Cyborg Review

MPAA Rating: R
Released: 1989

Cyborg was the post-apocalyptic action film that helped propel Jean-Claude Van Damme from cult status to a box office draw (though granted his duration as a Hollywood big name was rather short-lived). This is also one of those movies that people tend to love or hate, and where you stand on the issue will depend entirely on your expectations walking into the movie…

Cyborg is one of those movies that receive a good deal of scorn and mockery from critics, and quite frankly I'm a bit perplexed at why so many love to hate this flick. I enjoyed it as a teen and I still enjoy it today, though perhaps that is because I enjoy it for what it is: an action-packed popcorn movie.

The movie depicts an America that has become a 21 st century post-apocalyptic nightmare. A virulent plague has wreaked havoc across the world, killing a majority of the population and leaving the survivors in the midst of an anarchic cesspool where roving gangs reign supreme. But one day a group of peaceful scientists discover a vaccine and place the knowledge within Pearl Prophet (Dayle Haddon), a female cyborg. The cyborg and her bodyguard set forth to deliver that invaluable knowledge to waiting scientists in Atlanta, where the vaccine can created and distributed to the masses.

The duo is soon ambushed by a brutal gang of pirates led by Fender (Vincent Klyn), a vile monster that kidnaps the cyborg, intent on keeping the secrets of the vaccine to himself. Since he holds the power in this wasteland, he doesn't care to allow humanity or the world to be benefited through the vaccine.

Gibson (Jean-Claude Van Damme), a martial-arts expert with a dark past, discovers the kidnapping and tracks down the gang to rescue the scientist/cyborg and exact payback for past wrongs.

This is one of those low budget B-movies that actually rises above its origins. The post-apocalyptic backdrop is gritty and convincing, the constant stream of martial arts battles are well choreographed and thoroughly entertaining, and while the actors weren't trying to win any Oscars (though they sure tried to exercise their vocal chords!) they actually did justice to their roles.

Special recognition should be extended to Jean-Claude Van Damme and Vincent Klyn for their performances. There's no doubt Jean-Claude Van Damme made some serious stinkers in the 90's, but when he was a virtual unknown in the 80's he knew how to make a rollicking fighting film. And while Vincent Klyn never really escaped his B-movie roots to become a big Hollywood name, he was the perfect casting choice for the brutal leader of the pirates. He was convincingly sadistic with his gravelly voice, huge physique and ominous nature.

Perhaps one of the reasons many people dislike this film are expectations. If you're expecting guns, explosions and glitz you will be disappointed. Cyborg is a hybrid of the post-apocalyptic and martial arts genres… and a damn good one at that. Think equal parts Mad Max and Blood Sport to get an idea what you'll expect.

So after all is said and done, once again I'm going to defy the majority and give my nod of approval to this film. It's was never intended to be a work of art, but it most definitely achieved success in what it did try to become: an action-packed extravaganza with fancy fighting and plenty of dark atmosphere.

Movie Rating: 7 stars

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