Yes, "Escape Plan" and its sequel, "Escape Plan 2: Hades," are connected. The first film, released in 2013, introduces Ray Breslin, a security expert who specializes in breaking out of high-security prisons. The sequel, released in 2018, continues Breslin's story as he takes on a new mission involving a technologically advanced prison. While both films share characters and themes, the sequel features new settings and challenges, expanding on the original's premise but can be viewed independently.

"Escape Plan," starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a 2013 action thriller that revolves around a security expert who is wrongly imprisoned in a high-tech facility. The film features intense action sequences and showcases the chemistry between its leads. While it has received mixed reviews, fans of the genre and the stars may find it enjoyable for its engaging premise and nostalgic appeal. If you appreciate prison break stories and action-packed plots, it could be worth watching, but it may not satisfy those seeking depth or originality.

In "Escape Plan," the twist occurs when Ray Breslin, played by Sylvester Stallone, discovers that the high-security prison he is trying to escape from is actually a secret CIA black site. He learns that he was deliberately placed there as part of a larger scheme to test his escape abilities and to handle a potential threat. The true antagonist, who orchestrates this situation, is revealed to be a powerful figure with ulterior motives, making Breslin's escape much more complex than initially anticipated.

"Escape Plan 2: Hades," released in 2018, received generally negative reviews from critics and audiences, often being considered a flop compared to its predecessor. While the first "Escape Plan" (2013) featuring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger had a moderate box office success and garnered a degree of cult popularity, the sequel struggled with low production values and a less engaging story. It did not perform well commercially and was criticized for its lack of the star power and excitement of the original film.