SCI FI MONTH: "THE LAWNMOWER MAN 2"

"The Lawnmower Man 2" makes the classic horrible movie mistake of completely ignoring the ending of the movie it is suppose to be following. I won't give it away, but basically this movie takes the original story and shits on it. We basically only have 2 of the same characters in a completely different world with completely different rules. For some reason, it was OK to audiences in the 90s to have movies riddled with cliches. Today people seem to love the polar opposites, complete garbage or something so out there you've never seen anything like it. Somewhere in between is the typical cliched movie that can be well done, but ultimately pulls no surprises. "The Lawnmower Man 2" takes this middle route, but even then, falls completely short of credibility.

It may be a little harsh for this film to be rated on the bottom 100 worst movies at IMDB.com, but there is no denying how bad it is. One of my main gripes is with the Jobe character. Originally Jobe was a slow man, who eventually became a genius madman. In the sequel Jobe is horribly played in a comedic bad guy sense, like an Ace Ventura looking for world domination. I also can't stand the music, it ruins any moment of credibility. Having a knockoff version of an epic "Jurassic Park" type score does NOT work for this film. Amazingly, this film has better special effects than the original. Whether they are used for good can certainly be up for debate though. Also, there are some cool cyber punk moments and original scenery. There is a theory floating around out there about this movie that would explain a lot. Supposedly, this was originally an entirely separate movie that combined fantasy with future technology. Somewhere along the lines, someone decided that there was a possibility people wanted to see a sequel to "The Lawnmower Man" and money could be made. After changing the villain's name to Jobe and recasting the kid from the first movie, not much else was changed and this sequel was born.

*1 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

SCI FI MONTH: "THE LAWNMOWER MAN"

This movie is so early 90's in hurts. Still, it remains entertaining in a day with outrageously advanced special effects. "The Lawnmower Man" takes it's name from a Stephen King story, but honestly has nothing to do with it, which can be learned more about when reading up on the lawsuit King won against this film. The film follows a "slow" Lawnmower man named Jobe who lives with a priest and has been constantly shit on his whole life. The townspeople make fun of him and his only true friend is a young child. In comes outcast scientist Pierce Brosnan, looking for any way to keep going with his virtual reality simulated research. He uses Jobe as his experiment, and while Jobe's mind makes extreme progress quickly, other problems start to arise.

"The Lawnmower Man" even in it's day probably wasn't taken very seriously. But with the current state of CGI compared to the old school computer effects in this film, I doubt any casual movie goer would bother watching. Ignoring these aspects, I still think this movie is awesome. Once Jobe goes completely insane in the computer world he has some great quotes. Also the acting by Jeff Fahey (B Movie Badass) and Pierce Brosnan is surprisingly good, even if it is surrounded by a not so stellar script. Those who grew up in the 90s can probably appreciate this more, but those who haven't might enjoy it from a purely entertaining standpoint, or if anything, just to see how far computers have come along in less than 20 years.

*3 Lance Approvals*

SCI FI MONTH: "GATTACA"

I'd hardly call "Gattaca" a B-movie, but I can say with confidence it is one of the most under appreciated movies of the 90s. To sum up this movie is really hard in my eyes, but the basic plot involves Ethan Hawke assuming the identity of a generically superior man to pursue his dreams of being an astronaut in a society where only the people of highest generic perfection succeed. He must learn to avoid urine and DNA tests to go through his everyday life. When a colleague is killed, his origin comes into question and the quest to keep his true identity hidden becomes much harder.

"Gattaca" has thriller elements, but is basically a science fiction film with grand ideas. I'm sitting here trying to think of any negative things about the film, but there just isn't anything bad to say. By the late 90's, the action sci-fi film had taken over, and maybe this is part of the reason this film was not a success. Although the movie is 13 years old, it still holds up today with its scenery, special effects, and concepts. Not only is "Gattaca" a science fiction film that has aged much better than most the lot, it is a film that makes you think and worth checking out.

*3 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

SCI FI MONTH: "MOON"

To tell the story behind "Moon", one would have to give away much of the secrets and suprises it holds. To get the gist of it, "Moon" follows Sam Bell, a man on his last leg of a 3 year period on the Moon alone. In the time since his arrival, Sam has been harvesting helium-3 from lunar soil for energy to be sent back to earth. His only companion is a talking robot/computer that oversees his duties. He misses his wife and family and desperately counts down the days till he can go back. Around this last stretch of time, reality starts to become altered and things start to happen that make him question his place on the moon base.

Sadly, I missed "Moon" in theaters and had to watch it on DVD. Seeing it on the big screen would have undoubtably added to my lasting impressions. "Moon" is the kind of movie that gives science fiction a chance in the current sad state of film. It may not be the greatest film of all time, but it is a film that involves more brain than brawn. You don't need a huge budget and endless amounts of explosions. You don't need monsters in outer space and you don't need a cast full of young attractive talent. Rockwell really carries the picture well, for he is the only physical character on the set for pretty much the entire movie. If you aren't into sci-fi, you might still dig this. Fans of character studies, the effects of loneliness, and strange mysteries will enjoy this as well.

*3 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

SCI FI MONTH: "ALTERED STATES"

If you are looking to take an intense journey into different dimensions and unlock the crazy thoughts of our mind and universe, "Altered States" is probably the closest you can come to that without taking drugs. The film follows a Harvard scientist who decides to conduct experiments on himself with hallucinogenic drugs and an isolation chamber. Desperate to unlock the keys of the universe, this scientist finds himself on the wrong side of these experiments as his life and reality start to spin out of control.

Growing up as a child obsessed with horror and science fiction, certain images just stay in your mind throughout the years. Remembering what the movie is called, or even what it is about, is not always what sticks with you, but memorable scenes and images cling to your brain. This was the case with "Altered States" and me, so much so I couldn't help myself by only posting the DVD cover. I remember seeing the goat with many eyes and the muddy blob shape of a transforming man screaming, but not being able to quite put my finger to the movie, until I saw parody's in popular culture about 10 years later. This helped me find the film again and unlock the images my mind was holding prisoner. Much like my thoughts, I feel this movie is an amazing journey into the beyond. William Hurt's debut is one of his most solid efforts as an actor, and even if you find the plot confusing, you can't help but marvel at the magic this film exudes. Not many movies in the 80's had "Altered States" trippy feel, and nothing today can really compare. The only thing that comes close to "Altered States" is the similar climax of equally as trippy "2001: A Space Odyssey". Computer graphics and action science fiction have taken over an originally thought provoking genre, and "Altered States" is one of the last of it's kind. Prepare to be fascinated.

*3 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

SCI FI MONTH: "ALIEN NATION"

"Alien Nation" is one of those films that raises bigger questions, but goes the typical Hollywood route instead of going in interesting directions. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the movie, but there is so much more here to be explored that doesn't get the proper screen time. The film follows a cop who typicallly has his partner killed at the beginning of the movie and is replaced by a "Newcomer". These "Newcomers" are from outer space and have assimilated (somewhat) into the United States. There are good newcomers and criminal newcomers, but the cop looks at them all the same, including his new partner. This rough and tough cop must learn to coexist with his new partner and the new members of earth in order to do his job right and solve a case involving the newcomer underworld.

Obviously a parallel to racism in our present day, "Alien Nation" uses bald headed humanoids that eat disgusting food as a metaphor for the problems we have with people of other cultures and races. The movie sets this up well, but goes the buddy cop action route instead. For everything that this film should be and isn't, I did enjoy a lot of elements. James Caan is always great for one. Also, the look of the picture is excellent. It has "The Terminator" feel; a gritty dark futuristic urban environment. You will not see slick space ships and squeaky clean mega cities. I also enjoy the relationship between Caan and his newcomer counterpart, but this is explored much better in the TV series. I would recommend this movie as a late night watch, but also as a precursor to the much superior television show and the TV movies to go along with the series. The TV show explores many issues better, and although it only lasted a season, we are given more time to show character development and interesting plot ideas.

*2 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

SCI FI MONTH: "THE PUPPET MASTERS"

"The Puppet Masters" is an early 90's science fiction thriller film that entertains, but ultimately suffers from the predictability factor. The film is based on the Robert Heinlein novel of the same name and follows a group of government scientists(?) who are investigating a small town in Iowa which seems to be taken over by life forms from another planet. People aren't who they used to be anymore and the gang must stop the parasites from outer space before they completely take over the planet.

The film has many positives, the biggest positive being the cast. I'm not too familiar with the young female and male leads, but I can assure you "The Puppet Masters" is packed with familiar stars of the B-movie scene. Keith David ("They Live", The Thing") plays a bad ass soldier who eventually gets infected by the bug, the dude who has Kuato growing out of his stomach in "Total Recall" plays a General of sorts, and B movie staple Andrew Robinson from "Hellraiser" has a small role as a government agent. Throw in a young brief cameo from Adrien Brody and a starring role for Donald Sutherland, and you will have no problem enjoying the faces on the screen. The problem with the film is that is has been done before; many times. Donald Sutherland himself stars in the comparative twin science fiction film "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". I'm sure this film will forever be compared to the 3 versions of that film, but Heinlein adds his own touch to the not so original storyline. "The Puppet Masters" will probably not go down as well known as Heinlein's other film adaptations such as "Starship Troopers", but it is a worthy late night rental of sorts. Keep in mind you are watching a movie where disgusting space bugs attach themselves to the spine's of innocent humans and take over their brain.

*2 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

SCI FI MONTH: CONTINUED

Sorry, I have no new updates today, but I promise a bunch coming in the next week or so. I've been watching all the sci-fi I can get my hands on, but for now I will leave you with links to some old science fiction reviews I did in the past that you may not have seen, a lot of them are worth checking out....

SUPERNOVA

ENEMY MINE

THE FANTASTIC PLANET

TERMINAL INVASION

TOTAL RECALL 2070

SPACE TRUCKERS

SCI FI MONTH: "FORTRESS 2: RE-ENTRY"

I wasn't going to review this film for reasons that will be learned from my analysis of how bad this movie really is, but I did review the first and this is sci-fi month so what the heck? The sequel takes us into the future where the fugitive family is still on the run from the evil Men-Tel corporation and the illegal baby of the first film is now a grown boy. The mother and child escape, but once again C-Lamb is captured for the greater good and is brought to a new high-tech facility in outer space. Although special effects may not show it, this prison is even more advanced and seemingly inescapable than the original fortress. Will Brennick be able to see his family once again? Or will he become another prisoner stuck on the most advanced prison yet?

Throw out all the future society concept/questions and make way for poorly choreographed martial arts battles in outer space. Get rid of interesting supporting roles and replace them with stereotypical racist black characters and half naked women. Throw away models and carefully made set pieces for horrible early computer game CGI. Why are women and men in the same living quarters sharing showers? Wouldn't rape and sex be a huge issue in a facility supposedly harboring evil criminals? Or was this ignored in order to have the ability to show boobs? The acting and script is atrocious and even C-Lamb's cunningness couldn't save this film. The worst part about it is that it doesn't need to be this bad. Lambert, while not being mistaken for Daniel Day Lewis anytime soon, is a solid actor and "Fortress 2" just tries to ride the coat tails of the original film, but without the unique touches. There are moments where I saw makings of a decent film. Lambert must have been hard up at this point in his career. Stick to the original unless you are looking for one of those nights were you are entertained by the worst.

*1 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

SCI FI MONTH: "FORTRESS"

"Fortress" will probably be remembered as a poor man's "Robocop" with its similar messages, action, and cast, but I believe it stands the test of time as one of the better action/science fiction movies since the early 90s. Christopher Lambert ("Highlander") plays John Brennick, a man captured by law enforcement for breaking the rule of only one child per couple. He is transfered to a high-tech prison in the middle of nowhere ruled by the iron fist of none other than "Robocop" villain and "That 70's Show" dad Kurtwood Smith. Once inside, Lambert must find a way to break free and reunite with his wife while getting involved in incidents with other inmates, such as D-Day played by the horror icon Jeffrey Combs from "Re-Animator" and Stiggs played by Tom Towles "Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer".

Here we have Stuart Gordon, mostly known for his low budget HP Lovecraft influenced horror movies of the 1980s taking on a bigger budget movie with bigger action and bigger plot concepts. What will happen when overpopulation becomes an unavoidable issue? How advanced will weaponry become? Will the development of higher technology be used for good or bad? Christopher Lambert provides probably the most memorable role of his career besides "Highlander" and the supporting cast does an excellent job to add human elements to an action packed robot infused movie. Some action may be over the top, but I believe it has the right amount mirroring that of recently reviewed "Soldier", but not nearly as bloody and violent as Stuart Gordon's other works. Surprisingly well done in it's technical filming aspects and pretty much everything else, "Fortress" may seem like a late night B-movie now, but there is something deeper and more special about this film. Check it.

*3 Lance Approvals*

SCI FI MONTH: "SOLDIER"

Let's not kid ourselves here. "Soldier" could never be, and will never be better than the likes of sci-fi action classics such as "The Terminator" and "Aliens". Paul WS Anderson is no Ridley Scott or James Cameron. And 1998 was not the year for a film of this stature. If you ignore all expectations and take the movie for what its worth, it is very enjoyable.

"Soldier" follows Kurt Russell (YES!), a newly obsolete soldier, recently replaced for space warfare and dumped on a trash planet, presumed dead. A person who has been bread to have no human emotion is now stuck in a community of heartfelt poor families and he must save them from the inevitable doom that is futuristic military dictatorship. Kurt Russell may not speak much in this movie, but he is able to portray emotions very well just through the look in his eyes. For that I commend him, even if the script is less than stellar. He also has some decent fight scenes with Jason Scott Lee ("Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story"). The film may build up to some obvious action sci-fi cliches, but it actually decides to go different paths and avoid them all. I recommend "Soldier" in the way you'd recommend a late night horror film with a little more to offer.

*2 and 1/2 Lance Approvals*

SCI FI MONTH: "THX 1138"

The blog is back and with a vengeance! I decided to go with another themed month like February's epic 80's month. Summer means science fiction for movie nerds and I'll start off with something not necessarily obscure, but definitely overlooked compared to Lucas' other work. "THX-1138" is that old sci-fi story that centers around a society of control and where some people fight for their lives to think freely. First the characters must get off the drugs that control their minds. Then they must escape the prison area, and eventually, escape the large quarantined city.

This film is loaded with great visuals like any Lucas picture, but it has deeper underlining layers that "Star Wars" does not possess. Although there are many hints of his filmmaking early on, I always got a more "Carpenter meets Kubrick" vibe from this movie. The performances are decent (great actors), but they are not what steal the show. The low budget settings and sci-fi action sequences really are terrific for the times and money constraints. Overall you may fight off some boredom in this one compared to the high paced space action of the "Star Wars" films, but this film has you thinking on a much different level. Will our future be just like this? Will drugs and control take over feelings and free will? Will women have to shave their heads? Check it.

*3 Lance Approvals*