Review: Cyborg (1989)

“He's the First Hero of the 21st Century...And He's Our Only Hope.”

Director: Albert Pyun

Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Deborah Richter and Vincent Klyn

Writer: Kitty Chalmers

One thing that I miss about science fiction is the cheesy post apocalyptic movies. Well I think we can all agree that it doesn’t come much cheesier than a Jean-Claude Van Damme flick. It would seem that this is a match made in some form of hell, as I now get both for the low low price of about eighty six minutes of my life. So was it worth it?

You just don’t this type of action movie any more, and for the life of me even after numerous talks with people I just don’t know why. So yes this movie was worth it as I was able to live through an era that I miss a lot. You’ve seen this type of movie before, the world has gone to hell and there is a plague killing people. Bandits control territories and survival is the only thing people can look forward to. In steps a possible cure to the plague, her name is Pearl Prophet (I kid you not) and she is a cyborg. Hunted down by evil pirate leader Fender Tremolo, her only hope comes in the form of hero with tragic past Gibson Rickenbacker.

There are many plot holes in this movie, and if you think too hard you’ll wreck the movie going experience. So clearing your head is the only way to have fun. Mind you I do have some questions. Like if you make a person into a cyborg what not give that cyborg weapons to protect themselves? Why are the bad guys pirates when they have no ship and they seem to stay off water for long periods of time? Who would name their child Pearl Prophet? Not really questions I need to know but I they did stick in my mind.

Most of the acting is pretty standard for a B Grade science fiction movie. Jean-Claude Van Damme is really only there to fight people, most of his characters tortured past is told through flashback. I will give Vincent Klyn some props as the main villain Fender Tremolo. He chews the scenery like nobodies business and was physically imposing so he made for a memorable villain. The freaky looking eyes didn’t hurt either.

This movie is destined for fans of bad science fiction movies, it’s sure to entertain but I think most people will just avoid it. It’s not really worth your time unless you wish to delve into the type of movies that get sold for two dollars at your local cheap retail store.