Coming Soon to Blu Ray and DVD- Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning- Blood-soaked, brutally graphic and an absolute mind-trip. This 100% weird action flick is admittedly flawed, light on plot and entirely different than it's immediate predecessor (it's a lower budgeted, more personal tale than Universal Soldier: Regeneration - Highly Recommended), but fans of the old-school, testosterone-driven shoot 'em ups and martial arts star vehicles of the late 80's and early 90's should definitely check it out. Those who are familiar with Apocalypse Now/Heart Of Darkness should also get a kick out of it- with Van Damme in the "Kurtz" role, no less.
Potential viewers should understand that Scott Adkins is the star of this film, with Van Damme and Lundgren showing up in extended cameos. A couple of showdowns between Adkins and Andrei "Pit Bull" Arlovski are well worth the price of the rental. As with Universal Soldier: Regeneration, returning Director John Hyams displays an understanding and appreciation for fight choreography and how to properly stage and film an action scene- viewers are able to clearly see and understand everything that transpires onscreen. I keep hoping that this "approach" will spill over to current and future big-budget action films and stamp out the split second edits and shaky cam bullshit that have marred so many movies of the genre. That said, beware of a strobe-light effect that pops up a few times while certain characters question their reality (or sanity)- it messed with me a bit.
Those interested should check it out- It's completely wacko but bloody good for a straight to video release!
7.0 out of 10
FWIW-
Universal Soldier (1992)- 6.0
Universal Soldier: Regeneration - 8.0
*^ No, I haven't bothered with any of the "in-between" sequels...
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