Amiable electronics wizard Frank Warren (a fine and likeable performance by the always reliable Rutger Hauer) gets sent to a futuristic unisex prison in the wake of masterminding a diamond heist. In said prison Frank is given an electric collar that will explode if he goes 100 yards away from sassy fellow inmate Tracy Riggs (winningly played with considerable spunky charm by Mimi Rogers). The pair escape from prison only to be pursued by Frank's duplicitous partners Noelle (Joan Chen having the wicked time of her life) and Sam (an amusingly lunkheaded James Remar).
Director Lewis Teague keeps the engrossing and entertaining story zipping along at a brisk pace, maintains an engaging tongue-in-cheek tone throughout, and stages the thrilling action set pieces with skill and flair. Broderick Miller's clever script provides several neat oddball touches and well-drawn characters. The spiky chemistry between Hauer and Rogers along with their sharp and funny bickering gives this picture an extra invigorating spark. Stephen Tobolowsky practically steals the show with his deliciously slimy turn as the sadistic Warden Holliday. Moreover, there are sound supporting contributions from Basil Wallace as vicious trustee Emerald, Grand L. Bush as the easygoing Jasper, Glenn Plummer as the laid-back Teal, and Dennis Forrest as the wormy Puce. Danny Trejo has a small role as an ill-fated felon. Both Dietrich Lohmann's slick cinematography and the lively score by Richard Gibbs are up to par. A total blast.
Director Lewis Teague keeps the engrossing and entertaining story zipping along at a brisk pace, maintains an engaging tongue-in-cheek tone throughout, and stages the thrilling action set pieces with skill and flair. Broderick Miller's clever script provides several neat oddball touches and well-drawn characters. The spiky chemistry between Hauer and Rogers along with their sharp and funny bickering gives this picture an extra invigorating spark. Stephen Tobolowsky practically steals the show with his deliciously slimy turn as the sadistic Warden Holliday. Moreover, there are sound supporting contributions from Basil Wallace as vicious trustee Emerald, Grand L. Bush as the easygoing Jasper, Glenn Plummer as the laid-back Teal, and Dennis Forrest as the wormy Puce. Danny Trejo has a small role as an ill-fated felon. Both Dietrich Lohmann's slick cinematography and the lively score by Richard Gibbs are up to par. A total blast.