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Cast: Dominic Purcell, Christine Evangelista, Melissa Ordway, Carly Chaikin, Danny Nucci, Scott Elrod
While on an observational trip to a high security prison for the criminally insane, young psychology student Abby Jones has a chilling encounter with psychotic serial killer Harmon Porter. Abby returns home that night to study with her two roommates, unaware of the dark forces she's unleashed in Harmon. That evening, while a hurricane rages through town, Harmon slashes his way out of jail, leaving a brutal trail of bloody bodies in his quest to possess the body and soul of Abby Jones.
"Escapee" follows Abby Jones, a young psychology student who is on an observational trip with her classmates and teacher. When the transfer of a dangerous convict is coming their way the group is told to get against the wall and do not make eye contact with the inmate no matter what. Abby feels some sympathy towards these inmates since her father spent some time at the prison himself so without really thinking she looks up as the guards are bringing the inmate by and he happens to look her way at the same time. Unfortunately, Abby looks like Harmon's girlfriend, the one he butchered. After jumping Abby and being pulled off her by the guards the wheels are set in motion as he escapes from the hospital looking to find Abby.
"Escapee" looked like a nice throwback thriller from the outside but the problem is that it is too much like any other slasher/thriller. The story has nothing really new to offer which makes it kind of challenging to watch at times. The only bit of originality Director/Writer, Campion Murphy could mustard is a twist towards the end of the film which does help out some what but by then it's a bit late.
The acting in the film was a mixed bag, some of the supporting cast were just average at best but the film's main leads including, Dominic Purcell as the killer Harmon, Christine Evangelista as the beautiful and innocent Abby and Faith Ford who played Detective Alison Jensen were all very good in their roles. Production wise the film was as expected considering the budget here, nothing great but everything looked pretty good none the less.
Available on DVD and Blu-ray, both come with Special Features that include:
Making Of
Photo Gallery
Trailer
One thing I found noteworthy is that this was Campion Murphy's debut feature film and he had only done 1 short before this which was years before which makes the film a bit more impressive and it certainly shows some promise. There isn't much more I can add without ruining the film but I can tell you that I found it to be average at best. I am sure others will find it to be a bit better than I did which is fine so if you like the genre then I recommend checking it out. My rating only went up a bit because of some of the impressive acting in the film.
Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment
** 3/4 Out Of *****