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 Science Fiction/Action A Saga Of The Year 3000 |
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In the year 3000 man is on the verge of becoming an endangered species. An evil corporation from an world has come to Earth and gassed most everyone out of existence. This was not done out of malice but only out of corporate efficiency. Get rid of the pests and keep some for slave labour. This world is huge corporate world which is only interested in strip mining the gold and other metals from the planet. To the Psychlo, man is just a dumb, untrainable animal which is only valued as a cheap labour force. They do not try or care to understand anything about man. These foul, nasty, black toothed, backstabbing aliens only care for wealth. Some, like Travolta just want to leave and go on to greater things. For those who want a point of reference here, think Star Trek's Ferengi only without any endearing characteristics.  The film opens on a desolate Earth where we meet a tribe that seems to be out of a primitive era. Once we see the old statues in a mini putt course do we realize that this is not the past but a post holocast Earth. This tribe has been isolated by the fear of demons that exist outside their area. One man Johnny Goodboy Tyler played by Barry Pepper (the young guard in The Green Mile) feels he must go out to find the truth; unfortunately the truth hits him square across the head as he is captured by the Psychlo. He is taken to a Human Processing Center and put to work as a slave in the Denver mines. It doesn't take him long to do what is considered impossible...he kills a Pyschlo. This brings him to the attention of Terl. Terl who is extremely upset about not being allowed to go home decides to use this human in his plot to return home a rich Psychlo. Ker as his student and stooge is privee to Terl's Machiavelian machinations. It is fun watching Ker constantly try to get the upper hand on Terl. With Terl's help Johnny is taught all the maths and sciences so that he will be trainable to help in Terl's plan. Now don't we all know that this is obviously the way that Johnny could lead mankind to their salvation? He is put in charge of a team of humans to carry out a covert plan to get lots of that precious gold Terl wants. He has 14 days to carry out this plan. This is probably the weakest part of the script, which you will see when you go to see the film. The pompous; rude; mean spirited Terl has such an over inflated ego that he can not see the humans as any possible threat to him. That is a mistake one that Ker decides to take advantage of. Johnnies determination for freedom is now fuelled with a knowledge of mankind's lost past. His strength garners him a following of his fellow slaves. All this leads to betrayls and sneaky plots which will culminate in a spectacular battle for the freedom of Earth. The ironic ending will leave you satisfied in a dark humourous way. Here are a few side notes of interest. Psychlos look stiff in massive boots that are to make the actors look about 7 to 9 feet tall. Psychlos believe that dogs were at one time the intelligent life form. They also care so little about the humans that have no clue as to what humans eat. Can uneducated humans really learn to fly Harrier jets in less than 14 days? Pyschlos suspect that men can fly and to prove it thay keep dropping them off cliffs. This film is worth seeing for sci-fi fans and those that have some time on their hands. It is worth seeing if for nothing else but for Travolta and Whitaker. One thing is certain much of the over 1,000 page book has been altered for the movie and after looking up information on the book it has made me want to go out and read the novel as I think it is will be far superiour to the movie. if you want to read more about the book go to... BATTLEFIELD EARTH. |
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RATING CANADA... Rated AA for violence |
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vjm@metrocity.com