Clint Eastwood’s biographical prison drama Escape From Alcatraz, which tells the story of the only successful escape from the notorious prison in 1962, is currently wowing audiences on Netflix , who have described it as “gripping” and “awesome”. On Monday, May 5, Donald Trump unveiled plans to reopen the legendary island based prison, which operated from 1934 until 1963. Since it’s closure it has been a museum operated by the National Park Service but Donald Trump called for it to be reopened for “vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders”.
In the meantime viewers are loving the story of the prison’s most successful – and elaborate – escape attempt, which currently has a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In 1962, prisoner Frank Morris (played by Eastwood in the flick) and brothers John (Fred Ward) and Clarence Anglin (Jack Thibeau) vanished from their cells and were never seen again. The movie is based on the 1963 non-fiction book of the same name by J. Campbell Bruce, and also stars The Prisoner legend Patrick McGoohan and even features an early appearance from Danny Glover in his film debut.
It was one of the highest grossing films of 1979 and director Quentin Tarantino called it “both fascinating and exhilarating.”
Viewers have been just as enthusiastic as Quentin in their praise for the classic film leaving gushing reviews on Google.
“Gripping right from the beginning. The only escape from the rock, Eastwood and Don Siegel pull off another winner. Recreating a true incident has its limitations. The pair largely succeed giving us a most believable film,” one fan raved.
“One of my all time favorite movies, super suspense movie. Clint Eastwood was amazing. Amazing story. Watched it when I was a teenager, watched it again when I am in my 50s. Amazing direction. Must watch movie for the new generation,” another applauded.
A third chimed in: “I loved it it is one of my favorite movies. The escape happened in 1962 (and) the movie came out In 1979 – 17 years after the real event. It is my favorite Clint Eastwood movie. I think everyone should watch this. I’m a big fan.”
“This is one of the best prison escape movies i have seen to the day. Acting, directing, story, character build up. Everything is spot on,” a fourth penned.
“I really liked this. Gripping, exciting, and felt real too, to quite an extent. Wouldn’t be wrong to admit that Eastwood carried all the weight on his shoulders but, doesn’t that happen in pretty much every movie of his?” a fifth offered.
Meanwhile a sixth wrote: ” Actually very VERY good, surprised me, it is as good as Rotten Tomatoes say it is. I recommend it, even if you don’t like this type of stuff.”
Escape From Alcatraz is available to strwam on Netflix now.