Lock Up DVD Review

Prison Break was great for the first season, but I don’t really understand the concept of the show when they are no longer in prison. Besides, the entire concept with the tattoos seems a bit far-fetched. I much prefer Sylvester Stallone’s prison classic, Lock Up. Fortunately Stallone had success with his recent Rocky Balboa, a film many laughed about until it was well received. Because of this success we are graced with the arrival of this classic on DVD. Without tattoos to guide him, Stallone works his way out of prison when his safety is threatened by an insane warden. With some classic Stallone action and melodrama, Lock Up has entertainment to spare.

Although Frank Leone (Stallone) only has six months until he has completed his prison sentence, for some unexplained reason the warden decides to make his remaining days a living hell. He is forced to serve his remaining days at Gateway Prison, a brutal and deadly prison, which has many convicts willing to do the warden’s evil deeds. Even as Frank makes friends and tries to adjust, the warden (Sutherland) finds a way to torture Frank, eventually even threatening the life of his girlfriend, forcing Frank to find a way to escape.

Although much of the story isn’t explained and there are some ridiculous elements of this prison film, there is enough entertaining action to keep the suspension of disbelief working for the entire film. Sutherland is absurdly obsessed with punishing Frank, and it may be one of his worst roles, but there is a campy element to this film which gives it a bit more credibility. The DVD has a featurette about the film as well as some cast and crew information and production notes.