Escape from L.A. (1996) [Part 1]

Yes, you can still call him Snake... But, even though John
Carpenter's most beloved B-movie anti-hero returns in the 1996
sequel Escape From L.A., things are
definitely not the same (well, unless you're talking about the
plot, which is almost exactly the same!). This week, Chris
and Nick take a look at the long-awaited follow-up to Carpenter's
classic Escape From New York, and we have
so many thoughts on this controversial addition to the Carpenter
canon that we're just scratching the surface here -- tune in two
weeks from now for even more Plissken palaver. For now, though,
we take the big-picture view of this fascinating, flawed, and
flamboyant slice of 90s CGI-assisted action  insanity,
discussing the film's cast and production, its much-discussed
visual effects, a unique and diverse score co-written by
Carpenter, and lots of ways in which it both echoes and deviates
from its predecessor. Along the way, we touch on everything from
 inspired soundtrack choices (is that Tool we're hearing???)
to Roger Ebert's uncharacteristically positive review to the
mortality rate for Snake Plissken sidekicks, which we think is
extraordinarily high. Plus, Chris takes a spin through the small
but incredible filmography of Robert Eggers, Nick gets lost at
sea while remembering 1992's two competing Christopher Columbus
movies, and we get amped-up for some future podcasting goodness
straight from Carpenter himself!