Cyborg 2 (1993)

Directed by: Michael Schroeder | 99 minutes | action, science fiction | Actors: Angelina Jolie, Jack Palance, Elias Koteas, Billy Drago, Karen Sheperd, Allen Garfield, Ric Young, Renee Allman, Sven-Ole Thorsen, Tracey Walter, Jim Youngs, Robert Dryer, John Durbin, Patrick O’Connell, Sheryl Mary Lewis, Linus Hoffman

Most sequels fall into the rehash category, although there are exceptions that prove the rule. ‘Cyborg 2’ is a sequel of the worst kind: a rehash of a science fiction film that was itself a cheap imitation of significantly better productions like ‘Mad Max’, ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘The Terminator’. If even Jean-Claude van Damme thanks for the honor of appearing in your sequel, then you’re in trouble as a director. But don’t worry, there are always hopefuls who grab roles in third-rate films with both hands. Like Elias Koteas, an actor whose physique suggests that a gym subscription couldn’t get rid of it this time. Apparently, with the budget, the muscle bundles have also shrunk. For an action film ‘Cyborg 2’ contains remarkably little stunt and slaughter and a remarkable amount of jesting. Most of it comes from Jack Palance, a legend who would wish you better roles in his old age.

There’s really only one good reason to watch ‘Cyborg 2’, and that’s curiosity about Angelina Jolie’s performance. She was eighteen years young at the time of ‘Cyborg 2’, and nothing betrayed that she would become a sex bomb and acting cannon in no time. The distribution company has also not failed to notice that ‘Cyborg 2’ has to rely mainly on Jolie. “Contains an uncensored nude scene,” the DVD cover reads in large print. Undoubtedly enough reason for many to watch, and guess what: Angelina Jolie already had breasts in 1993! However, she still had to learn the acting profession. Although the scenario gives her little to work with, she does not know how to use the opportunities that she does get. A more experienced force like Billy Drago does make something fun out of the hopeless dialogues, by simply putting it on top of it. His portrayal thus provides a weak and lonely ray of hope in a film that is otherwise boring, predictable and completely unnecessary.

Jolie may be second to none in ‘Cyborg 2’, but she turned out to be a quick learner. Five years after ‘Cyborg 2’, she had her first Golden Globe in her pocket, followed by an Oscar two years later. Conclusion: Jolie did have talent, but unfortunately nothing can be seen in this film.