Prison (1987) – Film Review

Director: Renny Harlin

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Lane Smith

Review Author: Tony

Synopsis: Creedmore Prison is reopened 30 years later by a cash-strapped prison board trying to deal with a rising prison population. They elect Ethan Sharpe as de-facto warden for the facility, a former prison officer who served within the walls of Creedmore. However, Sharpe has a few skeletons in his closet from his stint as prison officer and Creedmore Prison has a long memory.

While searching one lazy Sunday evening for any lesser-known 80s horror film to scratch my B movie itch, the 1987 horror flick, “Prison” quickly became the prime candidate. Mostly it rose above the rest as it featured an early role from Aragorn himself, Viggo Mortensen. Plenty of quality actors got their first break in B movie horror, so Viggo’s casting didn’t exactly raise my expectations but it piqued my curiosity. For once my inquisitiveness paid off because Prison far exceeded presumptions and delivered a quality little horror film that I begrudgingly find myself using that dreaded label of little-know gem.

Finnish director, Renny Harlin, might not be a name synonymous with top-tier directors, but his earlier films consistently deliver an entertaining experience (I may be in the group of dozens who enjoyed Cutthroat Island). “Prison” marked Harlin’s American debut, and also his first horror film which no doubt got him the job for “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master”. While Prison still fits the bill of 80s horror film schlock, it takes itself seriously enough to keep the movie experience both tense and thrilling, while not tipping the tone into the eye-rolling silliness also typically found in that decade of horror films. While Harlin’s profile certainly took off in the 90s, helming films such as Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, and Deep Blue Sea; he definitely retained that entertaining but shlocky approach to filmmaking.

The choice of a populated prison as the setting for a horror film is surprisingly effective. What sets “Prison” apart is its decision to use an actual prison, one that was scheduled for demolition. This choice adds a layer of authenticity to the film, making the oppressive atmosphere and decaying surroundings feel all too real. The dilapidated state of the prison becomes a character in itself, contributing significantly to the film’s overall tone and effectiveness in delivering scares.

Another highlight of the film is the strong cast of characters with notable performances from character actor Lane Smith, future leading man Viggo Mortensen, and veteran actor Lincoln Kilpatrick. The strong performances ground the film and help drive the more serious tone of the film against its shlocky concept.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to deliver both unique kills and scares. The prison environment, with its claustrophobic cells and dimly lit corridors, serves as a breeding ground for tension and horror. Harlin masterfully utilizes the confinement and isolation of the prison to create plenty of suspenseful sequences. “Prison” also boasts some gnarly death scenes with plenty of blood and guts that surprised me as typically haunting films don’t get this gruesome.

So, as the credits rolled, “Prison” turned out to be more than the generic B-movie I bargained for. A mix of fun scares, Harlin’s knack for entertaining, the daring choice of a populated prison, Viggo Mortensen’s early magic, and a series of inventive frights—combined, makes for a surprisingly solid horror flick.

Rating:

Crispy inmates