Cyborg

I used to rent this movie all the time as a kid, as I've always enjoyed apocalyptic movies, and I still do. This movie is the classic "hero's tale". It has some great action sequences, gore and cinematography. It was also made on a shoestring budget by one of my favourite defunct film companies, Cannon!

"Cyborg" is actually passable stuff if you watch it in the right frame of mind (and that thought occurred to me only in the SECOND viewing); if you're expecting a movie made with artistry and professionalism or anything resembling class, you're in for a disappointment. But if you know that this is only supposed to be a low-grade showcase for Van Damme's rather impressive kickboxing skills, then you may like it a little. It IS primitive filmmaking, but a bit more elaborately staged than other Cannon releases (for example, the Bronson vehicles of the 80s). (**)

The stage curtains open ...

This was the very first Jean-Claude Van Damme movie I'd ever seen on the big screen, having missed out on "Bloodsport" until it's video release. My girlfriend (at the time) and I had a big fight that night, but after we made up we decided to go watch this movie in the theater. I know ... it's a weird film to pick when you're making up - LOL. But, we both had a good time and enjoyed it.

Van Damme plays the part of Gibson, a slinger - who is basically a hired gun to protect people or to hunt down other people. A notorious pirate named Fender (played by Vincent Klyn) has abducted a cyborg named Pearl (played by Dayle Haddon) who holds information that would cure the plague that is killing off earth's remaining population. As Gibson tracks down Fender and his band of pirates, we learn that there is much more brewing under the surface than we first realize.

This is a very good post-apocalyptic action film with well choreographed fight scenes featuring your typical Van Damme athletic moves and high flying kicks. The story was fairly generic, but well executed. Klyn made a formidable opponent and was solid in his role.

Maybe this isn't the best movie to share with your girlfriend or boyfriend if you are trying to set a romantic mood, but for action lovers, this is a recommend and a fun flick.

I had the misfortune of seeing this movie in the theater while I was an undergrad at UF. We had just seen Bloodsport, which is a decent martial art action flick. This came out and we expected more of the same. Oh were we mistaken!

It was so bad we laughed during most of the movie, we should have walked out but we wanted to see just how bad it could get. After 10 years this movie still sticks out as one of the worst films I have ever seen!

The biggest mistake they made here was not stretching the fight scenes as much as possible.

The dialog was horrid and the plot itself was a very abbreviated Road Warrior retread. The attempts at sentimentality (the burning wedding cake, the scared kids) didn't even work. The opening narration only let you know you were seeing an extended chase scene.

However, the fight scenes ROCKED. Van Damme proves that he may be better off as a man of few words. The endless bone breaking and face busting kept attentions. The revenge plot was just there for an excuse.

Van Damme's best? No way. (That would be Bloodsport.) But worth a look as long as your FF button works.