Directed by:
Lamont JohnsonCinematography:
Frank TidyComposer:
Elmer BernsteinCast:
Peter Strauss, Molly Ringwald, Ernie Hudson, Andrea Marcovicci, Michael Ironside, Hrant Alianak, Colin Mochrie, Beeson Carroll, Cali Timmins, Deborah Pratt (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
It is the year 2136 and Wolff (Peter Strauss), while answering a distress signal from Terra Eleven, agrees to rescue three beautiful maidens from the plague-ridden planet. When the women are kidnapped by henchmen of Overdog (Michael Ironside), the wicked half-man/half-machine who rules the planet, Wolff takes off in hot pursuit. As he challenges assorted monsters and mutants, circumstances throw Wolff together with Niki (Molly Ringwald), a spunky waif who agrees to guide him to Overdog’s scrap-metal kingdom. Wolff’s exploits in the Forbidden Zone are packed with extra-terrestrial thrills, plus special effects guaranteed to dazzle you. (Via Vision Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (1)
This admittedly pulpy attempt to synthesise Start Wars and Mad Max into an epic adventure could have resulted in an outstanding film if the screenplay and direction had been just a bit better. However, it didn’t result in ahopeless cock-up from the ranks of Italian and Filipino imitators of those pop-culture milestones. It is simply a solid genre film that is rightfully half-forgotten, yet passionately exalted by its fans. Ivan Reitman, who is inadequately associated only with his mainstream comedies, follows up his previous production work in the area of self-indulgent adoration of limp heroic stories. As with Heavy Metal, he consciously lent his auspices to a dime-store sci-fi adventure that by no means denies its inspirations and has excellent art direction, as well as enough of its own ideas to warm the hearts of more than a few fans of postapocalyptic films. Though it is clear that the relevant professionals put more work into the art direction, costumes and scenography than the script and direction could put to use in individual scenes, particular instances on this post-apocalyptic planet are impressive with their opulent and straightforward pulpiness, as will as with the impression of an elaborate world that could offer countless other escapades.
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