Escape from New York

Rating:
Summary: McQuay writes a definitive movie tie-in.
Review: Taking the John Carpenter/Nick Castle screenplay as a starting point, Mike McQuay has written a definitive movie tie-in novel. While most tie-ins are written on a "see Dick run" level, McQuay, through his lean, often humourous style, crafts an exciting, scary sci-fi adventure. From the opening paragraph where Snake Plissken robs the federal reserve depository to the last simple, eloquent line at the end, McQuay grabs us, giving us insight into all the major characters: Snake, the bitter war vet who, after being betrayed by his country, turns to a life of crime; Bob Hauk, also a disllusioned vet who becomes part of the system, even though he hates it as much as Snake. The way McQuay renders the Snake/Hauk relationship really adds resonance to the film. Even Brain, Maggie, Cabbie and President are given substantial character weight. Once you read the book, viewing the film is a much deeper experince. You have a grasp on what made Snake the way he is, and what motivates him. McQuay also renders the future in an even bleaker way than the Carpenter film. The west coast is a no-man's land, and the U.S. population is slowly being driven mad by nerve gas, a product of WW3. The author even gives the black suited soliders a name: Blackbellies. They along with the government, are the real villians here. In McQuay's bio, it indicates that he served in Vietnam. What better background for an author to have when creating the mindset and motivations of a classic anti-hero like Snake Plissken.I'm just one of many who would like to see McQuay delve back into Snake's world again, maybe even for a series of adventures. Judging by ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, no one could do it better.