War Beast: a Robot Preying on Fear

Read Time:4 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Death Machine
–

Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 1994, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 40m / 2h 2m / 1h 46m
Director(s): Stephen Norrington
Writer(s): Stephen Norrington
Cast: Brad Dourif, Ely Pouget, William Hootkins, John Sharian, Martin McDougall, Andreas Wisniewski, Richard Brake
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Stephen Norrington's 1995 sci-fi horror film DEATH MACHINE holds a special place in the hearts of genre fans, combining futuristic fear with mechanical menace thrillingly and chillingly. Set in a dystopian "near future," the film introduces us to Hayden Cale (Ely Pouget,) a fresh face at the infamous Chaank Corporation, under intense scrutiny from the media and eco-terrorists. Known for its unethical practices, Chaank hides a darker secret within its vaults: Jack Dante (Brad Dourif), the company's unhinged weapons designer, has created the War Beast, a robotic terror designed to hunt its prey through fear.

Despite its futuristic setting, DEATH MACHINE is steeped in 1990s aesthetics and technology, lending it a nostalgic charm and contributing to its cult status. The film's retro-futuristic style sets it apart from mainstream sci-fi, adding to its unique appeal.

Chaank Corporation's ventures extend beyond traditional arms manufacturing, delving into the morally questionable creation of cyborg soldiers by erasing war veterans' memories. These experiments result in unreliable and deadly warriors. Public outrage over an incident forces the company to appoint Cale as a new leader. Cale soon discovers even more sinister activities within Chaank, including Dante's War Beast. She joins eco-terrorists to take down Dante and his monstrous creation, leading to a gripping, action-packed narrative.

Norrington directed this low-budget sci-fi horror with remarkable enthusiasm, infusing it with suspense and action. Influences from iconic directors are evident, with character names like Sam Raimi, John Carpenter, and Scott Ridley paying homage to sci-fi classics. Dourif stands out as the deranged Jack Dante, bringing a punk-rock edge to the mad scientist trope.

From the beginning, DEATH MACHINE promises B-movie thrills, and the prologue, featuring a gruesome massacre, sets the tone for a film that balances campy fun with genuine thrills. However, the film's potential is somewhat hindered by uneven performances, although Dourif’s portrayal of Dante’s madness is a highlight, both captivating and chilling. The plot centers on Cale's discovery of Chaank's unethical practices and her alliance with eco-terrorists to dismantle the War Beast, a storyline that, while engaging, sometimes struggles under the weight of its ambitious themes.

Despite its strengths, DEATH MACHINE faces some issues with pacing and occasionally awkward dialogue. The film is rich with references to other sci-fi and horror works, sometimes to the point of distraction. However, the true standout feature of the film is its strong female protagonist, Cale, who shines in a predominantly male cast. Her resilience and intelligence contrast the typical damsel-in-distress trope of the era, evoking comparisons to strong female leads in sci-fi history. This, combined with the film's critique of the arms industry and technological dystopia, adds depth to the narrative.

The Chaank Corporation, with its morally bankrupt practices, critiques unchecked corporate power and the dehumanizing effects of technological advancement. Jack Dante’s War Beast, a product of this unchecked ambition, symbolizes the nightmare of technology turned against its creators. The film’s climax, where Cale and the eco-terrorists confront Dante and his creation, delivers intense action and suspense.

In conclusion, despite pacing issues, DEATH MACHINE offers a captivating exploration of futuristic horror. It remains a noteworthy entry in the sci-fi horror genre, providing a glimpse into Stephen Norrington's early work and the lasting appeal of practical effects in creating cinematic terror. For fans of 90s sci-fi action with a horror twist, DEATH MACHINE is a film worth revisiting, flaws and all.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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