lost-in-limbo Danny Masters is the teenage son of the late Harry Masters "The Greatest Escape Artist in the world, after Houdini". He leaves home to join his Uncle and Aunty, fellow magicians. He wants to follow in his father's steps and he's not that far behind him in doing so, even though his father died what he loved doing. One day while visiting a magic shop he meets the town's Mayor's neurotic adult son Stu, where a strange relationship begins, as Danny and Stu decide to create the ultimate escape, but are Danny's talents being exploited, or does he not care. The theme at hand is engaging just thinking about it and "The Escape Artist" (which is adapted off David Wagoner's novel) is an enjoyably offbeat and wondrously moody drama with some splendid performances. Griffin O'Neal is fitting as the lead and Raul Julia is eccentrically good. The chemistry dynamics between the two demonstrates laughs, but also excitement as it remains unpredictable. There's charming support by Teri Garr, Joan Hackett, Gabriel Dell, Elizabeth Daily and Jackie Coogan. Then there are the likes of Desi Arnaz, M. Emmet Walsh and a minor, but comically good John P. Ryan. Never really heard of it before, but I was pulled in by its charm and mystic with a nice blend of witty humour between the characters and tension within some of the magic tricks. Sure it's a kid's film at heart, but the playful story does have its sombre moments and numerous smokescreen developments. Melissa Mathison (who was behind "E.T. The Extra Terrestrial") pens the screenplay, where it's sharply pitched and ambitious despite some shady details and plenty going on. Even the imagery stands out at times with imaginative touches and perfect timing in its performances and poignant direction.

Geoffrey DeLeons The Escape Artist ranks as one of the best films I have ever seen. The fact that it is little-known is ironic, because it seems the film has done its own disappearing act, even though it is quite substantial. I am not sure I have ever seen such a profound and convincing role performed by a child, before.The screenwriter and director made sure that Griffin O'Neal's character (Danny Masters) was not some sugar-coated cartoon character, but instead, this boy comes from a "broken" home with a great deal of turmoil. He survives and flourishes by his own strength of character and his singular purpose: To re-create and enact the famous magic feats of his deceased father.Raul Julia (as Stu Quinnones) is at-his-best in this film, playing a dis-satisfied, eccentric, mischievous outcast with a good heart. Danny and Stu naturally coalesce. It is intriguing that Julia plays the role of the impulsive, fun loving child, where O'Neal's character is rather sober and mature. Danny endeavors to continue the tradition (and memory) of his father, while Stu rejects and de-serves his father's influence. It is apparent to me that the film's creators strove to create a meaningful, emotionally-rich film, almost free of violence. This movie stands on it's own substance; outstanding acting and direction, and fine script writing. This should have been one of the most talked-about movies of the 80's, and a perennial favorite with this understated, tour-de-force performance by Griffin O'Neal. Hats off to Melissa Mathison for magically adapting-to-screen the original novel, written by David Wagoner.

angryangus This unheralded gem was produced by Francis Ford Coppola's Zoetrope Studios. I give it 10 stars for the theme music alone. There are some very good performances by Griffin O'Neal (his debut) as Danny and Desi Arnez Sr (Lucille Ball's husband) as the crooked Mayor...but the best performances are Raul Julia as Stu, the slightly(!) unhinged son of the Mayor and Joan Hackett as Danny's Aunt Sibyl.Funny and understated performances by John P Ryan as Stu's sidekick Vernon and Teri Garr as Stu's dotty girlfriend Arlene (pure eye-candy) are also worth mentioning.There's even a couple of the original 'Dead-End Kids' in the mix, Huntz Hall and Gabriel Dell, plus the original Uncle Fester and silent screen kid actor, Jackie Coogan. I've just realised all the names I've mentioned bar O'Neal and Garr are all gone now. Sad.M.Emmet Walsh throws in a greasy, smirking performance as the Chief Jailer with corruption oozing from every pore. Walsh never disappoints, even in a cameo role. The ending just about pulls it all together but not quite, though it doesn't disappoint. Once again though...beautiful musicOne strange thing, Richard Bradford as Sam the City Treasurer is missing off the film credits. It took me two updates to get his name listed on IMDb as uncredited.

zube I loved this film. It ranks as my number 1 film of all time. I think it is warm, funny and poignant. The whole film from the acting to the photography is infused with a kind of otherworldliness. It is magically warm and sad, and uses illusion to describe how we come terms with our place in the world. The stand out performance by Griffin O'Neal bests anything that i have seen from the O'Neal clan.