Escape to Athena

Synopsis

Escape to Athena is a 1979 war film starring Roger Moore set during World War II on a Greek island occupied by the Nazis. A diverse group of prisoners, including Moore as a British major and Telly Savalas as a Greek resistance fighter, plan to steal valuable treasures under the nose of the Germans. As the mission unfolds, comedic elements blend with action-packed sequences, creating an entertaining adventure. The star-studded cast delivers captivating performances amidst the backdrop of historical events, making this movie a unique blend of war drama and lighthearted moments that keep viewers engaged until the final scene.

Cast

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  Roger Moore

  Otto Hecht

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  Telly Savalas

  Zeno

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  David Niven

  Professor Blake

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  Stefanie Powers

  Dottie Del Mar

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  Claudia Cardinale

  Eleana

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  Richard Roundtree

  Nat Judson

Reviews

Escape to Athena garnered mixed reviews upon its release. While some praised the star-studded ensemble cast and the film's blend of action and comedy, others criticized its uneven pacing and lack of depth in character development. Rotten Tomatoes critics' consensus states, 'Escape to Athena struggles to find the right balance between war drama and comedy, resulting in a somewhat uneven viewing experience.' IMDb's user reviews highlighted the entertaining aspects of the film, with many viewers enjoying the chemistry between the actors and the historical backdrop. However, some critics found the plot predictable and the action sequences underwhelming. Despite its flaws, Escape to Athena offers a nostalgic trip back to the late 70s, with its unique mix of genres and memorable performances. Metacritic's rating for the movie stands at 5.6/10, reflecting the diverse range of opinions surrounding this wartime adventure.