Johnny 2.0

It's always fun to come across genuinely intelligent science fiction films, especially when you go into them expecting a half assed, clunky yawn, which happens frequently. Johnny 2.0 is an overlooked little cyber-punk gem in an unassuming release package, a thinking man's sci-fi story that could have easily gone the other way, but contains enough inspired creativity to rise above the muck. Jeff Fahey plays Johnny Dalton, a genetic researcher whose facility is attacked by activists. Waking up from the disaster he is stunned to find that he's not Johnny at all anymore, but a clone who has been in cryo for 25 years, awakened now for one purpose: set out across a post apocalyptic wasteland to retrieve the original Dalton and smoke out a web of conspiracies that have hatched over the years. There's all sorts of really intriguing ideas at play here including MRI memory mapping, organic tracking suits, genetic reconfiguration and personalized holograms, a wealth of scientific world building that earns this film its stripes in the artistic departments. Fahey is excellent, as is a noble Michael Ironside, Tahnee Welch and John Neville. Super solid storytelling, ideas worth exploring, an impressive level of design and atmosphere achieved despite the limited funds, there's not too much you can say about this one that is not the highest of praises.

Johnny 2.0 is an OK late '90s made for television, The Sci Fi Channel, movie. If you were shelving a physical copy of the DVD, you would probably put it with Johnny Mnemonic. Despite its humble origins, made for tv, it is actually a cut above Johnny Mnemonic which got the full Hollywood treatment.

Johnny Dalton, played by Jeff Fahey, regains consciousness after being in a coma for several years. He eventually discovers life is an illusion, shades of The Matrix, and that he is a clone. Rebel leader Nikki Holland, Tahnee Welch, helps Dalton to find his original un-cloned self, shades of Bladerunner, despite the secrecy and dangers.

The cast are generally up to the task. Canadian Michael Ironside as Frank Donahue, Johnny's business partner, is probably the standout actor and should be. He has been in everything from Scanners to Total Recall. He deserved more screen time. Fahey seems to have specialized in B movies though he is apparently a gifted dancer, classical and ballroom. There is no evidence of this in Johnny 2.0.

The film is well paced, the plot unnecessarily convoluted, the technical aspects are what one might expect of a low budget movie and the original musical backing, thank you Ed Tomney, and special effects make the grade.

Director Neill Fearnley keeps things well in hand and writer Wynne McLaughlin provides the cast plenty to work with.

The film had a European release as, Fac Simile, and did a little business.

If you are new to the genre or an old Sci Fi hand, Johnny 2.0 is a worthwhile way of spending 93 minutes. It's not earth shaking but OK.

The Story: Genetic researcher John Dalton is hospitalized after being attacked by animal rights activists. He wakes up only to find that 20 years have passed & that he is a clone. Sent in to find the original Dalton, Johnny 2.0 sets out across the post-apocalyptic wasteland, only to find a major conspiracy being hatched.

This is one of the most intelligent science fiction films of the late 90s. After a fairly clichéd start with the researchers fighting animal rights activists, the film surprises the audience with the 20 year time jump. Script writer Wynne McLaughlin uses Cyberpunk tropes quite well, as well as giving us some original ideas. The MRI memory recordings is a load of nonsense but the other ideas – organic tracking units, genetic reconstruction & personal holograms – are very good & lift the film up from the run-of-the-mill clone films that usually plague the genre. The direction is top-notch & the acting is exemplary. Jeff Fahey, used to playing multiple characters after the dire time-travel film "Time Under Fire", gives a better performance than before & Michael Ironside invests some dignity in his role. The only flaw is the title, which is not exactly accurate, but to explain is to give the game away.

Grade: B 10-11-07 Review by M. K. Geist

Though I was momentarily unsure if this film would live up to its potential, this movie was quite entertaining. My only difficulty with the film is its make-up department. I simply have a problem when grey hair is the only hint of a person aging 15 years

Considering the very low budget, or even the so-so acting at the start (which improves as the storyline becomes more clear), all the movie's power comes from the storyline and it's concept.

What _would_ happen if all of us could be brought back as clones of ourselves - and in the next 40 years, we may just happen to find out.

And that's what science fiction does at it's best - examine the real-life future consequences of technology that is only just possible today. That doesn't mean they get it right, but it's nice to see ideas fleshed out.

Don't expect any flashy or up-to-date special effects, and you won't be disappointed.