Film Review: Cyborg

"The last scientists were working on a cure that would end the plague and restore the world. Restore it? Why? I like the death! I like the misery! I like this world!" - Vincent Klyn

Not to be confused with Manborg.

Cyborg is a film that tries so hard to be wicked and awesome.  It is at least partway successful; set in a cruel violence-ridden apocalyptic landscape, the characters fight bad guys at every turn, with knives, big guns, and their fists! The overall look, style, and tone of the film would make it a fine compliment to the Mad Max series, but Cyborg is a grade meaner and more intense.

That being said, the film is still very much on the cheap side.  Many of the fights are cheaply-edited and choreographed.  There are laughable moments to be had.  Dialogue and writing are pretty cheesy, and the whole film feels pretty short and insubstantial.

The film's story is pretty basic, lacking in any deep characterization, depth, or emotional resonance.  It's very short and small-scale overall.  The plot consists of a man meeting cyborg woman, and they fight their way to a specific destination.  There are moments in between the action where characters try to warm up, with some flashbacks and touching scenes, but it never feels like we really get to know these characters in depth.   It's all just a fine excuse to see Van Damme kicking a lot of butt.

This film does have quite the style though, with some impressive camera angles and cool photography.  Editing is pretty good.  Acting can be quite cheesy, not only with the occasional silly line, but also with the exaggerated movements and the way everybody likes to scream at each other.  Writing is alright.  This production uses pretty cheap sets, props, costumes, and locales, although it doesn't show that much; the film plays within its limitations pretty well.  I personally don't like the music score, but I see that other viewers love it.

Cyborg is pretty wicked, but also quite cheesy, with a short and small-scale story attached to it.  It does have its moments though.  If you're a fan of cheesy action, gritty post-apocalypse sci-fi, or a Jean Claude Van Damme fan, then this film may satisfy.  Otherwise, you'll probably dismiss it as something trashy and dumb.

3/5 (Entertainment:  Good | Story:  Average | Film:  Marginal)