divinebassist

I remember enjoying the original as a child, but I have grown up since then and my tastes have improved. I literally laughed when I saw the DVD in the store, and I had to see what was up. Perhaps it is because my expectations were so low, that I really enjoyed the movie, or perhaps it is because my fondness for JCVD has never truly diminished.

First of all, all the B movie elements are here, but strangely, the movie has a quality feel to it. The camera work was really impressive and the choreography was stellar. The acting is decent all around, with JCVD giving a very believable performance, even though he isn't in the movie all that much. I get the impression that the producers put more money into the violence effects and stunt work than set pieces, giving a sort of unbalanced feel.

If you are unsure of whether this movie is for you, consider this: Universal Soldier Regeneration is a guilty pleasure type movie, and it is a good watch, even if you are a movie snob like me. While the story and some of the acting is lacking, it deftly delivers the action and violence with style and intensity, while still delivering a decent experience on the other points. I would compare this movie to Taken in terms of quality (of film-making, not necessarily of production value).

Unless you are just too snobby to give it a look, or you can't stomach some very graphic violence, I recommend this movie to you.

My Advice: Ignore the 6/10 rating. Chances are you hadn't heard of this movie save by random chance, and perhaps you read the synopsis and your interest was piqued. If so watch this movie; it delivers in many ways, and if you are a fan of the genre (dark, ambient, crime, drama, with some philosophy thrown in), then you are in for a treat. I imagine the lower-than-deserved rating was due to people merely not liking the the genre or the ending.

Now I complain about the 6/10 and only give a 7/10. I understand that most people's ratings are different than mine. This film is good but not perfect...one I will recommend to friends and the fans of the genre(s), but with an addendum: It is a fairly slow movie, with not much major event happening. The movie is paced differently in that most popular movies follow a intro/rising action/climax/resolution pattern, this movie does not (really). Truly you won't really know what the point of the movie is until closer to the end, which for some will be a turnoff. I like that fact though especially because the writer/director does a great job of keeping you distracted with some good relationships, character development, and frankly good acting.

Give it a shot if you're getting tired of traditional Hollywood hogwash.

Now let me start by pointing out that my score of 10/10 merely refers to the fact that it is my favorite movie, the only one ever to receive such a score from me. This movie is not for everyone. But if you feel like picking up a movie that will take you on a strange, surreal adventure through the fictional account of the (perhaps) alternate life of English poet and painter William Blake then it just might be for you.

Without giving too much away, the story on the surface revolves around Johnny Depp's character getting involved in the accidental killing of two people. Someone related to those people puts out a bounty on his dead. And so his journey ensues, a goofy-looking accountant on the run from the law, three bounty hunters and many others along the way. This movie has some action and some humor, but the best part of the movie is the unique characters and the wide range of dialogue that occurs between these characters. There is some really good cinematography and some stunning visuals. To me this is a total package because it offers superb acting, great characters, a realistic approach to an otherwise unrealistic situation, some good action scenes to keep the movie going, the most entertaining and engaging dialogue (easily rivaling Tarantino's films) and two stories: one that sits at the surface, and one that hides beneath the murky waters. I have seen this movie several times now and each time I watch it I learn something new. (for a really good assessment of the movie if you need some clarity after viewing it look through the user comments for a review called soul western by federovsky.) In closing, I happened upon this movie at the MTC and picked it up on a whim. I had never heard of it. To my recollection this was never really a widely screened movie. Now I know why. It is very different from the stuff most people have to expect and even prefer in blockbusters today. But if you already hate that trash and like films that explore more than just CG animations, or you are willing to unlearn what you have learned...then do yourself a favor and pick the movie up as soon as you can. (btw its a western in b&w but it was made in '95)