Chameleon

This is one of the better sci-fi/super hero movies made in the 1990's. Though the blatant use of sex could have been toned down, it did serve the purpose of highlighting the main character's evolution from an unfeeling "machine" to a very caring, heroic woman the viewer was ready to cheer for all the way to the bitter end. Bobbie Phillips, who played "Kam" the re-engineered woman who saves a young boy, really made this movie the gem that it is and was ably assisted by her co-star Eric Lloyd, the boy who played "Ghen".

If you like this movie, you will also like the X-Men, Xena, and the Queen of Swords. You may also like Wonder Woman and some of Ray Bradbury's works.

Filmed in a futuristic setting "Kam" (Bobbie Phillips) is a female cloned by genetic research who happens to possess special attributes which include keen eyesight, an enhanced sense of smell and the ability to camouflage herself into the surrounding environment much like a chameleon. She was created this way for the express purpose of allowing her to get close to whatever targets her supervisors deemed appropriate in order to steal important objects--or to kill them if necessary. In one particular instance she is instructed to accompany a commando unit and acquire a secret microchip from a revolutionary named "Aede" (Anthony Simcoe). Unfortunately, the mission doesn't go according to plan which results in both the revolutionary and his wife choosing to commit suicide rather than being captured. However, just prior to that they manage to transfer the microchip to their young son named "Ghen" (Eric Lloyd) with instructions to escape into the country to avoid capture. As a result of his escape Kam is sent to track down Ghen but when she finally catches up to him her instincts cause her to change allegiances. So now she decides to protect the boy from those who wish to do him harm. At any rate, rather than disclose any more of the story and risk ruining this film for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this movie started off pretty good but seemed to falter a little after the first 20 minutes or so. Additionally, other than the performance of Bobbie Phillips I didn't see anything else that was necessarily that remarkable or noteworthy. In any case, I suppose this was an adequate film for the most part and I rate it as about average.

"Chameleon" features excellent acting by Bobbie (Dr. Bug Lady from the X-Files) Phillips whose buff muscle-play reinforces her role as a genetically engineered human. The young actor who portrays Gan, the kid, also displays an accomplished flair for drama--very rare. The effects including a cool skin camouflage are used judiciously and successfully. The intelligent script relies heavily on the characters--which is always a good thing in my book. I get the feeling UPN was considering this movie as a pilot. It's a shame they didn't run with it.

This is one of those movies that you would slate if you paid money to see it on the big screen...but as a made-for-TV film, it ain't half bad. Bobbie Phillips is gorgeous and has a real presence. She deserves to go on to bigger and better things. The film itself is nothing original and attempts to be all things to all viewers...part action, part drama, with a touch of sex thrown in for good measure. I'd give it a go, if you're in the mood for nothing substantial. 6 or 7 out of 10, in my opinion.

Chameleon, starring Bobbie Phillips was a Tour de Force. Special effects were astounding, the acting was top notch. Bobbie Phillips was THE only choice to play Kam, the way she went from "maternal" to "assassin" to "maternal" to "assassin" and so forth, was well played. Gan(the boy) was a fresh dose of reality, so innocent etc.... I will surly watch Chameleon 2 when it is aired. I give Chameleon an 8 out of 10.