Writer: Dean Devlin (Screenplay) Richard Rothstein, Christopher Leitch (Story)
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Ally Walker, Ed O’Ross, Jerry Orbach, Leon Rippy, Tico Wells, Ralf Moeller
Plot: An elite team of soldiers has been used against terrorists where they use astounding physical capabilities to overcome them. Veronica, a reporter, follows them and discovers a part of their secret. When one of the team kills her cameraman she tries to escape. Luc, one of the soldiers begins to have flashbacks and turns sides and helps her as the remainder of the team follows to protect their secrets.
Verdict: Relaxaction Time
Story: This starts promising with the idea of elite team of soldiers who complete missions that would be too risky to send living men on. The soldiers are all fallen men bought back to life with a twist that they are programed to listen to commands without question. Things change when an idea never really got tested leaving progress in the operating system leading to two wartime enemies fighting each other one being good the other bad. Add in the reporter who will do anything for a story we get a basic action film about uncovering the truth while trying to survive an onslaught from the military. It is easy to watch and will tick all the boxes for a fun action film. (7/10)
Actor Review
Jean-Claude Van Damme: Luc the fallen hero that starts to remember what happened when he died, he understands good and bad unlike the rest of the recruits. He uses he skills to help elude capture and help Veronica uncover the truth. Good performance from Jean-Claude showing why he was great as a strong silent type with excellent fighting skills. (9/10)
Dolph Lundgren: Andrew a sergeant who snaps during war killing everyone before being put down by Luc. He is selected to be used in the program along with Luc but when things start to come back to him he starts to go back to his old way, collecting ears and killing everyone. Great villain performance and easily one of the most underrated of the 90s. (9/10)
Ally Walker: Veronica a determined reporter who will do anything for a good story, but this time she gets more than she bargained for, when she gets involved with the military program and goes on the run with Luc. Good performance helping fill in blanks and being a helpful teacher for Luc. (8/10)
Ed O’Ross: Colonel Perry the leader of the Universal Soldiers, whose job is to keep them following orders and achieving their missions. With plenty of leadership skills this very generic Colonel who wants to take more risks before research has a temper. Good standard performance here. (6/10)
Director Review: Roland Emmerich – Good direction to create the fun action film which is now what he is known for. (8/10)
Action: When the action happens it is great long battles, long fight, plenty of explosions and tons of bullets used. (9/10)
Sci-Fi: Good look at what the military could be up to. (9/10)
Settings: Each setting offers a chance to have fun watching how Luc gets out and learns the ways of the world again. (8/10)
Suggestion: This is one for all the action films out there, you will love this one and it offers everything you want in an action film. (Action Fans Watch)
Best Part: Motel battle
Worst Part: Generic support characters.
Action Scene Of The Film: Prison bus chase.
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: Became a franchise
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $36 Million
Budget: $23 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 42 Minutes
Tagline: Robots runs amok
Overall: Classic Action Film
Rating