Contrary to popular belief, the first half is what molds the movie into a more human nature. This doesn't suggest that it is better than the first half. And using such body language and a three dimensional perspective on how such a process and plan is implemented the second act completely thrives upon the performance and execution where their barely resides any verbal sparrings. Siegel has always used the set and the environment where the storytelling revolves around, into the narration so smoothly that you are practically escaping along with these characters. And boy what a work he has put through in here to narrate the sweat and blood inducing hard work that these character goes through. Siegel's brooding nature and almost household methods is the only way out of this strictly confined prison. Interesting to note this was the final collaboration between Eastwood and director Don Siegel, take out 'Coogan's Bluff' and that was an extremely effective partnership - this 1979 release and 'Two Mules for Sister Sara' being my favourites. The ambience of the film is a positive too, with the exception of one moment early on where there's an overly on the nose lightning strike as one of the characters mentions Alcatraz - nothing major, it's a nit-pick and it's my only one so that's a big plus. I found the pacing to be very good, sure the story I guess is obvious in terms of its direction but I still got tense and edgy whilst watching the escape take place. I would've liked more development for the characters of Fred Ward and Jack Thibeau, who felt a little tacked on. Patrick McGoohan fits his role nicely, while Paul Benjamin and Larry Hankin are the best of the rest. With the cast, you have an excellent performance from Clint Eastwood. I love a good prison escape flick, shown by my love for those two aforementioned productions which do improve on the formula TSR - one of my favourite films, fwiw - particularly must've took a lot of inspiration from this, I noted a fair few similarities. Gotta feel for this due to the later emergence of 'The Shawshank Redemption' and even 'Prison Break', but 'Escape From Alcatraz'> still merits its own props as a great film.
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