Demolition Man (1993) – Encore Review

“[to Cocteau] That’s who you remind me of: an evil Mr. Rogers!” – Simon Phoenix

Number of Times Seen – At least 10 times (Theater in ’93, cable, video, DVD, 17 Sep 1999, 16 Nov 2016 and 18 Oct 2018)

Link to original review – Here

Brief Synopsis – After a cryo-con escapes from a futuristic prison and begins to wreak havoc, a cop from the same time period is unfrozen from hibernation to try and stop him.

My Take on it – This is a film that I recall seeing in the theater when it came out and enjoying it so much that it instantly became one of my favorite films in the action genre.

The premise itself works extremely well because it is able to take various genres and blend them together for a satisfying story that they can bring to life.

They are able to present the future as a utopian society and it comes across as both poignant and humorous in the way they show things.

The anachronistic nature of the two main characters works so well to further both of those ideas.

The way that the story is set up is done really well and they get so much right in the way that things are explained to us along the way while still keeping things interesting throughout.

Sylvester Stallone is the perfect choice as the lead character and he is able to get both the comical and dramatic aspects of his character so right.

Wesley Snipes is great as the bad guy even if he sometimes acts and speaks like a cartoon character since he is able to surprise so many times along the way.

Sandra Bullock is a superb choice as the female lead especially since she wasn’t yet a known actress so her character can act somewhat subdued in her tone without a problem.

She is able to show her characters innocence and excitement as she begins to learn so much more about the past.

This is such a fun and enjoyable film and it really works on numerous levels.

Bottom Line – Amazing premise that works so well because it manages to blend numerous genres together to make a satisfying story come to life. The way that the future is presented as a utopian society is both poignant and humorous to watch. This film gets so much right and is able to keep things interesting the entire time. Stallone is perfect in the lead role because he is able to get both the dramatic and comic timing perfect with this role. Snipes is a fun bad guy who keeps surprising along the way.  Pre-fame Bullock is great as the female lead because she is able to show both  excitement and innocence all at once with this role.  Such a fun and enjoyable film on numerous levels. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia –  Fred Dekker did uncredited re-writes on the script. When he was brought on, the script began in the future and Spartan was introduced when he was brought out of suspended animation. Dekker suggested that this movie open with a prologue set in 1996 to showcase Spartan and Phoenix in their natural environment, saying that “If you don’t show Kansas, Oz isn’t all that special.” (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy (8/10) (slight downgrade from original review)

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