Escape Plan 3: The Extractors (2019) - USA
Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
Probably the most unwanted sequel in years comes in the form of Sylvester Stallone’s “Escape Plan 3: The Extractors”. After the simply atrocious “Escape Plan 2”, this follow up is actually a better film, but that’s not hard to pass the mark. The film is saved by the presence of “Ip Man 3” martial arts star Max Zhang who impresses with his Kung fu moves in the finale and Harry Shum Jr who shines in the small role before dying off midway in the film. The film however belongs very much to the B-movie genre, with poor scripting on top of a routine revenge flair that goes haywire. It’s tough to watch as Stallone and Dave Bautista attempts to earn an easy pay check without going through the motions.
Stallone plays the same titled role as the previous two films. Whilst he was actually costarring in the first one, Stallone improves on his cameo-like second film by putting in some effort at least for this affair. Max Zhang steals the show and calls for a bigger Hollywood blockbuster to fulfil his martial arts prowess. Malese Jow gets to play a juicy role as a tough kidnapped daughter of Hong Kong Tech mogul (played by the much missed Russell Wong.) Harry Shum Jr impresses in the opening scene as he kick his way thru to Stallone. If anything, this film provide more opportunities for Asian representation.
All in all, “Escape Plan 3” is really an unnecessary attempt to cash in with a franchise that is already dead in the pan. It’s a clear improvement from the terrible “Escape Plan 2”, as it provide a showcase for Max Zhang in launching a Hollywood career of sorts. With an open-ended ending, it’s not surprising if “Escape Plan 4” will come to reality, but in all honesty it’s better serving the public if all these sequels didn’t happen at all.
I rated it 5/10
MoNzpQbxJa
hDnSUxRsIjidFG