Cyborg: Collector's Edition

“I’ll give you the horror show.” 

Cyborg is that weird stepchild of Van Damme’s action films. Not quite a martial arts spectacular yet not quite a sci-fi fantasy. When going through his filmography or even listing your favorites from the “Muscles from Brussels” it rarely comes to mind. Sitting early in his career it was sandwiched between Bloodsport and Kickboxer but ultimately didn’t have the same reach as those two films. Rewatching Cyborg today I am reminded of a simpler time when action films were lean, cool, and offered something unique. 

In a post-apocalyptic world devastated by plague, a lone cyborg named Pearl Prophet (Dayle Haddon) has the chance to deliver the cure from NYC to a team of scientists in Atlanta. It isn’t long before she is attacked and her security detail is killed by the sinister gang leader Fender Tremolo (Vincent Klyn) and his horde of brutes. Hell bent on sustaining his way of life in the wastelands Fender will stop at nothing to prevent a cure. Pearl hires the mercenary or “slinger” Gibson Rickenbacker (Jean-Claude Van Damme) to help her fight off the thugs and protect her on the journey to Atlanta. With the help of his chain mail army Fender grabs the cyborg, slaughters a bunch of people, and makes off to Atlanta on a stolen ship while Gibson nurses his wounds and cares for a survivor named Nady (Deborah Richter). With civilization hanging in the balance the two head south on foot hoping to catch Fender before he unleashes his wrath on the scientists. It becomes clear that Gibson’s real mission isn’t saving the world, but bloody revenge against the man who killed his family. 

Cyborg is a solid action thriller that is entertaining as hell. Utilizing the strengths of then-newcomer Jean Claude van Damme, director Albert Pyun crafts a lean film that moves at breakneck speed. Gibson is the strong but silent type which helps the film’s momentum, but ultimately the character is stunted as we only learn about his motivations through flashback. Unfortunately, the stakes never seem high enough to warrant the protection of Pearl as the revenge angle is played up so much you just forget about that pesky plague nonsense. Where Cyborg succeeds is in managing this uneven direction and tone with spectacular action scenes. Vincent Klyn absolutely kills it as the wasteland’s gnarliest villain Fender Tremolo. The choice to have him scream/grunt every line was perfect. Also a man of few words, but what Fender lacks in communication skills he makes up for in being one of the most memorable antagonists in 80’s action movies thanks to his electric final confrontation with Gibson.     

Cyborg thankfully graduated from the school of Mad Max rather than 1990: The Bronx Warriors in terms of style and visual direction. Costuming feels appropriate with copious buckles, leather straps, and general rattiness invoking a wasteland heavy metal band aesthetic. As Gibson fights Fender for the fate of the world we’re taken to so many interesting places. From dank sewers to lush marshes to empty factories Cyborg reveals the future to be a horrifying yet beautiful place in which to avoid the plague and those roving gangs out for blood.  

Audiences will have a great time revisiting this late 80’s thrill ride. Seeing it again with fresh eyes, I’m caught off guard by all the Christ imagery and the absolutely grim fate Gibson’s family suffers. Deep down, Cyborg wants to be more than just another post-apocalyptic shoot-em-up. Unfortunately when it reaches for something with substance the film is thrown off balance making an already impatient film seem confusing. Most notably the flashback sequences highlighting Gibson’s past or the tender moments with Nady seem almost hokey. Don’t even get me started on Jean-Claude’s wigs. Don’t.

However, for an action film, it’s surprisingly tense and offers some terrifying moments that may excite those looking for more than a mindless actioner.  

Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray

Cyborg arrives on Blu-ray thanks to the Scream Factory label. The 50GB disc is housed in a standard keepcase with reversible artwork and slipcover featuring new art from Shout! Factory. The disc opens to label logos before settling on the static Main Menu with typical navigation options. When you hear the pulsating synth music you’ve made it!