# **Escape Plan: The Action Thriller Making Waves on Netflix**
Within the extensive selection of Netflix content, some genres clearly shine, and action thrillers certainly top the list. Recently, the 2013 adrenaline-fueled film, *Escape Plan*, has been garnering attention on the streaming service, captivating audiences seeking thrilling, high-energy entertainment. Featuring two of the most celebrated action icons, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, *Escape Plan* has captured a fresh audience, even though it received a tepid response at the time of its release.
## **What is *Escape Plan* About?**
*Escape Plan* follows Ray Breslin (portrayed by Stallone), a security specialist and escape artist renowned for breaking out of maximum-security prisons to assess their security measures. However, the plot thickens when Breslin finds himself unjustly incarcerated in a covert, state-of-the-art facility called “The Tomb.” To find a way out, he partners with fellow inmate Emil Rottmayer (played by Schwarzenegger), and together they formulate a strategy to escape from the most formidable prison ever created.
The film intertwines the elements of a prison break thriller with the explosive action scenes that fans have come to love from Stallone and Schwarzenegger. While the storyline may not be groundbreaking, the dynamic between these two action giants keeps viewers engaged.
## **Critical Reception: Not a Masterpiece, But Entertaining**
Upon its debut, *Escape Plan* received a variety of reviews from critics and the audience. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts a 50% score from critics and a slightly better 55% from viewers. These figures indicate that *Escape Plan* isn’t a cinematic triumph, but it certainly possesses its allure, particularly for action aficionados.
Critics largely concurred that the film was fun, though absurd. Larushka Ivan-Zadeh from *Metro* labeled it “implausible macho nonsense,” yet acknowledged that it was “surprisingly enjoyable” for what it is. Likewise, Tom Long from *Detroit News* described it as “serviceable” for a Hollywood film featuring veteran action stars, remarking that despite its ridiculousness, that’s exactly what audiences might anticipate from a film of this nature.
In summary, *Escape Plan* is not a movie that takes itself too seriously, and viewers shouldn’t either. If you’re up for some exaggerated action and a touch of nostalgia for the era when Stallone and Schwarzenegger dominated the box office, this film certainly delivers.
## **The *Escape Plan* Franchise: More Entertaining Shenanigans**
If *Escape Plan* leaves you eager for more, you’re in luck. The film led to two sequels, both of which are also available on Netflix. However, proceed with caution: the quality of these sequels noticeably declines.
1. **Escape Plan 2: Hades (2018)** – This sequel features Stallone reprising his role as Ray Breslin, but this time he’s alongside Dave Bautista. With a dismal 7% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, *Escape Plan 2* was heavily criticized by both critics and audiences. The film’s complicated narrative and mediocre action sequences left many fans disheartened, but for completionists or die-hard Stallone fans, it might still be worth a watch.
2. **Escape Plan: The Extractors (2019)** – The third film in the franchise, *The Extractors*, sees a slight improvement with a 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Once again, Stallone and Bautista cooperate, and while the film remains far from stellar, it offers more action and better pacing compared to its predecessor.
Though the sequels may not measure up to the original, they still deliver the kind of mindless action that some viewers crave. If you’re a follower of Stallone’s later work or simply want to see the storyline develop, these films are readily accessible for your viewing enjoyment.
## **Why *Escape Plan* is Worth Watching on Netflix**
So, why has *Escape Plan* suddenly gained popularity on Netflix? Part of the explanation could stem from nostalgia. Stallone and Schwarzenegger are among the most iconic action figures of the 1980s and 1990s, and seeing them on screen together is a delight for fans from that time. Additionally, the film’s straightforward plot and action-packed scenes make it an easy and entertaining experience for anyone looking to unwind with some explosive thrills and intense brawls.
Furthermore, Netflix excels at breathing new life into older films. While *Escape Plan* may not have achieved blockbuster status upon its theatrical release, the streaming service has introduced it to a new wave of viewers discovering (or rediscovering) the thrill of a Stallone film.
