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Lock Up is a 1989 American prison action drama film directed by John Flynn, starring Sylvester Stallone, Donald Sutherland, and John Amos. The film tells the story of Frank Leone, a model prisoner who is given a hard time by the sadistic warden Drumgoole, who just wants to make life hell for Leone before he is released. The opening scenes show Frank Leone, a model prisoner at a minimum security prison, preparing to leave the facility in just a few months. However, his attitude completely changes when he is ripped from his peaceful existence and thrown into a maximum security prison. The reason for his transfer is none other than the sadistic Warden Drumgoole (Donald Sutherland), who is determined to make Leone pay for a past transgression. Leone had earlier escaped from a maximum-security prison and caused Drumgoole personal embarrassment.

Leone quickly settles into the new routine of the prison and begins to forge alliances with fellow inmates. He also learns that there is a lot more to Drumgoole's plan than merely punishing him for the earlier escape attempt. Drumgoole wants to ruin Leone's life and make him suffer for as long as possible; and to do so, he sets Leone up in various ways, causing him problems with the guards, the other prisoners, and ultimately, his family. Leone is forced to go through a series of physical and psychological tests that challenge his sanity, his will, and his very existence.

Sylvester Stallone plays the role of Frank Leone with his characteristic gravitas, bringing to life the character's quiet strength, determination, and courage. Leone is a complex character: he has a tough exterior, but he also has a lot of heart, and Stallone manages to convey this beautifully. Leone's transition from the beginning of the movie, where he is coming to terms with his impending release, to the end, where he is battling the cruel warden, is well-executed.

Donald Sutherland is arguably the standout performance in the movie as the evil, almost cartoonish Warden Drumgoole. Sutherland plays him with a relish that, while distasteful, is incredibly engaging. He is a warden who takes pleasure in crushing the spirits of the inmates and revels in his power over them. His vendetta against Leone is personal, and he takes every opportunity to torment him. It is a performance that is over-the-top but works incredibly well in the context of the movie.

John Amos, who plays the sympathetic prison guard, is a pleasure to watch, given his warm and compassionate treatment of Leone. Their relationship is one that is built on mutual respect, and it serves as a counterpoint to the harsh brutality of the warden. The supporting cast, including Tom Sizemore, Frank McRae, and Darlanne Fluegel, is also excellent.

The movie is gritty, and the cinematography is excellent. There are several scenes that are genuinely disturbing, particularly those involving the brutal treatment of prisoners by the guards. There are also several scenes that are quite touching, particularly those involving the friendships that Leone makes with some of the other inmates.

Lock Up offers a visceral insight into the world of prison life, and the institutionalized brutality that pervades correctional facilities. It's also a story of resilience, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit. The movie manages to strike a balance between these conflicting themes, creating a tale that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, Lock Up is a fantastic movie, with excellent performances, great action sequences, and an engaging story. Given its themes and its bleak setting, it won't be to everyone's taste, but if you're a fan of prison movies or if you're looking for a movie that takes a hard look at the human condition, then this is definitely worth checking out.

Lock Up is a 1989 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 52.