Runaway: The Second Escape

Runaway: The Second Escape (aka Runaway 2: The Second Escape) is a 1998 American action film directed and co-written by Roland Emmerich. Produced by Universal Pictures and Independent Pictures and distributed by TriStar Picture, the film is the second installment in the Runaway franchise. The film stars James Spader, Deborah Kara Unger, Elias Koteas, Holly Hunter and Rosanna Arquette. After Trevor and his family start a new life in another country, they face new challenges. To ensure the safety of his family, Trevor decides to create a new identity and start a business using his knowledge and experience. He opens an electronics repair shop, which quickly becomes successful thanks to his honesty and skill. However, the past does not leave Trevor alone. Nicholas, the man who falsely accused him, finds out about his new life and decides to take revenge. Igor finds a way to track Trevor and informs local authorities of his true identity and past escape.
In February 1997, Universal announced plans to release a sequel to Runaway. In May 1997, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio were hired to write the script. In July 1997, Jan de Bont was announced as director, but left the project in December of that year due to budget disputes. Emmerich was hired in August 1997 to direct and co-write a new script with producer Dean Devlin. Principal photography began in August 1997 and ended in November 1997.
Runaway: The Second Escape was released in theaters on June 15, 1998 to positive reviews and grossed $177 million worldwide against a production budget of $25 million, becoming a box office success. A sequel, Runaway 3: The Last Escape, was released in 2001.
== Plot ==
After Trevor and his family start a new life in another country, they face new challenges. To ensure the safety of his family, Trevor decides to create a new identity and start a business using his knowledge and experience. He opens an electronics repair shop, which quickly becomes successful thanks to his honesty and skill.
However, the past does not leave Trevor alone. Nicholas, the man who falsely accused him, finds out about his new life and decides to take revenge. Igor finds a way to track Trevor and informs local authorities of his true identity and past escape.
Trevor is arrested again and placed in a local prison, where he must prove his innocence. During this time, his family and friends unite to find evidence of his innocence and uncover Nicholas's machinations.
Inside prison, Trevor finds unexpected allies among other prisoners who respect him for his fortitude and desire to protect his family. Together they develop an escape plan that involves a complex system of secret messages and coordination with the outside world.
On the day of the escape, Trevor and his allies use a carefully planned series of diversions to escape the prison walls. They make their way through underground tunnels that lead to a nearby forest, where Trevor's family is already waiting for them with a prepared shelter.
After successfully escaping, Trevor and his family set off again, this time on a small sailboat that takes them to a remote island where they can start over, this time in complete safety and isolation from the outside world.
== Cast ==
* James Spader as Trevor
* Holly Hunter as Jenny
* Elias Koteas as Nicholas
* Deborah Kara Unger as Catherine
* Rosanna Arquette as Gabrielle
* Peter MacNeill as Colin
* Judah Katz as Jacob
* Nicky Guadagni as Harry
== Reception ==
=== Box office ===
The Wall Street Journal reported that for the film to be considered a success, it would need to gross $80 million domestically. Runaway: The Second Escape was released in the United States and Canada on June 15, 1998, to a record 3,310 theaters. Universal expected the film to gross $30 million in its opening weekend. It would ultimately earn just $37 million on its opening day and $49 million in its opening weekend.
The film's revenue fell 59% in its second week of release, totaling $24,020,444. In its final week in North America, the film ranked 19th, grossing $202,157.
Internationally, the film brought in an additional $95 million in business for a worldwide total of $177 million. Universal said consumer products retail sales brought in $50 million.
=== Critical response ===
Runaway: The Second Escape received generally positive reviews from critics. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 66% based on 150 reviews, with an average rating of 6.10/10. The critical consensus reads: "Even if it doesn't have a budget, Runaway: The Second Escape definitely delivers with its action and drama." Metacritic (which uses a weighted average) gave Godzilla a score of 61 out of 100 based on 23 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an "A-" on an A to F scale.
Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film three out of four stars.