Name: Retro Film Review: Cyberjack (1995)
Item: Cyberjack
Rating: 15
Author: @drax

(source: tmdb.org)

The beginning of Cyberjack, 1995 science fiction thriller directed by Robert Lee, might give impression that its authors had some ambitions in trying to speculate about future trends in the manner similar to Petersen's Outbreak. However, such hopes are dashed as soon as Stephen Hawking's quote about computer viruses get replaced with the names of Michael Dudikoff and Brion James in the opening titles. The more experienced viewers know what awaits them - rather standard story about good superhero cop played by Dudikoff and ultra-vicious villain played by Brion James. The plot is set in the near future and it deals with Nick James (Dudikoff), former policeman who is forced to work as a janitor in computer firm. His combat skills are to be tested when the group of terrorists, led by James' former nemesis Nasseem (played by Brion James) invade the firm's headquarters in order to steal all-powerful computer virus. James now has the opportunity not only to get his revenge, but also to save the world.

Almost anything worth seeing in this film happens in first few scenes. Special effects are more than passable and the opening scenes might remind the audience of the legendary Blade Runner. The rest of the film also borrows heavily from the 1980s and 1990s science fiction and action classics, but the lack of the budget is more evident, as well as the lack of creativity in screenwriter Eric Poppen. Naturally, the plot turns into yet another version of Die Hard, with few elements of Terminator 2 thrown for good measure. And, naturally, over-the-top acting by James makes this film even less bearable than it should have been in the first place, thus securing Cyberjack's path to B-movie oblivion.

RATING: 2/10 (-)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on July 31st 2002)