence. Donald Sutherland plays the sadistic warden out to get revenge on Leone for escaping from his own prison several years ago. Truth be told, this film takes no prisoners (get it). It's hard edged, brutal, and cynical. But Sly gives a very human performance that fits his Rocky persona. There are elements of Bad Boys (1983) and a football game sequence kind of out of The Longest Day (1974), but Lock Up has an identity all its own. The ending is something to behold. It's even a bit comic. It's a little relief from a prison thriller with tension that never lets up.

Written by Jesse Burleson

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