Having read up on the real Battle of Alcatraz this movie only touches on part of it. Most movies don't care about the source material and whenever a true incident or book is adapted for the screen it gets changed beyond recognition. But when taken on its own merit this movie does have a lot to offer. Rather than non stop action the focus is on the growing tension between the prisoners and guards when they are trapped in a tiny cell block during the siege. The movies best scenes and acting come when the prisoners start turning on one another as the plan goes awry. The weakness of the movie is in some of the flashbacks of the prisoners getting to know each other they are a little less engaging but the hostage scenario between the prisoners and guards is well executed. Just don't expect it to be anything like the real story.
Review of Alcatraz
