Unless you've been living under a rock, then you have to have heard the story about this one.
Director Randall Moore and crew filmed an entire movie at Disney World and other Disney parks, all guerrilla style and without the consent of The House of Mouse. They've tried to bring the courts into this, but somehow, someway, the filmmakers have remained untouchable and this little not-so-flattering flick is now out for the world to see.
Now, the big question is... Is this experimental film any good? Ehhhhh... Let's delve into that!
The story is all about Jim, who just wants to take his wife and kids to the Happiest Place on Earth, but things are not so happy and shiny as he wants it to be. Jim is fired from work as soon as he makes it to the parks, and the hurt doesn't stop there. It becomes a descent into madness for the father of two and the viewers are just along for the ride.
Don't want to give away too much, as this is what I call an experience. Depends on the viewer whether it is a good or a bad one, but an experience nonetheless. It's a mix of David Lynch meets National Lampoon's Vacation, with a heavy dose of Noir to it. You can't help but want to follow Jim, played by Roy Abramsoh, through some pretty insane bits. He does fairly well for someone who is acting, for the most part, on his own. It's satire and he knows it, so for that, it's a passable enough performance in my book.
There's something to admire about this movie and the story behind it, but it is definitely not without its flaws. Most of the acting will turn off many, so will some of the visuals and campy situations. The last portion of the movie is possibly the weakest, as what happens there... will have many just scratching their heads. It is not a very strong all-together film and I could only recommend it just for... wait for it... the experience.
The directions, the look and shots were great, has potential, but gets lost along the way and maybe tries just a wee bit too hard to be different. Even in satire, there's no harm in being just a little subtle and "Escape" misses that. Watch it if you can, but really, don't go completely and far out of your way to go see it.
5.5/10
