Nemesis

Director Albert Pyun is responsible for some of the most inept movies in the history of cinema. Never mind the action scenes - Even simple dialogue scenes can be mangled and made unbearable with his magic touch. Therefore, it comes as a surprise that "Nemesis" is so eminently watchable. Nice visuals, interesting ideas, evocative cyberpunk mood, good pacing, and a rather shocking grasp of effective action camerawork and editing. I suspect that another director did most of the work on this one, but I've never been able to confirm. All I know is that there are action scenes in here that are genuinely good, to the point where you might think you were seeing the work of a young but talented action stylist. There's even a "shoot through the floor gag" that was ripped off wholesale recently for the Kate Beckinsale vampire/werewolf film, "Underworld".

Of course, keep in my mind that this is a B-film. It's lower budget and the acting isn't that great. But among B-films, it's quite good. As I said, the action is way above average in energy and style. As well, the locations are varied, and it was one of the earliest films to achieve a William-Gibson-esque cyberpunk feel. If that sounds interesting to you, then give Nemesis a rent. BEWARE: Do NOT rent any of the sequels. Pyun regained his usual golden touch for the sequels, producing what may be the most hate-inducing cinema known to man.

Celebrate Oliver Gruner's heyday by watching the B-movie masterpiece "Nemesis". It's really pretty good. Gruner may be the poor man's Peter Weller, but he plays his 85% android character with an effective stone face and only shreds of humanity. Tight direction and good special effects also keep it fast moving and fun.

Gruner plays Alex, an undercover cop/cyborg hunter. He becomes involved in a dangerous (and at times confusing) plot that sends him fleeing through an industrial wasteland in search for answers. I was tickled pink by a story that doesn't count on cheesy, cop-out twists to maintain its excitement, but simultaneously delivers the goods of a sci-fi and action movie. It lovingly references the movies it takes from, also- which include "Terminator", "Robocop", and "Blade Runner" which keep it on the respectable side of generic. Director Albert Pyun creates a slick neo-noir atmosphere which extenuates the story.

And the action scenes. Oh, the action scenes. Hit and miss Pyun is in top form- using high-tech, but refreshingly not over the top, weaponry and beautiful urban sets. The shoot-outs are imaginative and never redundant or trite. Don't miss the apartment shoot-'em-up where Gruner shoots at the floor spiraling as to create a hole for him to drop down, which he continues to do for two more floors. As if this wasn't cool enough, Pyun uses a Raimi-esquire shot that stays on Gruner's head as he drops through the building. Yes, 10 years later "Underworld" implemented this idea in a more popular film, but I hardly think it did so in better form. There are great stunts, focused direction and good acting to keep it unrelentingly fun.

"Nemesis" does need work, don't get me wrong. As Pyun demonstrated in his 1997 disaster "Mean Guns", he has a hard time tapping into his characters and material which makes things seem distant, confusing and at times impenetrable. He has a difficulty capturing transitions adequately, which obscures some of the action scenes.

Most in the audience will be pleased by the film's unlimited sex appeal. The movie creates a fascinatingly erotic connection between the near future and wangled, unrestrained sexuality. Deboarah Shelton is endlessly sexy and gives the movie a raw energy that almost compensates for its distant connection to the material.

I loved "Nemesis". It has a wonderfully distributed blend of science fiction and action. While there may be a brick wall between the audience and any hope of an emotional connection, it is sexy and fun enough to remain a great time.

"Nemesis" is a mixture of incoherent plotting (with rehashed bits from "Robocop" and "Terminator"), brainless action sequences, distracting accents and sarcastic wisecracks spouted by leading man Olivier Gruner, who comes off as a cut-rate version of Van Damme. By all means, it should be a pretty bad film, and maybe it is, but it's nevertheless always watchable and never outright boring. The pacing is continuously fast and the energy level high. (**)

Footnote: If you watch the film, look out for Merle Kennedy who plays Max, the hero's sidekick in the last 20 minutes or so. I loved the athleticism she brings into her small role. What an incredible body! Why hasn't anyone else mentioned her presence??

just caught this film again and happy it still stands up after 10 years, Albert Pyun really puts his lowbud helming abilities to great use here with post war locales and great wardrobes, the action is much higher standard than standard b movie fare of today, borrowing much from John Woo / Chow yun-Fat flicks, the story serves to give us the action and effects we want. shame Gruner never topped this and never will with movies like the Circuit and Crackerjack. action 8/10 story 5/10 chicks 8/10

Albert Pyun's stylish direction and excellent use of dilapidated locales make this B-grade sci-fi actioner entertaining throughout (reminiscent of his earlier Van Damme vehicle, "Cyborg"). Although lead actor Olivier Gruner's wooden acting is often unintentionally funny, he has the look, physique, and physical grace to fit the role and to pull off the various kinetic action pieces that highlight the film. An adequate script and competent special effects also help to make this an above average cyborg adventure film.