Stallone vs. Schwarzenegger: How This 2013 Sci-Fi Action Flick Breaks Out of the 1980s Formula

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Starting from the 1980s, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger gained their legendary stardom by portraying some of the toughest characters in action movies during that era. However, it was their ability to reveal a more endearing, comical side, as seen in films like “Tango & Cash” or “Jingle All The Way”, that kept their appeal expansive and lasting well into the 1990s and beyond.

2013’s “Escape Plan” (now streaming on Peacock!) mirrors a family gathering of action legends, skillfully blending the action and humor that Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger had become synonymous with over the years. Similarly to Stallone’s late 2010s project “The Expendables”, “Escape Plan” managed this balance in a bold, unapologetically flamboyant manner, embracing the absurdity of its entire premise.

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Escape Plan: Watching two 1980s action heavyweights collide

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During the 2010s, there was a resurgence of interest among fans for a variety of well-built, high-testosterone actors who had made their careers by producing action films that fit the style of the 1980s and 1990s. In other words, it was a time when these classic action stars saw a revival in popularity.

In simple terms, the movie “The Expendables” (2010), directed by Stallone, was the initial action film that successfully employed a revivalist formula, featuring an impressive ensemble of action stars like Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Bruce Willis, Terry Crews, Jet Li, Randy Couture, Mickey Rourke, and Steve Austin. It was somewhat self-referential, incredibly exaggerated, and for fans of the 1980s who fondly remembered the raw action sequences that shaped their cinematic childhoods, it was an incredible, joyful experience.

From a narrative standpoint, it was also incredibly implausible – something that’s more of a standard element in the action-star mini-genre as they age, rather than an unwelcome flaw. Essentially, movies like The Expendables and Escape Plan embrace their assignment to be fun and silly: Gather a few massive 1980s action icons, place them in absurdly unrealistic situations – and then fill the film with classic movie tropes that cater to, rather than challenge, the fans’ expectations.

Is it possible for Stallone and Arnold to engage in a real, face-to-face exchange, perhaps one filled with clever banter reminiscent of their iconic catchphrases from the 1980s? (Of course they will! It’s almost inevitable.) Will they playfully tap into the spirit of the ’80s, which often pitted them as natural rivals in Hollywood? (It seems so, given their history and the era they both rose to fame.)

The basics of Escape Plan

In the movie “Escape Plan,” Sylvester Stallone portrays Ray Breslin, a skilled escape artist. This character’s lucrative business revolves around testing and exposing vulnerabilities in maximum-security prisons for government agencies that require his expertise. Arnold Schwarzenegger appears as Emil Rottmayer, a high-value detainee imprisoned in secret facilities due to accusations of serious international crimes by off-the-grid intelligence agencies.

In a chilling turn of events, Stallone and Ah-nold find themselves locked up in the same clandestine facility, ominously referred to as “The Tomb.” Initially, Stallone’s character (Breslin) assumes his pretense as a fake prisoner will prove beneficial. However, he soon discovers that his past allegiances have turned against him. It seems one of Breslin’s treacherous business associates (masterfully played by Vincent D’Onofrio), through underhanded maneuverings behind the scenes, has masterminded this entire situation to eliminate Breslin from the competitive landscape permanently.

Initially, Rottmayer (portrayed by Schwarzenegger) becomes intrigued by Breslin upon entering The Tomb, an extraordinarily secure and heavily guarded prison complex that is not marked on any known map. As the story progresses, the dynamic of a friendship formed between these two improbable partners unfolds as they work towards two objectives: unmasking the true villain responsible for the mystery and finding a means to break free from this formidable confinement.

In the plot of “Escape Plan,” there are no unexpected twists or reversals. However, the film’s strong ensemble cast is packed with engaging personalities that offer a lot of enjoyment. Curtis Jackson (also known as 50 Cent) portrays the tech-savvy member within Breslin’s organization, whom Breslin humorously refers to as his “techno-thug.” Sam Neill delivers a somber performance as the ethically conflicted doctor in The Tomb, the prison at the heart of the story. The standout performance in the movie is Jim Caviezel as Warden Hobbes, the cold and calculating overseer of The Tomb, who skillfully blends menacing cruelty with an understated demeanor, even when reveling in his victims’ torment.

So far, the action series stemming from Sylvester Stallone’s “Escape Plan” has produced two more sequels: “Escape Plan 2: Hades” in 2018 and “Escape Plan: The Extractors” in 2019. Similar to the initial film, these follow-ups maintain a balance of being both humorously serious and highly entertaining, by remaining, you could say, incredibly exaggerated – and what’s even better is that you can stream all three movies instantly on Peacock.

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2025-02-24 20:02