Demolition Man

Plot

In a war torn Los Angeles of 1996, John “Demolition Man” Spartan has finally caught his arch nemesis, Simon Phoenix – but in the process 30 innocent civilians are killed.

As punishment, he is sentenced to over 70 years in ‘cryo sleep’ – a futuristic prison.

He is awoken in 2032, after Phoenix’ own release resulted in his escape, and subsequent crime spree, in the now a non violent, peaceful world that was created by the renowned Dr Cocteau.

Cocteau will do whatever it takes to keep this society in order, especially when it comes to the “scraps” who live below the surface, led by Edgar Friendly.

Direction/Cinematography

This was Marco Brambilla’s directing debut, with Cinematography by Alex Thomson.

Quite impressive use of action activities, especially once Spartan and Phoenix are reunited in the future.

The sets of the future are fun.

Cast/Characters

Sylvester Stallone plays Spartan, and is really only one of two mid 90’s actors who could play the role. Incidentally, the “other” actor is referred to in an ‘in joke’ that would become almost history with the Schwarzenegger Presidency.

Wesley Snipes plays Phoenix, who too was in his heyday. His amazing physicality is on display here too. His bleach blonde hair, and multi coloured eyes give him a fun look.

Sandra Bullock plays Lt Lenina Huxley, a 90s obsessed cop who longs for excitement, and gets just that with Phoenix’ arrival.

Other cast include: Benjamin Bratt as Garcia, Huxley’s partner, Bob Gunton as Chief Earle, who takes an dislike to Spartan, Denis Leary as Friendly, and Nigel Hawthorne as Cocteau.

Breakdown

Filmed and released in 1992/1993 – the movie begins in a ‘war-torn’ future of 1996 – which is somewhat crazy to think is now 30 years ago.

We quickly get to the main point of the movie, that Spartan is found guilty of the deaths of innocents, sentenced to the ‘new jail’ where he is going to be cryogenically frozen for 70 years.

Stallone is then off screen for almost half an hour, when the chaos begins – Phoenix is released, escapes and causes mayhem. From there, the pair have great too and fro at times, and the ‘secondary’ antagonist is revealed to be Nigel Hawthorne’s Cocteau (who has ‘reprogrammed’ Phoenix to be an even more brutal killer, all in order to take out the leader of the people who live below the surface).

It’s actually not a terrible plan, considering the world that now exists is a G rated world, where no-one is able to have anything illegal (caffeine, alcohol, sugar) and even swearing will get you a demerit. Then there is the subject of those three sea shells!

There are some fun pokes at both Schwarzenegger (he became President in this world – ironic as he would become the Californian Governor one day!), and even Stallone’s own filmography is referenced.

There is also a great contrast between action and ‘comedy’ – while it isn’t necessarily a funny movie, it is able to make you smirk just enough that you come out at the end credits not overly exhausted by seriousness. These include the fact that ‘Taco Bell (or Pizza Hut in some versions) are now the premier restaurant in the city, and how two people have sex.

The ‘future’ that is shown on screen (2032) being only six years away now, is fairly close to what we have (AI, self driving cars)… I still don’t want to have a world with three sea shells…

A sequel has been announced, but given Stallone turns 80 this year, they better get a move on.

Overall

Still solid early 90s action yarn, with good enough plot device, strong villains (both primary and secondary) and great supporting characters who are memorable. Solid action as well.

A recommended!

4/5

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