"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*
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