Escape from New York

Setting the urban jungle of Manhattan as a futuristic penal colony where prisoners run riot, Carpenter has the U.S. President’s plane crash there, with Russell’s mercenary Snake Plissken sent in to rescue him. A thought-provoking and highly entertaining dystopian tale, Stanton gamely plays second fiddle to Russell, successfully stealing a few scenes from an impressive supporting cast that includes Isaac Hayes’ charismatic villain. Screen: NFT1.