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Lock Up
1989 109 min United States of America R 18+
★6.1
Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: John Flynn
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
Frank Leone is nearing the end of his prison term for a relatively minor crime. Just before he is paroled, however, Warden Drumgoole takes charge. Drumgoole was assigned to a hell-hole prison after his administration was publicly humiliated by Leone, and has now arrived on the scene to ensure that Leone never sees the light of day.
Budget:
$24M
US Gross:
$22.1M
Worldwide:
$22.1M
Starring
Sylvester Stallone
Actor
Donald Sutherland
Actor
John Amos
Actor
Awards
Razzie Awards 1990
— Worst Picture
Razzie Awards 1990
— Worst Actor
Razzie Awards 1990
— Worst Supporting Actor
Key opinion
Lock Up is widely regarded as a compelling, gritty prison drama that succeeds primarily through the performances of Sylvester Stallone and Donald Sutherland. While some viewers criticize the procedural script and certain plot inconsistencies, most find it a tense and emotionally resonant entry in the 80s action-drama genre.
| Acting | Sylvester Stallone delivers a grounded, soulful performance as Frank Leone, successfully portraying the resilience of an ordinary man under pressure. | |
| Acting | Donald Sutherland provides a menacing and effective foil, grounding the film's central conflict with his portrayal of a cold, vengeful warden. | |
| Production | The film captures a harsh, authentic prison atmosphere that effectively portrays the struggle for human dignity and community in a confined space. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is viewed as a source of contention; some praise its tense, straightforward pacing, while others criticize its procedural nature, lack of character motive, and various plot holes. |